The Great Falls Foundations has partnered with local paddlers to host the 2018 Isaac Ludwig Memorial Top Yough Race!
Date: Saturday, April 21
Registration: 9:00 am – 10:30 am at the Upper Yough put-in, Garret County, Maryland
Race Start: 12:00noon
Start Line: Above Swallow Falls
Finish Line: Depends on river level (read below)
Fee: $10
T-shirts: $5 each
More info here.
This grass roots downriver race has been a popular spring kick off event for the class 4-5 paddling community in the Mid Atlantic for 10 years.
The race will start at the top of Swallow Falls and end just after Suck Hole at levels between 180 and 300 cfs. However, due to the recent increased suck factor of suck hole… we will likely end the race above the Chinese Puzzle/Boulder Maze lead-in to Suck Hole at levels between 300 and 900 cfs. At levels above 900 cfs or below 180ish we will fall back on a rain date of April 21st.
As always, parking at the put-in and take-out remains a serious issue – so, please consolidate into vehicles as much as possible. If your vehicle does not fit in the parking lot at the Top Yough put-in, you’ll need to park your vehicle on the other side of the river in the Swallow Falls parking lot. Please DO NOT park on the road. Violators may be ticketed or towed. Adhering to the guidelines of the park is a condition of our race permit, if we are in violation, we may not be granted a permit in the future.
Cathy Richards has again generously offered her place at the take-out immediately following the race to gather for the awards ceremony.
The Yough will likely be very high next Saturday and it will be cold. The entire race course is viewable from a gentle trail on river right starting at the put-in. All are welcome to spectate but be ask that the boater parking lot be reserved for competitors. The state park has made it clear that no one is allowed to park along the road.
Any volunteers who are intending to spectate would be greatly appreciated to assist with timing or Safety if and however they are able. If you have any questions OR would like to volunteer, please contact Amos Ludwig and Geoff Calhoun! We are still in need of safety boaters.
Looking forward to seeing you all for another great year of racing!
NOTE: All participants will be required to sign an ACA waiver. If you are a member of the ACA, please bring your membership number. If you’re not a member, consider joining by clicking here. Minors are welcome to participate, but are required to have a parent sign a waiver. If a parent will not be present on the day of the race, contact Amos Ludwig in advance so that I can secure you a copy to sign before your arrival.