By CHASE BOTTORF cbottorf@lockhaven.com

LOCKPORT - The United States Canoe Association has kicked off its national championship with over 150 racers.

Youth racers took the West Branch of the Susquehanna River on Thursday, although later than planned due to downpours.

The championship races featuring adult racers will run today through Sunday with a different marathon each day.

The USCA previously held its national championship in Lock Haven in 2014. The national event has returned to the area by way of Commissioner Jeff Snyder and the Clinton County Recreation Advisory Committee.

"We brought it back thanks to Jeff Snyder who spearheaded the coming back to our area. But every year the championships are held in a different location," said race director Deb Glover.

The racers will follow the same track they did nine years ago. Paddlers will begin at the Lockport Boat Launch and proceed about 3.5 miles near the rapids of the West Branch of the Susquehanna River. The paddlers will make two loops from the boat launch to the rapids and back.

Due to the low water levels, the USCA was deterred from allowing racers to go through the rapids due to safety precautions, according to Glover.

Both the kayak and canoe paddlers will follow the same course.

"The rapids would hit the boats, damaging them. If a paddler was to get out and walk on a rock, the algae would be slippery. For safety sake, we decided we're going to stop going through the rapids," She said.

Each paddler has the opportunity to compete in three events throughout the week. There are paddlers of all ages participating in this year's nationals. Currently, the youngest registered competitor is 6-years-old and the oldest is 86. The youngest competitor, Caleb, has been kayaking for two years now. He was head over heels to go out and compete in the youth race yesterday. Having fun was the first thing on his mind prior to the race.

Competitors in the marathon races can either be solo racers or be a part of C2 or a K2 team - two paddlers racing together.

Paddlers from all over the globe came to Lock Haven for this annual competition. Though there are some local paddlers, there are competitors coming all the way from New Hampshire, Maryland, Florida, Australia, Canada and more. All of the competitors are staying locally, according to Glover.

There are a total of 34 members of the committee responsible for the national championship to happen. Others, with kayaking/canoeing experience, have volunteered their time for water safety.

"They are good friends of ours that came to help keep others safe," Glover said.

The championships kicked Wednesday evening with a 15 competitor biathlon, organized by Mike Herbert.

With excitement, the members of the USCA and racers are ready for a week of strong competition. Starting today, the main marathon events will be held through Sunday.

"If you've never seen it, it's quite amazing what people can do and the age they're doing it," Glover said.

 For more local news visit the Lock Haven Express.