The NCNE Water Test is happening August 29th & 30th at Camp Wiyaka! 🏕️🌊
Join us at 100 Sandy Pond Rd., Richmond, NH 03470 for two days of official water testing. Limited cabin space and tent sites are available on location — plus nearby pet-friendly hotels and campgrounds for those who need them.
📞 Camp Wiyaka: 978-249-3305 | For accommodations info, check the flyer for nearby options in Keene, NH and surrounding areas.
Premium List
The Newfoundland Club of New England invites you to join us at our NCA Water Tests
Saturday, August 29, 2026 / Sunday, August 30, 2026
NCNE Dedicates the 2026 Water Tests to Linda Jones & Linda Freitas
Camp Wiyaka 100 Sandy Pond Road, Richmond, NH 03470
Judges Dwight Gorsuch, Maryland / Deanna Alko, Pennsylvania
[NCNE Water Test logo: illustration of a Newfoundland dog swimming through waves with the text “NCNE Water Test” above and “Rising to the Challenge” below]
Accepting entries for Beginner, Junior, Senior and Excellent Divisions
Entry Limits are as follows: Entries are limited to a total of 20 dogs per day, 3 of which may be WRDX and 5 may be BWD.
You may use the Online Entry system at https://workingentry.ncadogs.org/ or send by mail.
Entries Open NCA Members: Thursday, July 9, 2026 (postmark) Entries Open general entrants: Sunday, July 19, 2026 (postmark) Entries close at 11:59 pm (EDT) on Sunday, August 9, 2026
Permission to hold this Water Test has been granted by the Working Dog Committee of the Newfoundland Club of America
Officers
Newfoundland Club of America
- President: Mary Bylone
- 1st Vice President: Mary Lou Cuddy
- 2nd Vice President: Leah Schlagel
- Corresponding Secretary: Lynn Kitch
- Recording Secretary: Steve Britton
- Treasurer: Mary L. Price
- Directors: Pam Saunders, Lynne Anderson-Powell, Sue Marino, Stacy Roderick, Jo Nussle, Bill Matlock
- AKC Delegate: Julie Poulin Siefert
Newfoundland Club of New England
- President: Keith Mallinson
- Vice President: Donna Thibault
- Secretary: Terry Linehan
- Treasurer: Cindi Goodwin
- Directors: Jenn Hemingway, Patty Clifton, Layna Fuhry, Sue Marino, Joanne Brainard
Water Test Committee
| Role | Name | Phone | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Co-Chairs | Mary Bylone & Stephanie Toland-Tufts | mbylone@gmail.com / tolandfiya@comcast.net | 860-908-2909 / 603-548-3487 |
| Test Secretary | Terry Linehan | terrynewf2@gmail.com | 603-566-6262 |
| Chief Steward | Joanne Brainard | jbrainard@snet.net | 860-428-5643 |
| 3rd Committee Member | Sylvia Delson | srdelson@aol.com | 860-334-6553 |
| Catalog & Ads | Grace DiModugno | Grace.dimodugno@gmail.com | 860-948-8173 |
| Hospitality | Layna Fuhry | Layna.fuhry@gmail.com | 203-979-1172 |
| Trophies/Gifts | Jenn Hemingway | lynchnewfies@gmail.com | 207-350-1912 |
| Online Fundraising | Nicole Collins | Nicole5158@gmail.com | 781-635-0611 |
| On Site Fundraising | Sylvia Delson | srdelson@aol.com | 860-334-6553 |
| Grounds | Tom Tufts | ttuftsy@comcast.net | 603-494-0565 |
| Safety Officer | Todd Bennett | todd@newfoundfarm.net | 207-458-7721 |
Rules and Regulations
All entrants are responsible for knowing and understanding the NCA Water Test Regulations, effective February 2026. These may be downloaded from the NCA website at https://workingentry.ncadogs.org/
Each Entrant is responsible for providing a collar and leash. Additionally, the handler provides the dog’s own water test equipment, including a US or Canadian Coast Guard approved personal flotation device and suitable foot protection. Equipment may be shared by two (2) or more exhibitors or by two (2) or more dogs owned by the same exhibitor; however, the sharing must not interfere with the safety or the timely completion of the Water Test.
Stewards needed! Would you like to watch the tests closely? Would you like to learn more about Newfoundlands? You can help us, and we can teach you. Please contact our Chief Steward Joanne Brainard, jbrainard@snet.net, 860-428-5643 to sign up or with questions.
