Rakaia River Classic

Rakaia River Classic Kayak

Rakaia River Classic Kayak
29th October 2023
Entries open 2023!

Ever wanted to paddle the Rakaia Gorge? This course will start in the heart of the Gorge from private property. The course is approximately 20 kilometres long and consists of predominantly braided river. The first 2 kilometres will consist of classic East Coast gorge conditions, and include Grade 2 features such as boils, bluffs and wave trains. The remainder of the course is predominantly classic Canterbury Braided River.

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Race Information

Start Location: Rakaia Gorge Farm https://goo.gl/maps/YGnvfeJpsNxyv1G16 (private property, follow signage)

Finish Location: Lowes Cutting https://goo.gl/maps/stowB73tAkbb78iZ8

Distance: 20km approx

Registration: 7.30am - 8.30am

Race Briefing: 8.45am

First Wave: 9.00am

Approximate Race Times: 1 hour - 1.30 hour

Prize Giving: TBC

Grade 2 Certificate: A current Grade 2 certificate is needed or proof of entry in the Kathmandu Coast to Coast within the past five years will be required.

Compulsory Gear:

The following items must be carried, there will be checks at both the start line and the finish line:

Kayak, or ski suitable for the conditions
PFD (life jacket) & Whistle
Survival Bag (attached to PFD)
Spraydeck
Airbags or sealed hatches
Paddle
Kayak specific Helmet

In a dry bag attached to the Kayak or Ski:

Repair Kit (including duct tape)

Polypro top and bottom

Fleece mid layer or similar

Hat (wool or poly pro)

Gloves (wool or poly pro)

To be worn, or carried:

Paddle Jacket (wind proof)

This is the minimum you must carry

River Safety:

Parts of this race series is run on Grade II sections of river. It is expected that every competitor has the river knowledge and skill of a Grade II standard. We will have members of our safety team at any significant hazards on the day. Our team are there to manage any potential risk and rescue competitors ONLY when necessary. It is expected that if you have a swim during the race at any point you are capable of swimming with your kayak and paddle safely to the side. If you are unable to do this then please do not enter this race.

Individual

$85 (+b.f)

20km (approx) single kayak

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Team

$160 (+b.f)

20km (approx) in a tandem kayak

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ST MARTINS NEW WORLD CANTERBURY MULTISPORT CHAMPIONSHIPS

Thanks to St Martins New World for putting up the prize money for the St Martins New World Canterbury Multisport Champs

New in 2022, we are offering $1000 prize money for the fastest combined time for the MMS Adventure Duathlon and Rakaia River Classic Kayak Race.

Any age category. Fastest male and female win $1000 each. Teams are not eligible.

You just need to have the fastest overall time for the Mission Mt Somers Adventure Duathlon (28km mountain bike, 21km mountain run) combined with the Rakaia River Classic Kayak race held the next day..

And be at the Rakaia River Classic prizegiving on Sunday 29th.