For more than three decades, the Scantic Spring Splash has marked the changing of the seasons in Enfield and Somers — not with flowers, but with paddles slicing through cold March water.
“It is not spring until the Splash is being held,” said founder Michael Dynia, who launched the race in 1992 with his brother, Jeff.
“The race started in 1992 by me and my brother Jeff Dynia,” he said. “It was his idea at first to have a race on the Scantic. We had for many years raced in other races in New England like the Westfield and Hockanum Rivers. Jeff thought it would be a good idea if we had a race on the Scantic which we had paddled and played in for years.”
At first, Dynia wasn’t convinced. “I was not so sure because of the logistics,” he said, recalling the challenges of a large dam that required paddlers to portage around it, along with the need to determine workable start and finish locations. “We figured it out and the first race was launched in March of 1992 and was a success. Most paddlers loved it and said it was their favorite race.”
Now preparing for its 32nd annual running — with two years missed due to the COVID-19 pandemic — the race has become both a reunion and a ritual. Many competitors return year after year, reconnecting with fellow paddlers while tackling the river’s rapids.
The course itself changed significantly in 2018, when, with help from the Scantic River Watershed Association and the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, the Springborn Dam was removed. “This eliminated the dreaded portage and made this section free flowing,” Dynia said.
Beyond the competition, the Splash has always had a charitable heart. Early on, organizers chose the Enfield Food Shelf as a beneficiary. “We have donated over $30,000.00 in money and food through the years,” Dynia said. The race’s enduring theme — “Be a fan, donate a can” — encourages both paddlers and spectators to contribute. A portion of race proceeds, along with collected food donations, supports the Food Shelf, which is highlighted in all race advertising.
The event relies heavily on community support. Volunteers from the Enfield Police Explorers, Enfield Police Department, Enfield Public Works and local fire departments help with safety, parking and logistics. Fire personnel are stationed at major rapids to ensure paddlers navigate safely. The towns of Enfield and Somers have also backed the race over the years, and spectators line the riverbanks annually.
Organizers hope to boost participation, which has dipped slightly since the pandemic. This year, they are streamlining registration, adding potential food trucks for spectators, and welcoming new sponsors. Volunteers are also welcome and can contact Dynia directly; helpers receive either a free T-shirt or food coupons on race day.
The 2026 Scantic Spring Splash will be held March 28. For Dynia, the goal remains simple. “We hope attendees, both participants and spectators, take away an appreciation of the beauty of the Scantic and all that it offers. We hope the participants will have a fun and safe race,” he said.
Registration takes place at Powder Mill Barn located at 32 South Maple St. in Enfield while the race kicks off at 27 Quality Ave. in Somers.
After 32 years, the Scantic Spring Splash is more than a race. It’s Enfield’s unofficial thaw.