Test Information
Entry Fees and Policies
There is an entry fee of $45.00 per dog entered. Post-entry (same day) for WRD is $15.00. The test is limited to a total of twenty (20) entries each day, and there must be a minimum of six (6) entries to hold the test. Entries will be accepted either online at https://workingentry.ncadogs.org/ or by mail and must show a postmark between the opening and the closing date but must be received by the Test Secretary by 11:59pm on the closing date. The opening date of entries is Thursday, July 9, 2026, for NCA members and Sunday, July 19, 2026 for general entrants. The closing of entries is 11:59pm east coast time, Sunday, August 9, 2026, after which entries cannot be accepted, canceled, or substituted. Late entries will be returned. Exhibitor numbers will be assigned by postmark.
If entering by mail complete the enclosed NCA Water Test Entry Form for each dog entered. Note that a copy of the dog’s AKC registration form must be included. The NCA Water Test Entry Form must be completely filled out and the Agreement Section must be signed, or the entry will be considered incomplete and returned to the applicant. Make checks payable to NCNE. Please use a separate check for each dog, for each day. Send entries to Terry Linehan, Water Test Secretary, 436 Boston Post Rd, Amherst, NH 03031.
Online Entry: Entries may be submitted electronically to https://workingentry.ncadogs.org/ and will be assigned a postmark with the same date the entry is made. Entries submitted by mail will be assigned the postmark given as per usual. Entries submitted electronically and via post will be considered equally in date order for slots in the test. NCA members will have the same early-entry window with both paper entry and electronic entry. If you are not a member of the NCA you will be prompted to provide the same contact information that you would provide on a paper entry once entries are open to non-NCA members. You will be prompted to enter or verify your dog’s information, and you will have the opportunity to upload an image of your dog’s registration certificate. Please have an electronic version of your dog’s registration certificate ready for upload before you begin the online entry process. If you experience any problems, please contact Karrie Cook at karriecooknewf@gmail.com
Entry Limitations
Water Test entries are limited as follows for both Saturday and Sunday: There will be BWD, WD, WRD and WRDX testing both days. Entries are limited to a total of 20 dogs per day, only 3 of which may be WRDX and 5 may be BWD. Should there be fewer than 3 WRDX and/or fewer than 5 BWD entries those slots will be given to WD/WRD entrants. In the event that more than 20 entries are received, a lottery will take place. All levels will be in one lottery. Priority is given to all untitled entries.
If the number of entries exceeds the limit, those dogs not yet having passed the division entered will have priority over re-qualifying dogs and alternates will be assigned. If the non-titled dogs do not fill the entry limit, re-qualifiers will be prioritized by postmark to fill the remaining slots. This prioritization will include all divisions. Alternates will be assigned by postmark in case an entered dog is absent on the day of the test. Confirmation of entries from the Water Test Secretary will be via email only. Make sure to include your email address on the entry form. If you do not have an email, you must make a note on your entry form. No fax, email or phone entries will be accepted. Alternates will be notified immediately should an opening occur.
Eligibility
This test is open to purebred Newfoundland dogs (of either sex) that have an AKC, CKC or PAL number and are at least 6 months of age on the date of the test.
It is the judges’ responsibility to terminate any exercise at any time a dog is deemed to be in distress or appears to be experiencing difficulty in completing any of the exercises. The exercises will be stopped immediately, and the dog will be excused from further testing.
Bitches in Season
Bitches in season will be tested after all other entrants have been judged. This will take place after all divisions have been tested. When not being tested, bitches in season must be contained in a designated area well away from other dogs and the official test areas. Please notify the test secretary as soon as possible if your bitch will be in heat. Bitches who have ovary-sparing spays will be tested the same as bitches in season.
Un-entered Dogs
Spectators, as well as un-entered dogs are welcome at the NCNE Water Test. However, un-entered dogs will not be permitted near the test area. As a courtesy to our exhibitors, we ask that all dogs be kept quiet, on leash or crated. The appointed Safety Officer is responsible for ensuring that all un-entered dogs are kept outside and away from the designated test area.
Withdrawing Entries
To withdraw an entry, the entrant must notify the Test Secretary by telephone, email or U.S. Mail. Do this as soon as possible. The Test Secretary must confirm receipt of such notification. The entrant will receive a full refund of the entry fee if the notification is received prior to the closing date and time for entries.
