Deerfield RiverFest

This weekend marked the annual Deerfield Riverfest; by far the largest event and most encompassing event to sweep through the area each year for the paddling community.

The river was swarming with kayakers of all experience levels, disciplines, gender, and age. It was an amazing sight to see the rainbow of boats traveling down the river throughout the weekend, and witness the incredibly strong sense of community that we as paddlers are all a part of.

All three of the running sections of the Deerfield were abuzz with paddlers, and Zoar was no doubt in the middle of all the action going on. Zoar instructors and Team Z members Katelyn Green and Jim Sullivan enjoyed the beautiful day Saturday with all the other boaters on the river, and were there all afternoon to let passing boaters demo playboats from Jackson Kayak, Dagger, and Wavesport, including the new 2016 Jackson Rockstar.

In the evening, paddlers and enthusiasts flocked to the Charlemont fairgrounds for food, vendors, raft guide olympics, friends, beer, and live music by the one and only Jeff Campbell.

It was great to see such a turnout to support American Whitewater, who do more than we think to preserve our great rivers in this country.  Overall, it was a great time to be a paddler this weekend, and hope to see you next year!

- Katelyn Green