If every single man, women and child in Ontario County had an above ground 18’ swimming pool that needed to be filled, how long would it take the Canandaigua Outlet to fill them at the current flow rate? This is per person – not per house- so a family of 5 would have 5 pools to fill. Remember this is every town, village and the cities of Geneva and Canandaigua.

The answer is less than 18 hours. The flow rate was in excess of 16,000 gallons per second (2 pools per second).

After discussing the hazards caused by the flooding with some key volunteers, as the Chairman of the Derby I have made the decision to postpone the Wild Water Derby, the Flat Water Regatta, and the Canoe/Kayak Slaloms scheduled for this weekend.

Reasons:

1. The increased force of the water is beyond the safety limits for both paddlers and rescue crews,
2. The shoreline erosion presents new possible unviewed obstacles,
3. All of the flat water has become rapids,
4. the bridge clearances do not allow for most rafts to launch,
5. the technical difficulties of slalom gates are impossible with high water flow rates,
6. the water ratings for the course have increased beyond the published levels submitted on our insurance application, and
7. shoreline safety of young viewers would be more dangerous with the change of water heights.

Even with full sun and no rain for the remainder of the week, the water height under the bridges for the regatta would require carrying the canoes and kayaks across those roads in at least one location in Canandaigua.

Providing that the very generous fireman and swift water rescue teams who donate their time and skills to protect everyone involved are available, the rescheduled date will be May 21st and May 22nd – the weekend between Mothers Day and Memorial Day.***

We’ll post again about it when the re-scheduled dates are confirmed.

This annual event takes place on the last weekend in April – the 25 & 26th this year in Shortsville, NY. Re-organized in 2006, the event is a family-friendly day on the water that includes kayak, canoe and homemade raft races, with awards in each category.

Proceeds from the event go to benefit local organziations such as the Lions Club, Rotary International, 4H, Youth Sports, YMCA, Church Organizations and the Shortsville/Manchester, NY Chamber of Commerce community efforts.

This year an additional benefit has been added – For 2009, any previous participants who have lost their job, or who have spouses who have lost their job, may deduct $15 from their registration fee and the registration fee for any dependent children. Proof of unemployment and dependency is required with each registration form (more details can be found a the event web site – click here).

A whole weekend of fun is in store for participants and spectators and starts with a waffle breakfast on Saturday morning. The events then continue with a kayak slalom, canoe and raft race. The race organizers would like to remind everyone to:

Keep in mind the Derby has changed to become more family oriented, there are no alcoholic beverages allowed at the Derby. In order to keep the event a family event and the safest event possible we ask that everyone comply with this request.

Also, in the interest of safety and to ensure everyone has an enjoyable day, please keep dogs at home.

“Water Safety & Awareness” is also part of the event, co-hosted by “Safe Kids Finger Lakes”. This award winning event includes hands on displays, activities and games plus US Coast Guard boats, “Seamor” a US Army Corps of Engineers robot, “Rescue Rodney” the drowning dummy, Specialty Dive Teams, bounce house, and more.

For a Wild Water Derby event schedule, registration information and photos of past year’s events, please click here to visit the Wild Water Derby web site.

Please let us know about your favorite kayak, canoe and paddle event. Leave a comment on this post with information, or send us a note using our handy contact form.