THE ICEBREAKER HAS BEEN CANCELLED FOR 2005.
Please check back again next year!

2004 DESCRIPTION:
Saranac Lake -- The annual harbinger of spring for the paddling community, The 5 mile Icebreaker Canoe, kayak and guideboat races will take place on Saturday, March 20, 2004 in Saranac Lake. Paddlers from across the region will reunite in Saranac Lake, after a long winter; to work out the kinks in rested paddling muscles. The race is the first in the Adirondack Canoe and Kayak Race Series of events organized cooperatively among the Saranac Lake Area Chamber of Commerce, The Tupper Lake Chamber of Commerce and MAC'S Canoe Livery.

The Icebreaker is a peculiar mixture of intensity, folly and camaraderie. The Saranac River is typically the only water available to paddle at this time of year, with ponds and lakes still locked in the frozen grip of winter. Weather conditions are widely variable with potential for snow, sleet or sun on race day. Out on the course, competitors look after each other. An overturned canoe in 35-degree water is no fun even for the best-dressed racer!

The race begins at Noon at the Canoe Launch on the Saranac River behind the Harrietstown Town Hall. The course follows the river through the Village of Saranac Lake 3 miles down to a bridge above the Saranac Lake Fish and Game Club. Paddlers will turn around the center abutment, and paddle upstream 2 miles to the finish line at the Pine Street Bridge.

The race is open to all solo and tandem canoes, guideboats, and kayaks. Due to cold - water conditions, all participants must wear a life jacket during the race. March weather being what it is; the race may be postponed if unsafe racing conditions exist. Check with MAC'S race hotline 891 - 2744 if in doubt.

The entry fee is $15.00 per person. Pre-registration is appreciated and can be accomplished by stopping by the Saranac Lake Area Chamber of Commerce. Registration will take place from 10 AM to 11:30 the day of the race. Awards and a post race gathering will take place at The Waterhole upstairs; soups will be provided by the Blue Moon Cafe.