Pro-Am Race Day Information

Race Start

Each of these races will be a Le Mans start. You will need to run approximately 50 meters to your kayak. You will be required to position your kayak on the riverbank prior to the start of the race. You will need to leave your compulsory gear and paddle in your kayak. You must wear the rest of your gear to the start line and run the required distance to your kayak. This style of start may require waves within your category, if so then the start waves will be determined by Topsport. These will be seeded for the top paddlers in each category, so you are starting and racing together. 

In some conditions a Le Mans style start will not be possible. If this the case you will be advised at Registration. If this happens for any reason we will have an on the water start with each category being set off at 5 minute intervals. Start times will be posted at Registration. 

Finish 

The finish line for Race One is the pedestrian bridge across the Kaiapoi River. This is the second bridge on the river in the town centre. The finish line for Race Two and Race Three is the SH1 Waimakariri Bridge. Once you have finished your race you are free to leave.

Your Kayak and Compulsory Gear 

Your kayak MUST be suitable to your ability. If Topsport Kayaking deems a kayak to advanced for a competitor to paddle safety, you may be withdrawn from the race. All kayaks must be fitted with front and rear foam pillars (not applicable for plastic sea kayaks) and have a grab loop or toggle at the nose of the kayak. Your kayak must be in river worthy condition. Please make sure you have checked your rudder is working and your foot controls are set up correctly prior to starting each of the races. If Topsport Kayaking deems any kayak to be in poor condition and unsafe for river paddling, you will be withdrawn from the race.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD COMPULSORY GEAR LIST

Alternative Course 

If the weather and/or river conditions are not within our audited management plan to run the race safety for ALL competitors, then an alternative course will be set at the Race Directors discretion. The alternative course will depend on weather conditions and the tide, therefore it may be an afternoon race. Please be aware of this. Topsport Kayaking will endeavour to give competitors as much notice as possible should the alternative course be used. Options include the Kaiapoi River, Avon River, Heathcote River and the Estuary.

Race Categories - Male and Female

  • Open – Age 16 and over  

    PLEASE NOTE: Anyone any age can enter the Open category.

  • Veteran – Age between 40 – 49

  • Classic – Age 50 and over 

  • Doubles – Any age and combination. 

    PLEASE NOTE: The doubles category is open to any age and combination of male/female padders. 

  • Novice – Age 16 and over

    PLEASE NOTE: A Novice paddler is identified as anyone who is in their first-year paddling and has not done the Coast to Coast or Classic River Race yet. A paddler may also enter novice if they feel they require additional support from our safety team. This will be at the discretion of Topsport Kayaking at the time a novice entry is received. You will be notified via email if Topsport Kayaking requires you to race in your age category. 

Prize Giving 

There will only be one prize giving for these races at the completion of Race Three. Further details to follow.

Results 

The results will be posted on our Topsport Kayaking Facebook Page at 7pm each evening following a race. A link to the results will also be added to on this page.