Hundreds of competitors took to the water Saturday for the 59th Kenduskeag Stream Canoe Race, a 16.5-mile course that is the largest paddling event in New England.
The race began at 11 a.m., with five boats launching every minute — a staggered start that took more than an hour and a half to send all participants downriver.
A total of 881 paddlers competed in 461 crafts.
Trevor MacLean posted the fastest time of the day, finishing in 2:11.49 to claim his 20th victory in the race.
“There are always different challenges,” MacLean said. “You prepare the best you can, and on race day you have to deal with the conditions.”
Conditions were favorable, with sunshine and water levels many paddlers described as perfect. Even so, Six Mile Falls lived up to its reputation. Several competitors capsized in the rapids, with some separated from their boats before even reaching the drop. A few paddlers also suffered minor injuries, including cuts and scrapes.
Employees from Three Rivers Whitewater Rafting, along with the Lincoln and Lee fire departments and Lincoln Search and Rescue, were stationed at the falls to assist.
Several paddlers wore costumes, including outfits inspired by Napoleon Dynamite, Bad Bunny, Where’s Waldo, as well as mimes and pirates. One canoe duo dressed as Mario and Luigi, with a Bowser stuffed animal tied to the stern and a red Yoshi in the center while the video game theme song played.
Others wore flashy accessories, including purple wigs, bananas on their heads, bunny ears and red beards. One canoe featured the original Maine state flag.
Some crews taped messages to their boats, including “No Kings: Tax the rich,” “Going to the chapel 2026,” “Go net speed,” and “Princess” for a two-woman pink canoe.
Some crafts were decorated with stickers and floaties, including inflatable flamingos, alligators and Loch Ness monsters. One boat even featured a fishing pole with a beer can dangling off the bow.
