> Features > Pg 2 Feature Stories > Writer discovers rigors of racing on the Westfield River
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Writer discovers rigors of racing on the Westfield River
By Lori O' Brien
Correspondent
HUNTINGTON More than a dozen canoeists and kayakers dotted the landscape of the Westfield River under partly sunny skies on the afternoon of April 1 in preparation for the 54th annual Westfield River Wildwater Races.
This year's race, the oldest consecutively run whitewater race in America, is slated April 21-22, under the direction of race chairman Jeff DeFeo. The novice race is slated April 21, starting at 10 a.m., with registration at 8 a.m. at the DPW Yard. The expert race is planned April 22 at 11 a.m., with registration at 9:30 a.m. at the base of Knightville Dam. An awards and post-race celebration will be conducted inside Gateway Regional High School.
The afternoon air was crisp as soon-to-be race participants maneuvered their canoes and kayaks into the rushing waters from the DPW Yard just off Route 20 after a brief instructional clinic for novice paddlers.
DeFeo said his best advice to novice paddlers is to keep the boat pointed straight downstream.
"There is nothing on the novice course that you can't go right over as long as the boat is straight," he said during an interview with Reminder Publications. "People get in trouble when they let the canoe get sideways on the river."
To promote the wildwater races and introduce the sport to as many individuals as possible, DeFeo welcomes the press to take a trip down the rushing waters with him at this time of year. I had the fortunate pleasure of being one of those participants this spring.
DeFeo has been active with the wildwater races for 34 years and knows every boulder down river that could potentially cause trouble to a novice so it was no wonder that I felt confident about our abilities to finish the eight-mile course without getting too wet. Well-seasoned canoeists and kayakers were also out in force for practice runs and were all supportive since they knew this was the first time for this reporter to try whitewater racing.
"I can sometimes help even experienced paddlers on how to run particular parts of the expert course," he added. "After 34 years of doing this race you can't help but learn a few things."
As we made our way down the river, DeFeo reminisced about previous races and the camaraderie that is a hallmark of the racers who have participated in events over the years.
"Some of my favorite memories are of my years of racing with long-time co-chair and good friend Jurgen Igel who passed away in 2005," said DeFeo, adding Igel's wife Debbie has established a scholarship in his memory. The award will be given to a member of the senior class from Gateway Regional High School in Huntington who shares the love of the outdoors that Igel had as well as his spirit of giving to others.
DeFeo noted that other favorite memories include racing with his daughter Sarah from the time she was eight until she went off to college.
The race route takes one along Route 20 but quickly you lose track of the traffic while concentrating on the river's wonders. On this particular afternoon we did not see wildlife in the open, however, DeFeo said it is not uncommon to see deer grazing at the water's edge or watching otters at play in the cool clear water.
As we approached Crescent Mills a sign warned of an approaching dam and the need to get out of one's canoe or kayak and portage to the other side. DeFeo easily handled the canoe himself while he left me with the task of transporting the paddles. Once safely on the other side of the dam opposite the Texon mill, we had a fleeting moment to take in the magnificent nature-made dam before it was time to get back in the canoe and start paddling again.
Soon we found ourselves in the big rapids with two options either take the "Hill and Dale" named after a former establishment at that location or the "bypass." DeFeo opted to take the bypass for my benefit while several others were adventurous and braved the "Hill and Dale." A hard left after the Hill and Dale brought us to "Turtle Bend" which is named for the shape of the mountain there, according to DeFeo.
It was smooth sailing for a bit as we took in the scenery and reminisced about growing up in the area. Having grown up in Russell and attending the wildwater races as a spectator, I especially appreciated the newfound beauty from a different perspective.
All too soon we were approaching the former Westfield River Paper Company and waving to onlookers who stood on the bridge before it was time once again to portage.
The last leg of the trip to Woronoco was peaceful (and especially strenuous) since the wind had died down and the water wasn't exactly pushing us forward at a nice clip that we had experienced up stream.
Total time in the river was just less than two hours since DeFeo took his time and kept his eye on all of the canoeists and kayakers in the water to ensure their safety.
"Everyone who wants to should try it at least once," said DeFeo. "Without fail, everyone I have ever taken has really enjoyed themselves. I can't think of a better way to spend an afternoon."
I wholeheartedly agree.
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Area residents interested in attending a free canoe paddling clinic offered by the Westfield Race Committee must be at the DPW Yard in Huntington at 1 p.m. on April 15. DeFeo said the clinic will be "low key" and "low pressure" with the intent to increase the paddlers confidence and control. In addition, a Canoe Expo is planned April 21 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and April 22 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Gateway Regional High School, featuring the area's outfitters. Private parties may also offer for sale their used equipment.
To learn more about the expert or novice class races and prize money, contact DeFeo at (413) 427-0264 or (413) 354-9684.
Persons interested in donating to the Jurgen G. Igel Scholarship Fund may do so by donating any amount along with the entry fee. Checks may also be made out to The Jurgen G. Igel Scholarship Fund.
The Westfield River Wildwater Race is sponsored by Russell BioMass.
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> Features > Pg 2 Feature Stories > Writer discovers rigors of racing on the Westfield River
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