Prologue Race Day Information

Race Start

The race will start on the water with categories starting every 5 minutes.  Start times will be posted at Registration. There will be a start flag on the side of the river indicating the start line. 

Start location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/FGPvaNJaq6E6Uxdk7

Finish 

The finish line for each of these races is just after the Gorge Bridge. There will be flag located on the right hand side of the river. 

Finish location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/6KrfTMMZkSjCUiup8

Distance:

The kayak race is 14-15km (depending on latest braid changes from floods)

Timeline:

Registration: 8am – 8.45 am

Safety Briefing: 9am – Compulsory for all competitors

First wave race start: 9.15am

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 If Topsport Kayaking deems a kayak to advanced for a competitor to paddle safety, you may be withdrawn from the race.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 If Topsport Kayaking deems any kayak to be in poor condition and unsafe for river paddling, you will be withdrawn from the race.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 on the Kaiapoi River. The start location will be the second bridge on the Kaiapoi River which is also the finish line for each of the races. This course will depend on weather conditions and the tide. It will be set on the day at the discretion of Topsport Kayaking. Race Registration and safety briefing times will remain the same. Topsport Kayaking will endeavour to give competitors as much notice as possible should the alternative course be used. 

Race Categories

  • 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. This will be held at the finish line on the river bank.  

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. 

Race Director: Katie Cambie – 021 51 61 75