Race rules

To ensure this is a safe event for everyone involved, there are specific entry requirements and rules in place. Please help us by familiarising yourself with all the information, and following the rules.

All paddlers must:

Register either at pre-registration or at registration on the day of the event.
Attend the safety briefing on the day of the event.
Wear a leash, quick release belt and a CE certified personal flotation device (waist or body are acceptable).
Display bib numbers (as per direction given at registration) and not block the number with rash vests, hydration packs or other apparel.
Be able to swim 100m unaided and self rescue.
Disclose any medical conditions when registering online and/or on the day
Be proficient at paddling 8 miles on flat or slightly choppy water.

For all entrants

All paddlers must wear appropriate clothing for the conditions.
We need a minimum of 10 entrants for each category. If there are insufficient entries in any category, paddlers will be moved to an appropriate alternative (we’ll let you know if this is happening).
The minimum age for entry is 16 years.
Anyone deliberately breaking the rules will be disqualified, and maybe banned from taking part in the event for 1 year.
Unsporting behaviour should immediately be reported to the designated Marshal who will inform the Race Directors.
Any paddler found to have behaved in an unsporting way, will be disqualified (see definition below).
Any paddler who stops to help a paddler in distress, will have their time adjusted accordingly (in agreement with the Race directors).
If you’re carrying a phone, please make sure you have the emergency numbers stored – and use a waterproof pouch.
There will be safety boats on the water – if you become ill, exhausted or experience equipment failure, please sit or kneel on your board and wave both arms wide above your head to attract their attention.
Please be aware of the Higher Ferry in Dartmouth, which is in operation all day: do not take any chances. Also be aware of pedestrians and traffic in the area around Coronation Park.
Be vigilant about other water traffic, and keep right to avoid collisions.
If you need to overtake other paddlers, please be considerate and respectful. Not everyone is as confident or experienced as you.
At the end of the course, you will be directed by a marshal to the exit point. Please don’t loiter in the finish area as it can cause a log-jam of competitors and boards.

Unsporting behaviour is defined as:

Using the board, paddle or body in order to block a competitor from forward progress, turning, drafting, starting or finishing.
Not stopping to help a paddler in distress.
Purposely impeding the ability of a competitor to paddle, turn, dismount, start, finish or run.
Behaving in an aggressive manner (through conduct or speech) towards competition officials, competitors, sponsors or spectators.
Repeated contact with another competitor’s board (particularly from behind whilst drafting).

Leisure fleet paddlers

Must stay ahead of the pace boat – if you fall behind, you will be picked up and dropped further ahead and no time will be recorded.
Speakers are allowed but volume needs to be considerate to others.
No earphones are allowed.
Dogs are now allowed on boards during the event.

Race fleet paddlers

Boards must be mono-hulled and powered by a single bladed paddle.
Race categories are upto 14′ or Dragon – paddlers are only eligible to enter one.
For the 14’ Airline cup, details will be taken from those in the 14’ race fleet
Riders must remain standing for the duration of the race (except for a maximum of 5 strokes on their knees, in the event of a fall), unless otherwise communicated at the event briefing.
No drafting is allowed outside class and sex – this is dictated by the bib colour.
No music is allowed, either via headphones or speakers.

Dragon racing

Each Dragon board must have a minimum of 3 and a maximum of 4 people.
If a paddler needs to go onto their knees, this must be for a maximum of 5 strokes OR they must stop paddling (to avoid an unfair advantage).
If it is determined that a team member paddled on their knees for more than the allowed strokes causing an unfair advantage they will incur a time penalty and/or be disqualified from the race.
No drafting is permitted.
No music is allowed, either via headphones or speakers.
The paddler at the front must be wearing the bib number as directed by the event organisers.

Complaints

All paddlers must respect paddlers’ space and give free water. Collisions should be avoided at all times. Any protests regarding position, timing or unfair paddling must be logged to the marshal in the Bib Collection tent as soon as you finish and before prize giving.

Any complaint raised will be reviewed by the Race directors with the view of resolving on the day however, in the event this is not possible the Race directors will reach out to the parties involved to discuss before deciding on any action. Their decision will be final.

Risk management

Our commitment to you is that we minimise risk by following best practice:

Our staff are trained and monitored to ensure they operate according to our safe work practices.
Safety boats and equipment will be in good working order and positioned along the course.
Hazards and risks will be identified and communicated to participants at the event briefing.
Any decision to alter the course due to bad weather will be taken no later than 72 hours before the event.
Any decision to abandon the event due to bad weather will be taken no later than one hour before the event.
We will do everything possible to ensure there is an event, even if it means shortening the course.

Your commitment to us, and fellow entrants, is that you minimise risk by:

Actively take responsibility for your own behaviour.
Agreeing to stop paddling and assist any fellow paddler that may be in need of assistance.
Agreeing to abide by the expertise of the organisers and their staff.

Insurance

While the organisers take all necessary precautions to ensure the safety of everyone taking part, accidents can unfortunately occur. Everyone should familiarise themselves with the hazards and try to minimise these by complying with the organisers’ risk management guidelines. The organisers accept no responsibility whatsoever for any loss or injury resulting from any person’s accidents or injury caused by such accidents. Furthermore it is understood and agreed that individuals participate at their own risk and take responsibility for any third-party liability insurance should they wish to have it.

Data Privacy Policy.