Essex River Race Overview

The Essex River Race is a 5.5+ mile competitive rowing/paddling event held on the Essex River near the junction of Routes 22 and 133 in Essex, Massachusetts. Participants follow an out-and-back course throughout Great Marsh and Essex Bay, one of the most scenic tidal-estuarine areas in New England.

The Essex River Race is open to all seaworthy human-powered rowing and paddle boats. Participants' crafts include traditional Banks Dories, fixed seat singles and doubles, sliding seat singles and doubles, multi-oared boats with and without coxswains, single and double sea kayaks, and high-performance kayaks/surfskis. Serious racers are allowed and encouraged, within the guidelines of safety and sportsmanship, to push one another to their limits. Casual participants are equally welcome, and may traverse the course in a more relaxed fashion.

Due to the narrow width of the Essex River at the start, participants are started in class-based heats composed of roughly comparable crafts. Heat start order and times are announced at the Captain's Meeting. Times are kept and recorded for all participants. Results are available for viewing at the finish line, and later posted in the results section of this web site.

Occasionally the water can be quite rough, with strong winds and currents. As with all on-water activities in such conditions, safety should be the first concern of all participants and organizers. For safety reasons all participants MUST clear the course within two hours of their starting time. The orderly, safe and sportsmanlike conduct of this event is your personal responsibility, and is essential to guaranteeing the future of the Essex River Race.