Pro-Am Series Information

  • Start Location - Bailes Island Reserve

    Finish Location - Kaiapoi Walkway Bridge

    Distance - 15km

    Registration - 9am – 9.45 am

    Safety Briefing - 10am – Compulsory for all competitors

    Race Start - 10.30am

    Race Director - Sam Manson – 027 2742430

    Race One Estimated Time:

    Elite - 1 Hour

    Intermediate - 1 Hour & 15 mins

    Novice - 1 Hour & 40 mins

    Please note this is an estimated time and may differ due to weather and river conditions, fitness level etc.

  • Start - Miners Bank Road

    Finish - SH1 Waimakariri Bridge

    Distance - 20km

    Registration - 9am – 9.45 am

    Safety Briefing - 10am – Compulsory for all competitors

    Race Start - 10.30am

    Race Director - Sam Manson – 027 2742430

    Race Two Estimated Time:

    Elite - 1 Hour & 35mins

    Intermediate - 1 Hour & 55 mins

    Novice - 2 hours & 30 mins

    Please note this is an estimated time and may differ due to weather and river conditions, fitness level etc.

  • Start - Miners Bank Road

    Finish - SH1 Waimakariri Bridge

    Distance - 20km

    Registration - 9am – 9.45 am

    Safety Briefing - 10am – Compulsory for all competitors

    Race Start - 10.30am

    Race Director - Sam Manson – 027 2742430

    Race Two Estimated Time:

    Elite - 1 Hour & 35mins

    Intermediate - 1 Hour & 55 mins

    Novice - 2 hours & 30 mins

    Please note this is an estimated time and may differ due to weather and river conditions, fitness level etc.

Pre-Race Email 

In the days leading up to each of the events an email will be sent to all confirmed competitors confirming the race course, expected weather and river conditions along with detailed directions to both the race start line, finish line and parking information. 

Race Registration

Race registration will be from 9am – 9.45am each morning at the race start location. You must register your attendance at each race. Failure to do so will result in a DNF. 

PLEASE NOTE: You must bring your PFD with your whistle and survival bag attached (your survival bag may be in a pocket of your PFD) along with your compulsory gear in your dry bag to registration. This gear will be checked as part of the registration process. 

Grade II Certificate 

It is recommended that each competitor has a Grade II Certificate of competency from an approved Coast to Coast provider. Parts of this race series is run on Grade II sections of river. It is expected that every competitor has the river knowledge and skill of a Grade II standard. Topsport Kayaking will have members of our safety team at any significant hazards on the day. Our team are there to manage any potential risk and rescue competitors ONLY when necessary. It is expected that if you have a swim during the race at any point you are capable of swimming with your kayak and paddle safely to the side. If you are unable to do this then please do not enter this race series. 

If you do not have a Grade II Certificate you will be required to outline your previous river kayaking experience when completing your race entry. If Topsport Kayaking does not feel your experience is acceptable to compete in the race series safely you will be notified via email and your entry fee returned. 

Refund Policy

No refunds will be given after the 13th of April 2024. All refunds prior to his will incur a $30 admin fee. If a race is cancelled due to an extreme weather event or act of God no refunds or transfers will be given. Please see earlier information regarding our alternative course in the event of high winds or water.