Honesdale Area Jaycees host 2024 Wayne County Canoe Classic

WHITE MILLS — Whitewater enthusiasts came out in force this past weekend to support one of the region’s most popular rites of spring.

On Saturday morning, the Honesdale Area Jaycees hosted the 2024 Wayne County Canoe Classic. This annual event began in Dyberry Township and ended in White Mills, attracting competitors of all ages and abilities.

“Overall it was a great day to be out there on the river,” said Jaycees President Rozalyn Burke. “The weather cooperated for the most part and everybody seems to be having a really good time.”

All told, nearly 100 boats and kayaks hit the water for this year’s race which features both competitive and recreational divisions.

John Dunkleberger of Northumberland was once again the day’s big winner. The veteran racer jetted to victory in his division while also posting the race’s overall fastest time at 1:17:38.

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“This event couldn’t happen without all the support we get from our community,” Burke said. “We really appreciate all our sponsors and the many people who volunteer their time to help us every year.”

One of the biggest improvements this year is the newly-constructed boat ramp at the finish line, which has been christened Rudy’s Ramp in memory of the late Rudy Schemitz.

“Everything went amazingly well today,” said race co-chair Tiffany Dzwieleski. “And Rudy’s Ramp is making things so much easier for everyone. It’s such a nice way to remember Rudy who was such a great guy and a big supporter.”

On 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 Firemen's Field.

While members of the Jaycees are unsure about the origins of their famous Canoe Classic, 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 also 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 Firemen's 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 table to hear all the results announced. Cheers and applause echo around the launch as prizes are presented to the top finishers in each division.

By the numbers

• Men’s Short Class: Matt McKean and Ty Whaley (1:38:41); Chaz Augello and Mike Brownell (1:39:59); Daniel Feldman Jr and Matt Feldman (1:44:25); Chris Derrick and Jason Hunter Jr (1:46:40); Levi Propst and Jordan Gallo (1:48:49).

• Women’s Short Class: Katelyn Costello and Megan Rosler (2:22:42).

• Mixed Short Class: Harrison Balthaser and Melody Balthaser (1:40:42); Tiffany Leventhal and Mike Selvaggi (1:47:34); Celia Markley (1:48:19); Brian Ammon (1:53:58); Ashley McKean Palomino and Luis Palomino (1:58:48); Sarah McKean and Guillermo Perez Moya (2:3:3); Denise Marcel and Luke Reno (2:11:49).

• Junior High/High School Class: Charlie Propst (1:40:19); Daven Good (1:53:49); Dominic Masucci (1:57:56); Calghren Donnell (2:15:06); Carter Kennedy (2:15:51); Gavin Bressel (2:16:57).

• Parent/Child Short Class: Brian Bruno and Lainey (1:29:33); Charlie Bruno and Mya (1:31:14); Steve Propst and Emma (1:47:51); Nick Gwoz & Dominic (1:49:51); Matt Howe and Matthew (2:17:49).

• Men’s Solo Canoe Short Class: John Maddi (2:23:18).

• Men’s Solo Recreational Kayak Class: Thomas Freda (1:30:53); Jeremy Kovalick (1:31:42); Charlie Anderson (1:39:28); Jack Costello (1:40:27); Mike Dimedico (1:40:29); Ryan McKean (1:41:12); Kyle Rosler (1:43:47); James Pierce (1:49:42); Eric Scratchard (1:50:30); Richard Rodrigues (1:55:56); Parker Propst (1:58:29); Connor Simon (2:08:54); Mike Kinzinger (2:09:28); David Janiec (2:12:19); Chris Runco (2:12:25); Jon Chipego (2:13:15); David Figura (2:13:27); Eli Tomlinson (2:18:56); Sunny Hardler (2:20:22).

• Men’s Solo Competition Kayak Class: John Dunkleberger (1:17:38); Daniel Harmon (1:18:27); Francis Holmes (1:30:04); Ronald Reeder (1:31:14); Andrew Augustine (1:31:17); Rodger Claar (1:33:35); Max McAndrew (1:53:36); Alex Costello (1:56:28).

• Women’s Solo Canoe/Kayak Class: Amanda Kovakick (1:33:24); Holley Reynolds (1:34:44); Debra Witowski (1:36:37); Lara Bicko (1:36:58); Rachel James (1:37:44); Robin Rosler (1:57:13); Stephanie Huhman (2:05:20); Donna Gallik (2:06:51); Lisa Demark (2:07:08); Theresa Jones (2:08:48); Polly Kelly (2:09:11); Julie Eisele (2:09:35); Jenna Kinzinger (2:14:22); Clel Tomlinson (2:18:24); Lori Cordner (2:45:02).

• Tandem Kayak Class: Longo (2:32:42).

• Open Racing  Class: John Finnen (1:21:55); Amy Thornton (1:23:02); David Gustin (1:26:16); Lisa Glover (2:10:04); James Hamill and Melody Robinson (2:15:52).

This article originally appeared on Tri-County Independent: Honesdale Area Jaycees host 2024 Wayne County Canoe Classic