Paddle Avon Saltford Hasler 2025/26

The Paddle 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.

We will have 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. The 8 and 12 mile (Div 1-6) races will have a portage both downstream and back upstream. We're currently planning the same course and timings as last year to try and avoid congestion at the portage. If the river is low enough the portage will be on the weir, otherwise it will be round the lock. The weir is NOT suitable for shooting.

All races are open to both singles and doubles. Due to clashes with other UK SUP racing events, we will not be running a SUP event this year.

Entries

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

Entries will close at 10pm on Friday 19th September. An additional late entry fee of £5 is payable for entries after this time or on the day.

All competitors must have active Paddle UK membership. Juniors and Div. 7 and below can have associate club membership. Note, this must be set up in the Paddle UK portal. Otherwise, an event ticket (£5) must be purchased.

Race entry fee includes a post-race choice of one of Soup and a roll or Tea/coffee and a cake.

On Arrival

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

Please note there will be a £5 replacement fee for any lost number boards or bibs, so please ensure they are well secured on your boat. Don't forget to hand in your number board or bib at the catering stand after the race to receive your free refreshments.

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 and listen out for instructions from the pre-start marshal.

2-Mile Race (under 14s) course map

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 course map

The 4-mile race will head upstream towards New Bridge (the second 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 course map

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 the sailing club. Then back up past the lock and upstream to a buoy at the start of the long straight section and back to finish at the club.

12-Mile Race course map

The 12-mile race will use the same course as the 8-mile but the second lap will go all the way up to the bridge before Weston Lock (the third bridge). Note the second lap does not go all the way to the lock.

8- and 12-mile races; please note there will be sailing boats out. The sailing buoys are large round yellow, our buoy is smaller and orange. Do not turn round the sailing club buoy!

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: paddleavon.club/location

Pay attention to any instructions from race marshals.

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 bacon, egg or sausage in a roll. 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.

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 paddleavon.club/location

Parking

Parking is available in the field as you enter the site and round the club buildings. Please follow the directions of the parking marshals. Note the field has changed with a new entry gate.

Rules

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

All competitors must adhere to the clean, dry and check principles as detailed in Paddle UK guidance. Please read Biosecurity at paddling events