Alternates and Refunds
If an entrant submits an entry to a Water Test but is not assigned a place in the test, the Test Secretary must notify the entrant immediately after the closing date and give the entrant the option to be placed on the alternate list. If the entrant prefers not to be on the alternate list, he or she will receive a full refund. If the entrant chooses to stay on the alternate list and pulls their entry at a later date, they will not receive a refund.
Once the closing date and time listed in the Premium List has passed, if an entrant notifies the Test Secretary that they are withdrawing their entry or have passed at a previous test, all entrants on the alternate list must be notified that their ranks have changed. If a space does not become available for an alternate on the day of the test, the alternate will receive a full refund. In the event that a slot does open up and the alternate is not present on the morning of the Test Check-in (7:30a-8a), the next alternate on the list will move into the open slot. In addition, an entrant with one dog in the test and another on the alternate list may not substitute one dog for the other. If the entrant must pull the entered dog, then the first dog on the alternate list will fill the opening.
Observer Judges
NCNE welcomes and invites NCA members who need to complete their observer judging assignments. We will use the same regulations required for regular judges in regard to entries. Observer judges, nor their immediate family member, will be allowed to enter these tests, including dogs that may be owned or co-owned by the observer judge. If interested in being an observer judge, please contact the Water Test Chair.
Fundraising
Water Test T-Shirts with the image shown on the Premium cover will be available before and during the Water Test, before via https://www.bonfire.com/store/newfoundland-club-of-new-england/
Tickets for Raffle items will be on sale during the Water Test with the drawing on Saturday, August 29th after the test. You need not be present to win. Please contact Sylvia Delson at srdelson@aol.com for more information regarding the raffle.
Catalog: Printed catalogs will be available only by pre-order. Marked catalogs will be emailed to entrants and anyone by request after tests. Please email for pre-order to Grace DiModugno, email below.
Catalog Advertising: An ad in the water test catalog is a great way to advertise your kennel, brag about a new title, show off your dog or send special wishes to the entrants. The catalog is an 8.5″ x 11″ vertical format. Please make checks payable to NCNE and send/email ads to Grace DiModugno, 1675 Main Street, South Windsor, CT, 06074, grace.dimodugno@gmail.com. The deadline is August 15, 2026. The rate for advertising is: Full Page – $20.
Veterinarian VESH 24hr Clinic S. Deerfield, MA 141 Greenfield Road, 40 Minutes 413-331-7485 / 413-665-4911
The Test Site
Camp Wiyaka is located in Richmond, New Hampshire. The camp is located on the shore of Sandy Pond in the hills of Richmond, NH. There are cabins available for some who want to stay on site, a dining hall and kitchen. There is a grassy field just behind the beach. There is shade under the trees and space for pop-ups. The Beach is 75 ft to 100 ft wide with a gradual slope and a nice sandy bottom. Newfoundlands should start swimming between 15-20 ft from shore. Depth of the beach is approximately 26 ft.
The NCNE has access to the site on Friday August 29th between 4:00pm and 6:30pm. Those camping on site are allowed to stay. No access to the grounds will be allowed before 4pm.
Directions to Camp Wiyaka, 100 Sandy Pond Rd, Richmond, NH 03470
From NH Rt 101 West Take NH Rt 101 West to Peterborough, NH. Turn left on Grove St in Peterborough. Continue for 6.2 miles, turn right onto Main St. In 400 ft turn left onto US Rt 202 west/River St and continue for 3.9 miles. Turn right onto NH-119 and continue for 5.8 miles. Turn left onto NH-119 west. In 1.2 miles turn right to stay on NH-119 for 6.8 miles. Turn right onto NH-32 North for 1.9 miles. Turn left onto Sandy Pond Rd for 0.5 miles. Camp is on the left.
From Massachusetts Rt 90/395 Take Rt I-290 East to Rt I-190 North and MA-2 West/US-202 South. Take exit 77 for MA-2A West toward Athol. Continue straight onto Main St, Turn right onto Crescent St, Left onto Silver Lake St. Continue onto MA-32N/W Royalston Rd, continue to follow MA-32 North. Continue onto NH-32 North, entering New Hampshire. Turn left onto Sandy Pond Rd to Camp Wiyaka.
Accommodations
Dog Friendly, but please confirm when you make your reservation. Dog fees may apply. Dogs may not be left alone in rooms. Owners must clean up after their dogs.
