| The
2008 PUNCH
BROOK SLALOM OTHER NESS RACES |
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The "Punch Brook Slalom" is a class 2-3 slalom for C/D open and closed boats run under the rules of the New England Slalom Series. Because of the possibility of high natural water flow, you should be comfortable paddling in pushy class 2+ (or even class 3) water if the flow excedes 1500 cfs. USGS Gage There are classes for both racing (RAC) and cruising (REC) boats. Every paddler must have proper safety equipment - PFD's and helmets are required for both open and closed-boaters. And this year, the Punch Brook Slalom has been designated an Olympic Team Trial Site. Optimum water level is 1100-1600 cfs, but the race will be run with levels from 800cfs to 2000cfs. In 2001, we had more water than we would prefer (2400-2500 cfs), but most considered it an "educational experience". The conditions at the site during some water levels are shown
here. |
The Punch Brook Canoe Slalom is usually of
intermediate difficultly (within the NESS
Series).
You must be comfortable in Class 2+ whitewater.
Higher natural flows can get quite pushy. While a swim
won't
be particularly dangerous, the cold water will make it
uncomfortable. Of course, every NESS race is run under strict
safety procedures. Last year (2005), Brian Kerrigan designed the course, and the much of the organization was done by Pete Cassebeer. Special thanks to Ray Ingram, John Kazimierczyk and Sonny Hunt (who run their own races) - and all the rest on Friday and Saturday - for their help in construction . |
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Insurance is supplied by the American Canoe Association for
all ACA members. If you don't belong to
the ACA or the USCKT, you'll save money in the long run by joining,
and get all the other benefits of the organization. You must have
a current ACA or USCKT card in order to avoid the $5 insurance
fee.
At the left: Keech and Ann LeClair - making it all look easy. They put on the Farmington Slalom in October, and have an excellent ACA/NESS web site too. |
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All races in the N.E.S.S. series attract a wide variety of boats. Many paddle in several classes. At the right is Sam Montague and Connie Miner. Sam and Connie shared the responsibility for the 1998-2003 N.E.S.S. series. All of the grief and not enough of the credit!
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Some of the best area paddlers race at Punch Brook. Mike Campbell paddles a mean C-1 in A/B races, but more importantly, generously helped set up the course - and of course, tested it out by winning C-1 pretty much whenever he participates (unless Jamie McEwan is there. ). |
Perennial national champion John Kazimierczyk paddled in several classes. John's company, Millbrook Boats also sponors the series. |
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In 2000, a water level that just about everyone was happy with. This is (I think) Woody Noonemacher in a medium (15') boat. |
We try to create well-defined upstreams so that paddlers could real "stuff'em". This is Mary Hoffheimer in her K-1. |
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| Because the race is run early in the spring, expect the water
to be barely above freezing. Historically, it might be a
beautiful Spring Day - or it could snow. In 1998 it
was...average. Temperature in the 40's to low 50's. But it didn't
rain (well, maybe a few drops after)! On the other hand, 2005 was a Perfect Year.
All competitors are expected to pitch in to gate judge, help with timing, or help with course construction and/or breakdown. Individual special assignments will be designated at the race site.
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Many thanks to Jack Rifflemacher for his selfless service and organizational expertise during the last 5 years. |
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Andy Kuhlberg (on the left) helped set up the
'98 race course, so he could spectate with his parents instead of gate
judging.