2017 - The 64th running of the Westfield River Wildwater Races!

We will again hold both the Novice and Expert races on one day. Those who wish to do both the Novice and the Expert Races will have preferential start times to allow time for both. We would ask that all paddlers show each other cooperation and respect as Novice and Expert boats share the river.

We will offer the newer open class again this year. This class will be used for any boat that wishes to run the race to post a time. There will be no trophies/awards in this class, but it may be used for the NECKRA point series. It will include canoes (1 or 2 paddlers) or kayaks of any length. It will include paddlers who have won their class in the past and cannot compete in that class any more. Please contact Ed Smith (413-636-2397 or [email protected]) with any specific questions about this.

For those interested in paddling in both races, we will have a preferred staging at the Novice start area and those boats will launch immediately following the first group of river-side staged boats, just prior to the Jr/Sr class. Please indicate on your registration forms that you are planning to run both races by checking the box at the bottom of the class section.

We have had a great deal of positive feedback on the post race venue of Strathmore Park, and will again hold our awards celebrations there.

Everyone's cooperation will be needed to make sure this race runs as smoothly as possible. Our hope is that everyone will have a good time and we can keep the "oldest consecutively run whitewater race in America" running for many more years to come!

Important information will be announced at the Pre Race Meetings. Attendance is strongly encouraged to make sure that everyone is aware of any changes for this year's race.

The schedule for Saturday, April 15th is:

8:00 - Novice Registration opens at DPW yard in Huntington
9:45 - Novice Pre Race Meeting
10:00 - Novice Race Start

*Preregistered boats that are also running the Expert race and Jr/Sr class boats must be ready to launch immediately following the first group of boats staged at the river. Once these 2 groups are on their way, the “first-come-first-served” novice boats will resume launching.

12:00 - Expert Registration opens at Knightville Dam

1:15 - Expert Pre Race meeting at Knightville Dam

Pro Race start order announced immediately following meeting at Knightville Dam

1:30 - 5 mile Race Start

*12 mile Pro Race will start immediately after 5 mile boats by lottery

Due to continued reduction in sponsorship for the race and the Pro Class prize money, the Pro Class prize money breakdown has changed. See the website for the new breakdown of prize money on the website under “Prizes”.

The results and awards ceremony on Saturday, April 15th will be held at Strathmore Park on Rte 20, just west of the finish line. The park has a large pavilion and restroom facilities. Come and enjoy the day while waiting for the results. All are welcome, so bring your family and friends.

The bibs are single use again this year. No need to turn them in at the end of the race. You can keep yours as a souvenir. Please be responsible - no littering.

Looking for sponsoring or advertising opportunities? Please contact Linda Hamlin, or Race Chairman, Ed Smith, if you and/or your company might be interested, or click here, for further information.

Contact info: Race phone: 413-636-2397 or email: [email protected] or send us a message through Facebook!

Again this year, we will be enforcing a “no alcohol at the start area” policy. The start area includes the registration area, boat staging areas and parking areas. In the interest of safety and creating a more family friendly atmosphere, we ask that all paddlers and spectators refrain from partying before the races, and join us to party at the post race celebration at Strathmore Park!

Jr/Sr Classes

Jr/Sr Classes will be honored throughout race day by the following special conditions:

• Designated Staging area near registration tent
• Once the first group of boats staged river-side are cleared, this class will interrupt the line of boats to launch
• First classes to be recognized at the awards ceremony
• Free T-shirt to all Jr paddlers that finish the race
• Reduced fee for Jr paddlers:
  $10 per Jr. for early registration, $15 per Sr.
  $15 per Jr. after April 14th, $20 per Sr.

Pre registration is encouraged for ALL races. Download and Print your registration form today!