From 36 pound Kevlar kayaks that skim the water like dragonflies to pedestrian green canoes that can carry the whole family plus a picnic basket, the 4th annual River Run Race had it all. With sunny skies, a gentle breeze, and an incoming tide to boot. 
The 11 serious kayaks and canoes in the Challenge Race, an 8.5 mile route from the staging area at Hix Bridge south to Gunning Island then north to the Head of Westport, got underway in orderly fashion at 10 a.m.
Order, however, was not the word a casual observer might have chosen to describe the starting line for the Family Fun race just north of Hix Bridge. A constellation of sixty-four swirling, pirouetting kayaks and canoes filled with exuberant crews with good intentions and dubious paddle coordination might be more accurate. Looking at the starting line from a perch atop Hix Bridge looked like three score of boats in spin cycle. By 10:30 a.m., race director Sam Ladd had coaxed enough order into the line to send them off to their reward (lunch) at the Head of Westport 3.5 miles away.
By noon, paddlers had been cheered past the finish line at the grassy knoll at the river’s edge near County Road. The youngest - 3 years old- to the oldest - often their grandparents- were rewarded with cold soft drinks, sandwiches, pizza, and watermelon.
As was evident in the laid back medal ceremonies, this was as thoroughgoing a multi-generational event as one will find in Westport.
With such perfect conditions for four years in a row, it’s clear that organizers Anne Fitzgerald and Larry Hookey, co-hosts Sam Ladd of Osprey Sea Kayaks, and the Westport River Watershed Alliance have connections in high places.
sounds like a fun day. very nice views by the way
Posted by: Paul | July 17, 2007 at 09:59 PM