a) Stand up Board Paddling has 2 classifications –
a. Stock (measuring 12’6” and under with fixed fin and available to purchase off the shelf)
b. Open (Open length, rudder allowed)
b) Racing ski/kayak has 2 classifications –
a. Standard (as per Surf Life Saving regulations – 17’6” or under)
b. Open (as per ocean ski racing – open length)
c) Racing Paddle Board has 2 classifications –
a. Standard (as per Surf Life Saving regulations – 12’ and under – fixed fin)
b. Open (as per ocean paddleboard racing – open length, rudder allowed)
d) One man Outrigger has one classification –
a. Standard (as per Aocra regulations)
AGE and GENDER CATEGORIES
a) Under 15 (Under 15 as at the 1st of October 2010) MALE & FEMALE
b) Under 19 (Under 19 as at the 1st of October 2010) MALE & FEMALE
c) Open (any age) MALE & FEMALE
d) Masters (40yrs of age and above as at the 1st of October 2010) MALE & FEMALE
3. REGISTRATION/MARSHALLING
a) All competitors must complete a full registration form and waiver to be eligible to start in any event. If you are under 18 years of age at the time of the event, you must have a parent/guardian waiver signed.
b) All competitors must sign in at the Race Check in Desk by no later than 30 mins prior to the start of their race on the day of the event . The Check In Desk is located at the nearest water’s edge point to the Start line of your particular event. If you do not sign in by the correct time, you will not be eligible for prizes, so best be early and avoid disappointment.
4. COURSE LAYOUTS
a) All courses will be set with the prevailing conditions in mind. The Course Marshall reserves the right to change the course before the event. The Cut off point for a change of course is 2 hrs prior to the event start.
b) Course maps are provided on the website and can be provided to you if requested. Course maps and any revisions will be posted on the website and a recorded message will be placed on the race hotline. Notifications will also be made via text message and race start positions will be finalised by 5pm on Friday the 7th of May. This will be so that the race director can get the best indication of the wind direction for a downwind race.
c) There will be a minimal amount of buoys to avoid mistakes Buoys will be placed off the major points along the way, these are to be kept on the shore side of the paddler. In other words, the paddler must pass on the Oceanside of the buoy. It is the competitors responsibility to know the course prior to the start.
d) A briefing will be given at 9am on Saturday the 8th of May at Salt Village, this briefing will cover all races for the Saturday and will allow enough time for paddlers to get to their respective starts. As this is also next to the finish line, you will be able to leave gear here for your return.
e) For all paddling events, you must remain on the water. No land short cuts are allowed. Any contact with land will be viewed by judges and a penalty will probably be given.
f) In Marathon events, there will be, where possible, official craft leading the way and Competitors numbers will be taken at varying check points.
5. CRAFT REQUIREMENTS
a) In Marathon events, all craft are required to carry at least 1 litre of water for race start. The Saltwater Festival recommends at least this much water for consumption during your event and you may wish to take nutritional supplements ie: gels etc.
b) All craft must be deemed safe and seaworthy, with no sharp attachments or unrepaired dings. The race officials reserve the right to remove you or your craft from the event should either prove to be unsafe to other competitors.
6. CONDUCT
a) Race officials reserve the right to remove any person or spectator from the event area if unsportsmanlike behaviour is entered into. This includes abusive language, deliberate cheating, deliberate impediment of other competitors and anything that is not deemed within the spirit of the event. This includes before, during or after the running of any event. At the very least penalties will be imposed for any unsportsmanlike behaviour.
7. PENALTIES
a) Penalties may include disqualification or if an unfair time advantage has been gained then the race referee will impose a penalty that will include the adding back on of the time gained plus an extra amount of penalty time, to be decided by the race referee.
8. ASSISTANCE
a) All Paddlers must assist other paddlers in difficulty.
b) If you require assistance, simply raise your hand or signal to support craft or other competitors, either by calling out or waving your arms or paddle until you gain attention.