Days Inn by Wyndham Keene 3 Ash Brook Road, Keene NH 03431, 21 minutes from camp 603-292-3370
Keene Elm City Hotel 175 Key Road, Keene, NH 03431, 21 minutes from camp 866-266-3306
Cabin Stay – Inn at East Hill Farm 460 Monadnock St, Troy, NH 03465 603-313-7037 Contacts: Brad & Linda for property rental
On-Site Accommodations
Some space is available at the test site in cabins and tents for overnight accommodation. Please plan to share rooms with your friends so there is room for everyone who would like to stay on site. The cabins are rustic and the “beds” are either wooden platforms or metal bed frames with thin mattresses. Some rooms have large canvas cots. Plan to bring a foam or inflatable mattress, linens or sleeping bag and pillows. There are two cabin rooms that sleep 4, one that sleeps 3, three that sleep 2 and one that sleeps 1. Dogs are allowed to stay in the cabins, but some rooms do not have doors or may only have a curtain leading to the other rooms, so plan to crate your dog or bring something to block the doorway. The doors leading to the outside are solid, closing doors.
Two of the cabins (one that sleeps 4 and one that sleeps 2) have indoor toilets. There will also be a port a pot near the beach area and there is a really nice bath and shower house near one of the cabins (that sleeps 3 and 4) both of which are a short uphill walk from the main area.
There are also several large tents on wooden platforms which hold 4 bunk beds each, with thin mattresses. Two are right near the beach front and the others are set back from the beach front. The flaps of the tents do close, and they are waterproof if it rains. Tents will be close to the port a pot.
Cabins are $25 for the weekend, per bed and tents are $10 per night, per bed or a group of any size could rent a tent together for $50 per night.
To check availability or reserve a cabin room or tent space contact Sue Marino at chnewf14@gmail.com before August 17, 2026.
There is also limited space for 2 small RVs (limit 24′) or camper vans (no hook-up) and for tent camping – $25 for the weekend.
Nearby Campgrounds
Shir-Roy Camping Area, 6 Minutes 136 Athol Road, Richmond, NH 603-239-4768
Swanzey Lake Camping Area, 11 Minutes 88 East Shore Road, Swanzey, NH 603-352-9880
Ashuelot River Campground, 19 Minutes 152 Pine Street, Swanzey, NH 603-357-5777
Meals
Breakfast: Each day, a continental breakfast will be served at the beach. This is complimentary and offered first to entrants, judges, stewards, and the committee. An optional donation will be asked of others while breakfast lasts.
Lunch: Lunch will be offered on Saturday and Sunday for a fee of $10 per person (Stewards, committee, and people bringing dishes eat free). Contact Stephanie Toland-Tufts (text or voice) at 603-548-3487 for RSVP and if you are bringing any dishes. Lunch payment will be accepted at the test site.
Dinner: A pizza dinner will be held at the Camp on Saturday. $5 per person and bring your own drinks. Contact Stephanie Toland-Tufts (text or voice) at 603-548-3487
Schedule, Saturday and Sunday
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 7:00 am – 8:00 am | Continental Breakfast |
| 7:30 am – 8:00 am | Exhibitor Check-in for all levels |
| 8:10 am | WRDX Stewards’ Meeting |
| 8:10 am – 8:25 am | WRDX Pre-swim |
| 8:30 am | WRDX Equipment Check/Q&A/Judging WRDX |
| After WRDX Division | BWD Pre-swim/BWD Stewards’ Meeting |
| After BWD pre-swim | BWD Equipment Check/Q&A/Judging |
| After BWD Testing | WD Pre-swim/WD Stewards’ Meeting |
| After WD pre-swim | WD Equipment Check/Q&A/Judging |
| At Judges Discretion | Lunch |
| After WD Testing | WRD Pre-swim/WRD Stewards’ Meeting |
| After WRD pre-swim | WRD Equipment Check/Q&A/Judging |
| After WRD testing | Testing of any Bitches in season, if needed |
| Conclusion of Test | Awards Presentation |
*Per NCA regulations, the Pre-swim for all levels entries may only be used to become familiar with the test waters and beached boat. No practicing of actual exercises may take place. No food may be present. Retrieve article only.
