Race Rules

Events

• W6 - 25km
  
  • Open/Master Men / Senior Master Men
  • Open/Master Women / Senior Master Women
  • Open/Master Mixed
    
• W2 - 16km
  
  • Open/Master Men / Senior Master Men
  • Open/Master Women / Senior Master Women
  • Open/Master Mixed
    
• W1 / Surfski - 16km
  
  • Open/Master Men / Senior Master Men
  • Open/Master Women / Senior Master Men

Note: If there are less than three (3) entries in each Master division they will race in their respective Open division.

Race Divisions 

• Open Men 20-39yrs
• Master Men 40-49yrs
• Senior Master Men 50 - 59yrs
  
• Open Women 20-34yrs
• Master Women 35-44yrs
• Senior Master Women 45 - 54yrs

Note: age is based on age during the year of competition

Race Rules

• As a NKOA sanctioned event Clubs & paddlers must be registered with NKOA & have NKOA ID cards. (Excluding International Teams & Surf Ski Paddlers)
• Minimum age 17 years & over (in year of competition)
• Mixed crews will consist of three (3) women and three (3) men
• These rules are in accordance with the NKOA Long Distance Racing Rules

Safety

• All waka and surf skis willbe required to pass a safety check and be marked (by the Safety Director) before racing. Those boats not marked will not be permitted to race. (Refer to NKOA Rules for safety equipment requirements).
• W1 / W2 Canoes - Rudders are permitted
• Waka must be suitable for handling potentially rough harbour conditions.
• Spray skirts must be fitted for all sit in canoes, excludes sit on top vessels. (Due to sudden changes in the weather)
• All W6 waka taking part in this event must have a towrope fitted. The rope must be at least 12mm diameter and a minimum length of 25 metres.
• Each team entering must ensure that their waka meets the requirements and safety standards as set out in NKOA Long Distance Rules.

WARNING: Removal of any safety equipment or inspection marking, prior to, or during the race, will result in disqualification.

 Signing In / Out

• All boat captains MUST attend , sign in and collect a wrist band at the race briefing, failure to do so will result in disqualification.

Course

• Please refer to the race maps for each days racing. The turning points and crossing points must be adhered to
• All turns are toward the ama.
• Lead boat has right of way (excluding when approaching oncoming boats)
• All maritime boating rules must be adhered to. "Port to Port" (ama to ama)
• All canoes must stay clear of ships and their loading cranes.
• All canoes must NOT paddle under ANY wharf or jetty within the course.
• Failure to adhere to the rules will result in either time penalties or disqualification.

Dress & Refreshments

• Competitors must dress appropriately for cooler conditions - wet suits, polypropylenes recommended.
• Competitors undertaking marathon events must have adequate and operational hydration equipment on board their craft.

Race Safety

• The Race Director and his/her officials have absolute control of the event. They have the discretion to withdraw any competitor or waka which in their opinion is or will be endangering his/her or others safety.
• Should a waka/ vessel require assistance during the race, the paddler in no. three seat must hold their paddle up so that an official escort boat or any passing waka can render assistance. To save or prevent a life being lost means more than winning a race.
• Once a vessel enters the water the final control over that vessel is upon the captain of that vessel. The captain is therefore responsible for advising their crew to put on or operate safety equipment (flotation device, flare, tow ropes, bailing etc).

Competitor Competency

• If the Event Director expresses any concern on the competency of any competitor prior to racing it is the responsibility of that competitor to gain testimonials from their Regional and/or National body.
• If the Race Director expresses concern on the competency of any competitor and team during the race, they reserve the right to withdraw that competitor and team from the event.

Support Boats

Race organisers will arrange official support boats, which will be marked with orange flags. Each support boat will be fitted with correct marine communications equipment, trained safety and first aid staff (Ocean Race) and will be in accordance with the NKOA Long Distance Rules.

Required Safety Equipment

Paddler Checklist W6 Canoes

• 6 x MSA approved flotation devices (to fit)
• Spray Skirt
• 2 x bailers (tied in)
• Tow Rope (attached)
• 2 x Spare paddles

Paddler Checklist W1/Surfski and W2 Canoes:

• 1 MSA approved lifejacket per paddler (to fit)
• Spray Skirt (excludes Surfski and sit on top W1 and W2 canoes)
• 1 x bailer (tied in and excludes Surfski and sit on top W1 / W2 canoes)
• 1 x Spare paddle (excludes Surfski)

Note: Buoyancy Aids/Tubes do NOT constitute a life jacket.