Kingston Days’ Kayak/Canoe Regatta conditions perfect and loads of fun

On August 3, 2008, the sky was slightly overcast, the temperature a mild 70, and the lake calm.  A perfect day for the Kingston Day’s Kayak/Canoe Regatta sponsored by the Kingston Lake Association on the shores of Camp Lincoln.  Just as the sun was breaking out, the Regatta bell sounded at 10:30 and the paddlers in 38 canoes and kayaks stroked into action and began the 3mile loop around the perimeter of Kingston Lake.  There was a rush of white water as paddles dipped into the frothy water and kayaks and canoes made there way around the first of five check points.

There were many winners in a variety of categories.  Here are some of the highlights.  In first place was a co-ed canoe with a time of 29.55.  The paddlers were Charles Bracket and Jen Card.   In the kayak division, Ed Scully was first and second overall with a time of 30.33, Ernie Landry was second and third overall with a time of 30.53.  The first female in the kayak division and fourth overall was Beth Ingalls with a time of 31.36.  The first family team kayak was Marc Reader and daughter, Vivian with a time of 32.00.  The first family canoe was Selena and Rod McDonald with a time of 33.07.     

After the race, people lingered and talked race strategies and enjoyed race snacks under the comfortable pavilion at Camp Lincoln.  Race snacks were provided by Dunkin Donuts, Shaw’s of Exeter, Wal Mart of Epping and Hannaford’s of Hampstead.

The race results were tallied and the winners announced. 

A rumble of thunder closed the race events and paddlers packed up their gear and headed out but not before asking if there would be another race next year.  The first annual Kayak/Canoe Regatta was a great success and the Kingston Lake Association is committed to making this an annual event.  It is not too soon to mark your 2009 calendar for the first Sunday in August as the Second Annual Kayak/Canoe Regatta during Kingston Days.