Order of Exercises
BWD Basic Control, Take Hold Give, Single Retrieve, Drop Retrieve, Swim to Steward
WD Basic Control, Single Retrieve, Drop Retrieve, Take a Line, Tow a Boat, Swim with Handler
WRD Double Retrieve, Retrieve Off a Boat, Take a Life Ring, Underwater Retrieve, Take a Line/Tow a Boat, Swim with Handler
WRDX Abandoned Boat, Multiple Person Rescue, Unconscious Victim, Capsized Raft, Rescue Hidden Victims, Line to Shore
NCA Working Event Agreement
I (we) acknowledge that the NCA test regulations have been made available to me (us) and that I am (we are) familiar with their contents. I (we) agree that the club holding this event has the right to refuse this entry for cause which the club shall deem to be sufficient. I (we) agree that I (we) will uphold the AKC Code of Sportsmanship, the NCA Code of Ethics, and (if applicable) the NCA Judges Code of Ethics. In consideration of the acceptance of this entry and of the holding of this event and of the opportunity to have the dog judged and to win ribbons or trophies, I (we) agree to hold this club, its members, directors, governors, officers, agents, superintendents, or test secretary and the owner or lessor of the premises or grounds and the employees of the aforementioned parties, harmless from any claim for loss or injury which may be alleged to have been caused directly or indirectly to any person or thing by the act of this dog while in or upon the test premises or grounds or near any entrance thereto, and I (we) personally assume all responsibility and liability for such claim; and I (we) further agree to hold the aforementioned parties harmless from any claim or loss of the dog by disappearance, theft, damage or injury, be caused or alleged to be caused by the negligence of the club or any of the parties aforementioned, or by the negligence of any other person or any other causes.
I (we) agree that any violation of the AKC Code of Sportsmanship, the NCA Code of Ethics and/or the Judges Code of Ethics will be handled pursuant to the Grievance policies listed on the NCA website. I (we) hereby assume the sole responsibility for and agree to indemnify and save the aforementioned parties harmless from any and all loss and expense (including legal fees) by reason of the liability imposed by law upon any of the aforementioned parties for damage because of bodily injuries, including death at any time, resulting therefrom, sustained by any person or persons, including myself (ourselves) or on account of damage to property, or my vehicle arising out of or in consequence of my (our) participation in this test, howsoever such injuries, death or damage to property may be caused, and whether or not the same may have been caused or may be alleged to have been caused by negligence of the aforementioned parties or any of their employees or agents, or other persons.
I agree to grant to this club, and its authorized representatives permission to record on photography film and/or video, pictures of my participation. I further agree that any or all of the material photographed may be used, in any form, as part of any future publications, brochures, or other printed materials used to promote NCA or the regional club, and further that such use shall be without payment of fees, royalties, special credit or other compensation.
The Newfoundland Club of America, this regional club, its members, directors, governors, officers, agents, superintendents, test committee, reserves the right to remove any animal in distress from a parked car or crate, and all people attending this dog event hereby waive any claim for damages against the club for such removal. I understand that exposing a dog to an unsafe environment, distress, or harm’s way is considered mistreatment and subject to appropriate discipline.
Out of Control Dog Policy
Approved NCA Board of Directors, November 11, 2023
At all NCA Events dogs must be kept under control to prevent harm to itself or others. It is the owner/handler’s responsibility to ensure their dogs are under control for the duration of the event.
At NCA events dogs must be crated or leashed and collared at all times, except when the dogs are required to perform off leash. When dogs are leashed, the length of the leash must not exceed six (6) feet and the leash may not be a retractable leash.
Dogs should not be allowed to approach another dog without permission from the other dog’s owner/handler.
Any dog that, in the opinion of the judges, event committee or designated safety officer representing the event, appears dangerous, shall be asked to leave the event promptly or be crated for the duration of the event and is excused from further participation in the event. Anyone who witnesses a dog appearing to be dangerous should bring their concerns to the judges, event committee or safety officer. Part of upholding good sportsmanship is to take action through the appropriate channels.
Examples of out of control behavior would include but is not limited to: Aggressive vocalization such as barking and growling, or aggressive behavior toward any person or animal such as snapping, biting, lunging, charging, attacking or attempting to attack at any time while on the test grounds.
Owners and handlers are responsible for monitoring the well-being and safety of their dog(s). If left unattended the owner/handler must check on them frequently to ensure they are safe.
If the dog is excused from the test grounds for aggression, the automatic grievance policy of the NCA is enacted. If an injury to dog or person occurs, the AKC Rules Applying to Dog Shows Ch 11, section 15 goes into effect. (References, chapter 2, section 14 in both water and draft regulations)
