We just want to give you a few details to make the day run as smooth as possible for you. Click “Keep Reading” BELOW to read all the info. Everything is looking great for the race and the weather forecast is calling for perfect racing and cruising conditions.
Car Park – Start
Best place to park is in the Dinghy Park, which runs parallel to the river. You can see a map of this on the blog. This is a pay and display car park, and there are at least 2 meters. Its fairly well patrolled, so don’t forget to get a ticket! Its always open so you can get there as early as you like.
Car Park – Finish
There’s a large public car park, right next to the finish point, which is reserved on Saturday for entrants to the race. If you’re planning on leaving a car at the finish, then you’ll find the car park will be zoned off with barriers. If there’s nobody in attendance then please feel free to move the barriers and park your car in the marked bays. Please make sure you return the barriers once you’ve parked.
If someone is meeting you at the finish, then they too can park here. They just need to explain to any parking attendants what they are doing.
Registration
You will need to pick up your race number on Saturday morning. We are still waiting for confirmation of times, but you should be able to register from 11.30am. This will take place in the boat house of the Dartmouth Rowing Club, which is just behind the Floating Bridge pub, by the slipway. It should be fairly obvious when you get there, where it is. Please note that cruising class paddlers also need to pick up a race number, which you’ll need to display on your chest. We believe pins will be provided; please ensure you are wearing a suitable top.
Briefing
There will be a safety and race briefing at 11.50am. Attendance is mandatory for all paddlers. You’ll be given important information about the course and any safety considerations.
Start Times
Cruising Class – You will need to enter the water and paddle across the river to the start line soon as the safety briefing has finished. You will start at 12.15pm.
Racing Classes – You will start at 12.30pm. We recommend you enter the water with plenty of time to prepare for the start.
The Course
Cruising paddlers are expected to take in the region of 2 hours to complete the course. Racing class paddlers are expected to take between 1hr 20 and 2 hrs to complete it. Please pay attention at the safety briefing so you don’t make any wrong turns! We will have a safety boat following the paddle, in case anyone gets in any difficulties. Please stay with your board at all times.
The Finish
The river straightens and narrows at the finish point. Keep paddling until you hear a sound signal that signifies that you have crossed the finish line. Cruising paddlers will also need to cross the finish line so that your numbers can be marked off the list, and we know you are back safely. Once you have crossed the line, please make your way to the large slipway in front of the rowing club and exit the water as quickly as you can to clear the slip way as the later paddlers may arrive at the same time as the rowers, who need to lift their boats out. Please be considerate to all.
There will be a barbecue and bar running when you get to the finish – so if you’re planning on paddling back, don’t forget to bring some money with you. You will all receive a commemorative water bottle at the prize giving which is scheduled to start at 4pm. For those of you who want to paddle back to Dartmouth, can we suggest that you do this after 4pm, as there will be heavy congestion on the river with rowers still competing in the race up to this time. Your understanding and patience is appreciated.
Weather
Early forecasts are giving a good day of sunshine and light winds from the south. Perfect for racing! Obviously the great British weather is not that predictable, so please come prepared for all weather! Hydration is very important, and we recommend you ensure that you drink enough, and are prepared for that.
That’s all for now. Lets all work together to make the event a great success, as we are sure it can grow into a major event for the SUP community. Please email me if you have any questions about the day, and don’t forget to check the blog for updates running up to the big day.
Best regards
Gillian
