When the raindrops ceased Saturday, the clouds parted and the paddlers began racing in the 2015 Beaverdam Canoe Jam in the Gloucester County park.

The four-mile long course and the two-mile short course challenged canoe and kayak racers, requiring them to navigate through tree stumps, shallow waters, and make sharp turns around buoys. After competitors finished paddling the long course and short course, people piled into canoes for the sprint race.

Four people got in each canoe, and raced to a buoy and back. Even with impending storms, the Canoe Jam had big spirit, with no boat tipping, and a fun raffle afterwards, a release stated. In addition to a raffle ticket, each athlete and volunteer received a bag full of donations and gifts from the race’s generous sponsors. Each paddler also received a T-shirt sporting the Beaverdam Canoe Jam’s race logo and sponsor names proudly displayed. Race proceeds were donated to Beaverdam Park and will be used to fund future improvements...