Race Format & Rules

Team:

1. Each team consists of a maximum of 14 members: one Drummer, one Steerer, up to ten Paddlers, and ideally, two Alternatives.
2. Each team member will be given a wristband in a color representing their team and must wear it all the time.  Only team members with the same wristband color may compete together in one boat –paddlers are not allowed to compete for other teams.

Race:

1. The distance of the race is about a quarter of a mile.
2. The race will follow a round-robin format with the top four winners completing a single elimination competition.  Each team gets at least 4-5 races.
3. At the Start Line, teams must cooperate with the starter’s instructions to align their boats for a fair start by moving forward or backward as instructed. Teams that fail to comply or commit a false start may be penalized at the judges’ discretion.  Each heat will start at the sound of the whistle.
4. Each drummer must maintain a drum beat to set the cadence for their team throughout the race.
5. The Finish Line Judge will determine the official finish order for each boat that crosses over the Finish Line. The judges’ decision is final. Unsolicited videos, photos or verbal accounts regarding disputed finishes, course fouls, or other matters will not be considered.
6. After crossing the Finish Line into the run-out area, teams must return the boat to the Start Line with reasonable expediency so the next team can take it.

Sportsmanship:

1. All team members are expected to practice the principles of good sportsmanship at all the time. Any team or competitor who attempts to win through dishonorable means, deliberately breaks the rules, or disregards the integrity of the competition may face disqualification of the whole team from the competition.
2. All teams must attend their assigned practice and instruction session.

Safety:

1. Only the paddles, drums, steering oars, and boats provided by the festival organizer may be used in the race.
2. All team members must wear a personal flotation device (PFD), either provided by the festival organizer or their own.
3. Paddlers must remain seated for the duration of the race.  Kneeling or standing will result in forfeiture of that heat.
4. Any team judged to have deliberately rammed or swamped another boat or their own boat may be disqualified at the sole discretion of the race officials. The Steerer is responsible for giving necessary instructions to avoid collision.
5. If one boat is overtaking another during a race, the overtaking boat must keep clear. Likewise, the boat being overtaken must not alter its course to obstruct the other boat.