| XVI Annual San Jeronimito River Regatta |
The recent rains had the San Jeronimito River moving swiftly just in time for the XVI Annual San Jeronimito River Regatta held Saturday October 12th. San Jeronimito is a small town about ½ an hour south of Zihuatanejo, you might have passed through on the way to Petatlan or Acapulco but unless you are here in early October you might not have known it is also home to a very pretty river who hosts an annual rafting race.
Depending on the rains it can either be slow shallow rapids bumping over rocks or a raging flooded valley. The water level was higher than in recent years, swiftly running without being treacherous, and the crowds turned out to try their luck. Higher up the river are level 4 and level 5 rapids that are only recommended for the helmet wearing professionals or the fearless. The one recent up river rafter I spoke to had a black eye to prove his bravery. Further down, where they started the race, the rapids were less intimidating but nonetheless with rushing white water and big boulders in the stream.
Many spotters were placed in route to help the rafters navigate the rocks and the competitors were friendly and helpful to one another and no major mishaps were reported. Registration was at 6:30am in the San Jeronimito plaza, crowds milled, boats were inflated and then stowed on top of trucks and jeeps and VW bugs for the trip over the mountain to the starting point. The recent rains were evident in mud holes to splash through along the otherwise wonderfully maintained dirt road. Vistas of the raging river far below greeted the squeamish on the 15 minute drive outside of town to the sandy beach starting line. The first heats charged off at around 8:30 and the entire race took less than 2 hrs. Participation was high, with many familiar faces representing Zihuatanejo. First timers, novices and seasoned San Jeronimito regatta regulars came out to conquer the river and enjoy a splendid sunny day.
Team Connell & Associates, all enthusiastic novices, hit the river with 2 boats and 7 participants. The finish line found them with 2 boats and 6 participants and not among the victors. Team C&A Boat #2 lost their team captain but managed to save the beer cooler, and successfully navigated the remainder of the river with only one paddle. And the team captain who took the splash still managed to beat the entire team by flagging down a ride with a boat load of seasoned veterans. They hauled her aboard and promptly made her bartender. So all turned out well for the almost all female C&A team of newly made river rats.
Competition was in three categories: Kayaks, Inflatable Rafts and Canoes. There were grand prizes of money, airline tickets and a trip for two to Cancun with a special prize for most original boat! The finish line was San Jeronimito’s main bridge and large crowds gathered across the bridge and down on the river bank to cheer the winners and the stragglers alike. A huge party with live music and lots of food and drink was held after the race. A great day and a must activity for October in Zihuatanejo!
The regatta was sponsored by the city of Petatlan, El Pescador restaurant, Imprenta Roque, Bazar surf shop, Villas Paraiso, Video Club Cuba, Servicopias Ziso, Corona, Aeromexico, Viajes Liberacion, Aquaquin, Viajes Bravo, Coca-Cola, Disude, Rodrigar, Emma Suazo, Lavanderia Express, Pizzas Locas, Refaccionaria Cadena and LaLa among others.
November 2002
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