Canoe Avon Saltford Hasler 2023/24

The Canoe Avon Saltford Hasler, situated on the River Avon between Bath and Bristol is a fantastic section of river to race on with a great venue.

This year the race will follow the same course as we ran last year with a portage downstream and upstream for the 8 and 12 mile races. This year we are also trying out a stand-up paddleboard class due to the rising popularity of SUP racing. There will be the standard Hasler 4 mile (Div 7-9), 8 mile (Div 4-6) and 12 mile (Div 1-3) races plus a 2 mile race for the Geoff Sanders (U14) classes. All races are open to both singles and doubles. The SUP races will include an 4 mile (6km) course for general purpose SUP (inflatable) and a 5½ mile (8.8km) course for up to 14' racing SUPs. The SUP races will not include a portage.

Time allowing on the day, we will also finish up with a 200m SUP sprint race. This will be free to enter and sign up on the day. Canoe Avon has a few SUPs that can be used so anyone with any energy left can take part.

Entries

Entry fees (Canoeing and SUP) are £12 for seniors, £10 for juniors and £5 for Geoff Sanders classes.

Entries will close at 10pm on Friday 29th September. An additional late entry fee of £5 is payable for entries after this time or on the day.

All competitors must have active British Canoeing membership. Juniors and Div. 6 and below and SUP can have associate club membership. Note, this must be set up in the British Canoeing portal. SUP can have full WSA membership. Otherwise a BC Event ticket (£5) must be purchased.

BC Membership can be validated on-line. For WSA membership please upload proof of membership.

On Arrival

Please check-in to race control when you arrive to get a race number board (check in open from 9am).

We will be using the South West number boards for the event. Please note there will be a £5 replacement fee for any lost number boards, so please ensure they are well secured on your boat. Hand in your number board at the catering stand after the race to receive a free hot drink and cake.

There will be a race briefing. Please attend as we will cover key course and safety information. Dependent on water levels we may have to make last minute changes to the course.

If you have any questions, please e-mail: Stephen Askew

Course

The start and finish for all races will be same point at the upstream end of the club pontoons (to the right looking at the river). All races start heading upstream and finish in a downstream direction. The start line and finish line will be clearly marked.

The 8 and 12 mile races (Div 1-6) will involve 2 portages unless the water level is too high.

A pre-start line will be marked. Please stay downstream of the pre-start line when warming up until called to the start line.

2 Mile Race (under 14s)

The 2-mile race will head upstream, turn round the stanchion of the first bridge and back to the start. Please turn anti-clockwise.

4 Mile Race

The 4-mile race will head upstream towards New Bridge. There will be a turn buoy before you reach the bridge, outside the Boathouse Pub. Please turn anti-clockwise round the buoy and head back to the start.

8 Mile Race

The 8-mile race will head upstream all the way to Weston Lock, turning round a buoy just before the lock. It will then continue downstream past the club, portaging the weir by Kelston Lock and on to a turn buoy after going under a bridge. Then back up past the lock and upstream to the long straight section and back to finish at the club.

12 Mile Race

The 12-mile race will use the same course as the 8-mile but the second lap will go all the way up to Weston Lock again.

Safety

Canoe and kayaking are assumed risks water contact sports that may carry attendants’ risks. Participants should be aware of and accept these risks and be responsible for their own actions and involvement.

Water levels can be checked on-line on the Canoe Avon Website: canoeavon.co.uk/location

Buoyancy aids must be worn by anyone competing in Div 7 and below and all competitors in the 2-mile youth race.

Competitors must render their craft to be sufficiently buoyant to remain afloat and support the weight of the crew in the event of a capsize.

Please inform the race organisers of any medical condition that may affect any paddler’s performance or put them at extra risk.

First Aid point will be in the foyer of the club house and clearly signed.

Hazards

The Avon is reasonably wide, but there are the usual river hazards:

• Low hanging trees
• Motorized boats (should be slow)
• Rowing boats
• SUPs (not racing)
• Anglers
• Swans
• Wild swimmers

Refreshments

We will have refreshments stand selling tea, coffee, soup, cakes, and burgers. We will accept card payments or cash.

Facilities

The club house will be open for the use of the toilets and changing rooms. Please do not go upstairs in the club house.

Timings

Provisional timings as follows. Final event timing will be available on the day and may be different to this. Please check updated start times when signing in at race control.

We’ll start each class within the difference races at 2 min intervals.

How to get there

The Saltford Rowing Centre is located off the A4 (Bath Rd) between Saltford and Bath. The post code is BS31 3JS

Also see canoeavon.co.uk/location

Parking

Parking is available in the field as you enter the site. Please do not drive though the railway arch onto the main club site. The only exception is those that may have special access requirements. Please talk to one of the marshals when you arrive.

Rules

The race will be run in accordance with the current BC Marathon Rules. All paddlers must wear club colours to score Hasler points.

Notes for SUP entries

This entries website is designed for canoe marathon so please bear with us while we include SUP classes for the first time!.

After you select Enter Now, select the Stand Up Paddleboard crew type.

Next, if you are not already ranked in canoe marathon, you will need to select New Paddler

On the New Paddler page, enter your name, then for class Junior is under 18, Veteran is over 50 and Senior is everyone else. Then just select Canoe

If you are not a member of a canoe club, select IND from the club list.

There are no divisions in the SUP race, but please select Division 9. (Selecting 1-6 will require full BC membership!)

Next, select Inflatable SUP to enter the 6km race or Rigid SUP to enter the 8.5km race. Any SUP up to 14' (rigid or inflatable) can enter the 8.5km race.

We need all competitors to have British Canoeing membership to cover insurance and river licence. Full WSA membership also provides this. If you are not a member of either, or associate member with a canoe club, you will need to pay £5 for an event ticket.