Maine's canoe and kayak racing season begins this weekend with the 38th annual St. George River in Waldo County.

The Waldo County YMCA  puts on this early spring race. Paddlers take off from the Ste. George River Bridge in Searsmont Village at 11am Saturday morning.

A year ago, Ben Randall in his kayak ran the fastest time of the 80+ entrants.

This year's water level is expected to be low because last week's snow has yet to melt and create higher levels.

NOTE: Race director Dale Cross will join 'The Morning Pitch Show' Wednesday morning at 7:15am on Sports Radio 92.9 The Ticket to update river conditions and race details.

The St. George River Race, followed by the Passy River Race and then Soudabscook Stream Race lead paddlers up to the grandaddy of springtime races - the 51st Kenduskeag Stream Canoe Race on April 15th.

There are races from March through October and you can click below to check out the schedule...

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