Canoe Avon Saltford Hasler 2022/23

Following last year's trial race, this year’s Canoe Avon Saltford Marathon will be run as a qualifying Hasler event. There will be standard 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.

Entries

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

An additional late entry fee of £5 is payable for entries on the day.

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 pontons (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 cover the same course as the 4-mile but then continue downstream, portaging the weir by Kelston Lock and on to a turn buoy near Saltford Sailing club. Then back up past the lock and upstream to the first bridge and back.

12 Mile Race

The 12-mile race will use the same course as the 8-mile but the second lap will go up to the New Bridge.

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 at the following link. At levels above 0.8m the river will be flowing fast.

River Avon level at Saltford

At levels above 0.8m the river will be flowing fast, but the forecast is dry so we expect the river to be placid.

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
• 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

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.