Terms & Conditions

Competitors - Competitors should note this race is held on an estuary, Southampton Canoe Club strongly recommends that all competitors wear a buoyancy aid and spraydeck during the race. Southampton Canoe Club reserves the right to require any or all paddlers to wear Buoyancy aids and/or Spraydecks in order to race. It can be a long swim to the bank.

In line with the rules competitors shall ensure that the boat they are racing has sufficient buoyancy to keep the boat level when filled with water in choppy conditions. Southampton Canoe Club recommends that all boats are fitted with additional buoyancy, the competitor is responsible for the standard of their boat, and the canoe club is not responsible for any damage whilst assisting in the recovery of a boat or during racing.

The race is held on an estuary and as such the river bed is muddy with a lot of unknown debris, Southampton Canoe Club recommend that all paddlers wear shoes whilst racing.

Competitors with additional needs should email the race organiser with their needs in addition to their entries.

Races are open to all ages. However, Geoff Sanders classes are restricted to under 14.

Team leaders, Paddlers and Parents are responsible for ensuring the paddlers are appropriately briefed and equipped having taken into account the paddlers health, fitness, capability, the course, the prevailing conditions and other risks associated with this race. If you have any questions please ask the race organiser.

General Safety provisions

All crews must:

• Attend the race safety briefing.
• Assess the experience of the crew and their ability to cope with the conditions.
• Follow the instructions of the Race officials marshals and umpires

    There may be times when crews need to navigate with other water users including commercial shipping, it is expected that crews will follow the relevant COLREGs and local navigation rules. The organisers and competitors will presume in favour of non racing river traffic.

Race courses may change due to changes in conditions or availability

Water Quality 

Competitors concerned about water quality are encouraged to check the Surfers Against Sewage Pollution Alert Map

Cancelation -The organisers will run a forcast check against the event risk assessment on the Thursday before the race and may adjust or cancel the race according to their needs. In the event of cancelation Southampton Canoe Club will refund any moneys remaining after the event expenses are paid for. Race cancellation will be notified on the Racing Canoe Clubs face Book Page  (20+) Racing Canoe Clubs UK | Facebook