WAVE CHASER Competition Rules and Guidelines
Long course classes for Surfski Men will be Open ,
Masters and Sr. Masters. For OC1 Men, the classes will be Open, Jr.
Master, Master and Sr. Master. As we continue to look for ways to
improve the Series, we'll try different classes and see what works
the best.
In an effort to simplify things this year, we will not be having overall awards for the season, but will have points assigned for the end of season raffle prizes only. Our goal is to have you race your best in each race and to bring out new paddlers, so bring your friends and encourage them to come out and race Wave Chaser.
- PFD's must be worn. All racers must WEAR a US Coast Guard approved personal floatation device (PDF).
- Leashes. All racers must wear a leash that attaches them to their boat. Surfski and kayak paddlers may use a paddle to boat leash to fulfill this rule.
- Required–Visual Rescue Aid: All Open water course paddlers must carry some type of visual rescue aid like flares, smoke signals, or flags. Mirrors are not recommended because of low visibility on overcast days. A whistle is recommended. Open water courses will be designated as such when the course is posted on the website. But, please always be prepared to paddle with this equipment because the race director will dictate necessity on race day. Anyone on the water without the required safety equipment will be DQed in the first race, fined in the second, and asked not to return on the third offense. As you can tell safety is a high priority this year.
- Required–Check In Before/After Race: All paddlers will be required to check in after each race. Crossing the finish line will not suffice. There will be a pre-assigned table for all racers to report to after they get on shore. Failure to do this will result in the aforementioned penalties.
- Drafting Is Legal. However, there is some etiquette you may want to follow. It is frowned on by fellow paddlers to draft faster craft than the one you are paddling. This would mean a single outrigger should not draft a double ski or double outrigger, or a motorboat. Ultimately, the race organizers will not penalize for any type of drafting.
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Guidelines (some good practices to follow)
Seafaring is more enjoyable with knowledge. Following these guidelines
does not guarantee your safety on the ocean, but will help.
- Evaluate the weather: look and understand the clouds, currents and conditions. Fast moving or developing clouds usually indicate dangerous weather approaching. Beware of mist. If you cannot ascertain the conditions it is better not to launch!
- Always paddle with at least one other person. There is safety in numbers.
- If conditions are challenging, don't bow to (or apply) pressure to go out. Never exceed your level of competence. There is no shame in being realistic.
- Always tell someone that you are going paddling. Give full details: where you're paddling (start and finish); estimated launch time and expected return time; boat identification details (size, color, make); your identification details (eg clothing type and color); your skill level.
- Remember contact your 'shore buddy' on your return. Time is critical: quick action from you or your 'shore buddy' will bring about a quick response. Always do 'the right thing' on the water to avoid unnecessary searches.
- Attach a quickly detachable leash between the foot strap and your ankle. This will help you to keep your boat that may save your life.
- Ensure that your surf ski, paddle, rudder etc are in a good working condition.
- Wear clothing appropriate to the conditions, as hypothermia sets in quickly, eg thermal top, neoprene shorts and booties. Wear bright colors so that you can be spotted easily in the event of a rescue. Apply sunscreen before starting out (SPF 15 or above), and also wear a hat.
- Never leave shore without wearing a buoyancy aid. Your life jacket should have pockets to hold safety equipment such as a whistle, flares (read operating instructions before you start paddling), glow stick, a signaling device (eg mirror) and a compass.
- Drink plenty of liquids before and during a paddle, especially on longer distances and hot days.
- Take care leaving and entering the shore. Wait for a break in the wave sets before making your move. Watch out for others in the surf.
- Leave and enter harbors on the right hand-side. Make sure other craft are aware of your intended path . If on a head -on course, both craft should generally move to the right. Over accentuate your intended change of path as an indication to the approaching craft. Keep out of high speed ferry routes. Remember many craft will not see you.
- THE GOLDEN RULE: NEVER LEAVE YOUR CRAFT. It is your most reliable form of buoyancy and will indicate where you are to rescue craft.
Safety Guidelines provided by Surfski South Africa and Coordinated by
Louise Otter - Key input from Marc Duncan and Alistair Fraser
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Long Course
Classes will be based on age. (see above)
Novice and Short Course
Novice and Short Course paddlers will be awarded by class and sex only. There
will be no age grouping.
All Courses
Three boats are needed in order to constitute a class, so bring a
friend.
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