Stand Up Paddleboard Racing

AGE MINIMUM: 

30+ as at first day of competition 

AGE GROUPS: 

30 – 34, 35 – 39, 40 – 44, 45 – 49, 50 -54, 55 – 59, 60 – 64, 65 – 69, 70 – 74, 75 – 79, 80+

EVENTS:  

Challenger Division: Less experienced and novice competitors, using 12’6”(and under) inflatable boards. The course for the challenger division will be simple with only a few corners.

Raceboard Division: Experienced competitors using 14’0 inflatable raceboards.  The course for the raceboard division will be longer and may involve more corners.

EVENT INFORMATION:

Challenger Division

• To enter the Challenger Division you do not need to bring your own paddleboarding equipment.  Boards (and everything else you will need) are available for hire, for $30. 
• If you bring your own board for the Challenger Division, it must be no longer than 12’6, wider than 24.5” and of the inflatable variety. 
• For the Challenger Division, there will be racing skills coaching workshops before and after the first race.

Raceboard Division

• For the Raceboard Division a small number of 14’ rental boards are available, on a first-come-first-served basis. If a large number of Raceboard Division entrants require rental gear, some or all of the division racing may be conducted on 12’6 raceboards.  
• If less than 3 competitors enter the Raceboard Division they will race on 12’6s with the Challenger Division.

GENERAL INFORMATION:

• All entrants must have sufficient paddleboard experience and skills to be able to paddle briskly for 15 minutes or more while standing up, and the ability to turn a paddleboard through 180 °. This event is not suitable for complete beginners, you must have prior paddleboarding experience. 
• Competitors should expect to do at least two races during the event, possibly 3, with a recovery break between races. Competitors should bring adequate nutrition and hydration to refuel between races as required. 
• If you are renting a paddleboard you may use your own paddle or use the supplied rental paddle
• The organisers reserve the right to adjust the racing format as required to ensure the most enjoyable and equitable outcome. 
• All competitors will be required to wear a buoyancy aid. (Beltpack inflatable buoyancy aids are acceptable and will be included in the rental package). 
• The paddling will take place on the Whanganui River, which is subject to tidal flow. Safety boats will be on course and first aid available on site. 
• Paddleboard racing is strenuous. Participants should consider their physical fitness before entering this event. The organisers reserve the right to remove a competitor from the racing if it becomes apparent that their fitness or ability is insufficient for the task and could cause a safety issue. 
• If the weather or river conditions are judged unsafe for the event, a postponement date or time will be advised.
• In the event of less than 3 competitors in an age group, competitors in that group may be offered the opportunity at registration to race in a different (younger) age bracket in order to create more competition.