Wayne County Canoe Classic attracts nearly 100 competitors

WHITE MILLS — Mother Nature refused to cooperate last weekend, forcing the Honesdale Area Jaycees to postpone one of their most popular events.

On Sunday morning, though, both weather and water conditions were ideal for the 2023 Wayne County Canoe Classic.

This year’s edition of the event attracted nearly 100 participants of all ages and abilities, causing committee chairperson Tiffany Dzwieleski to declare the day an unqualified success.

“What a fantastic day!” she exclaimed. “The weather was beautiful and we had a great turnout. We can’t thank the community and all our sponsors enough for supporting the Canoe Classic, which is one of our biggest fundraisers.”

John Dunkelberger of Northumberland was the day’s big winner. The veteran racer jetted to victory in his division while also posting the race’s overall fastest time.

All told, a total of 67 canoes and kayaks were entered in the race, which covered more than nine miles along local waterways.

“The sun was out and the river conditions were just about perfect,” Dzwieleski said. “It was great to see so many people out here having fun.”

In the water

The Canoe Classic begins along the banks of the Dyberry Creek at the Wayne County Fairgrounds.

Registration opens at 9 a.m. and the boats begin launching two hours later. The course winds its way to Honesdale where racers pick up the Lackawaxen River. From there, they paddle to White Mills and the finish line at Factory Field.

Members of the Jaycees are unsure about the origins of their famous Canoe Classic. However, the general consensus seems to be that they took it over from a previous organizer back in the early 1980s.

Questions about its inception aside, though, one thing is certain: The Wayne County Canoe Classic is a much-loved event that’s become a Rite of Spring for men and women, boys and girls of all ages and abilities.

That’s because Jaycees make certain that there’s something for everyone.

If you’re a serious competitor seeking to book a fast qualifying time for another race, this 9.5-mile course is perfect. Conversely, if you’re just looking for a relaxing couple of hours paddling through a beautiful setting, the Jaycees have you covered too.

Food and beverages are available at the finish line and a free shuttle service is provided to anyone who needs a ride back to their car.

Volunteers are strategically placed all along the route just in case you run into trouble. Others await you in White Mills to help haul your boat out of the water. Still more roam around Factory Field, all smiles and laughs, ready to record your time and listen to tales of your journey.

At the end of the day, everyone gathers at the scorer’s tent to hear the results announced. Cheers and applause echo around the launch as prizes are presented to the top finishers in each division.

On the dais

Dunkelberger turned in the day’s most impressive performance.

The veteran competitor piloted his kayak to a first place finish in the Men’s Solo Competition Class. His sizzling time of 1:04:15 was also the fastest mark of the entire day.

Dan Harmon earned runner-up honors with a time of 1:05:45, while Brian Ammon took third place at 1:09:56.

In Men’s Short Class action, the dynamic duo of Levi Propst and Luke O’Neill combined to post a winning time of 1:20:14. Chaz Augello and Michael Brownell placed second (1:21:18) while Martin McKean and Ty Wheatley were third (1:21:29).

John Finnen and Nick Hindley rocketed to victory in the Open Racing Class with a blistering time of 1:06:49. Charlie Bruno and Brian Bruno took silver (1:07:21), while Jeff Benson and Craig Benson earned bronze (1:09:47).

Brian Cavallero and Valerie Cunningham captured the top spot in this year’s Mixed Short Class, crossing the finish line in a time of 1:26:32. They were chased home by the teams of Tiffany Leventhal and Mike Selvaggi (1:30:12), Tim Reichart and Mary Anne Reichart (1:31:58).

In the Junior High/High School Short Class division, Carter Kennedy paddled to victory with a time of 1:28:52. The duo of Charlie Propst and Marcus Carnegie finished second (1:31:13), while Cal Downey placed third (1:45:26).

Steven and Emma Propst raced to the win in Parent-Child Class action, finishing up with a time of 1:27:21. Walter and Wyatt Pittinger took second (1:31:00), while Dave and Edward Sporer were third (1:31:25).

The Men’s Solo Recreation Kayak Class attracted a large group of competitors, with Daniel Henderson copping the crown at 1:15:45. Jeremy Kovalick was runner-up (1:16:17) and Todd Kapalski finished third (1:19:27).

Amanda Kovalick notched a convincing victory in the Women’s Solo Canoe-Kayak Class with a time of 1:18:00. Lara Bicko took second (1:22:38) and Kristine O’Hora placed third (1:22:47).

Finally, the team of Charles and Kate Cronin finished alone atop the Tandem Kayak Class title, paddling home in 1:27:37. Runner-up honors went to James McDermott and Stephanie Cappiello (1:35:35). Maurice and Tricia Meagher took third (1:36:50).

Looking ahead

More than 20 Jaycees turned out to volunteer their time at the 2023 Wayne County Canoe Classic.

This annual Rite of Spring is a popular event with both kayakers and canoeists looking for either serious competition or just wholesome outdoors fun. It serves as one of the year’s biggest fundraisers for the Jaycees and is always well-received.

“We absolutely couldn’t do this without all the support we get from the community, Dzwieleski said. “They’re just phenomenal. It takes a lot of hard work pulling this together every year, but it’s definitely worth it.”

Other big upcoming events on the calendar include the Memorial Golf Tournament, the popular food stand at the Wayne County Fair and Honesdale’s Halloween parade.

This article originally appeared on Tri-County Independent: Wayne County Canoe Classic is a success for Honesdale Area Jaycees