Downwindable Winter Series
Event Rules
By entering the event you agree to abide by the rules and any instructions which are given by the organiser before and during the event, including instructions given by the safety crew, this may include being instructed to head straight to shore, or to discontinue the race, or to be taken aboard the safety boat.
You also agree that you understand that sea paddling takes place in an ever-changing environment which by its very nature carries an element of inherent risk. Participants must be aware of the dangers posed by participating in paddle sports and the paddling environment.
All participants must have the ability to remount/self-rescue their craft. Paddlers who cannot perform a remount/self-rescue without a paddle float must carry one. Anyone who is in any doubt of their ability to remount/self-rescue in the conditions on the day must paddle with a buddy who is able to assist and must inform the event organiser that they are doing this.
By entering you agree to provide appropriate assistance to other participants in difficulty during the event while not placing yourself in any unnecessary danger.
There are two small landing points along the cliffs, these do not have immediate access to the road and will require a carry and walk out. An option to exit the course by heading into Dunbar Harbour is available with direct access for vehicles.
It is the paddlers responsibility to inform the organiser and/or safety crew via VHF in the event you remove yourself from the course during the race and before the finish.
The race route has a beach launch and landing at the start and finish.
The routes are open to winds, swell and gusts. The weather can change very quickly and care should be taken by participants before, during and after the event.
Care should be taken on shores in breaking waves.
Paddlers should avoid collisions with other craft while on and off the water.
There is no plan B race. We will be reviewing the race conditions in the 5 days prior to the event, and an update will be provided, on social media, the website and the dedicated Whatsapp Group. If necessary a final call by the event team will be made 48 hours prior to the start of the race.
Timings
- 9:00 - 9:30 Race Registration Opens - Safety kit checked, race number issued and tracker fitted to PFD
- 10:15 Race Briefing
- 10:50 Assemble on start line for final safety check
- 11:00 Race Start (Sup, SOT & Prone Paddleboard)
- 11:20 Race Start (Surfski & Fast Sea kayaks)
Entry Fee
Race entry is £15 + eventrac charges. You will have the option to insure your entry fee during the registration process at a minimal cost.
A £5 admin fee will be non refundable should the race be cancelled because of weather or any issue outwith our control.
Entry Process
- The entry process is now through Eventrac & you will be redirected to the event page where all the relevant information can be found.
Equipment
The safety of surfskis, kayaks, paddleboards and equipment, their management and insurance, shall be the sole responsibility of the entrant.
The following equipment is cumpulsory:
- Seaworthy craft suitable for the conditions
- Body PFD that complies to ICF standards
- VHF radio (all craft except SUP & Prone paddleboard)
- Phone in a waterproof pouch (SUP & Prone Paddleboard)
- Whistle
- Foil Blanket or similar
- Leg Leash (paddle boards, ocean surf skis, Oc's and ocean canoes). You are responsible for ensuring it is securely attached to your leg and craft.
- Paddlers must wear clothing which is appropriate to the prevailing conditions. It is recommended that a windproof jacket is carried in case the paddler has to retire during the event.
- Spot inspections may be carried out prior to and during the event and failure to comply with the equipment requirements will result in you not being allowed to participate.
- 5mm Wetsuit (SUP)
Age Categories
- U18 - 17 or under on the 1st Jan of the year we are in. Minimum age 16 on the day of the event (younger competitors will be considered on receipt of an email from an established Ocean Racing Coach.)
- U23 Must be 22 or under on the 1st Jan of the year we are in.
- Seniors 23 - 34
- Para
- Masters 35 - 54 Must be 35 on the 1st Jan of the year we are in.
- Veterans 55+ Must be 55 on the 1st Jan of the year we are in.
Paddle Craft
The event is suitable for paddle boards, sea and sea racing kayaks, ocean surf skis and ocean canoes.
To be accepted, they must be in sea-worthy condition and have sufficient buoyancy fitted, or have a watertight compartment which ensures they float when full of water.
It is not suitable for flat water racing boats.
If you are unsure as to whether your boat is suitable please contact the organiser.
Safety on Shore
Care should be taken when parking and carrying boats to the water.
Paddlers should wear appropriate footwear.
Please use the designated parking area, the Belhaven Shore Road public car park.
Emergency
In the first instance raise your paddle or hands and attract the attention of your competitors, the safety RIB & Support paddlers.
Use your VHF on the channel advised at briefing to inform the safety crew and other competitors of your emergency.
SUP & Prone Paddleboarders contact the mobile number provided at briefing.
The coastguard can also be called on channel 16.
Identification Numbers
All craft must display the identification number provided at registration.
The number must be placed towards the front left side of the craft.
Retirals
All retirals must be notified as soon as possible in order that assistance may be offered to recover the paddler.
The retiree must ensure that they receive a response.
This is a requirement to prevent an unnecessary search.
Trackers
All competitors will be issues with a tracker at registration which must be kept on your person during the event.
The tracker will be collected once the paddler has crossed the line.
In the event of a retiral the tracker will be collected once the competitor is deemed safe and well on shore at the event HQ.
In the event you lose a tracker there will be a charge of £40 to cover the replacement of said tracker.
Protests
Protests must be notified to the organiser and then confirmed in writing within 12 hours of the event.
Protests will be considered by the organiser.
Any clarification, instructions or arbitration on any of the above rules made by the organiser shall be final.