Categories, Start line sequence, cut offs, breaks.

We are really excited to see you all at the castle on the 27th April. Due to the nature of the waterway, locks and the logistics to get your boards back to Nottingham this event is for ISUPS only. The event will have a 4 wave start. This is designed to help ease congestion on the waterway and at the 5 locks along the route.

Adventure Category - Any ISUP Female

Adventure Category - Any ISUP Male

Race Under 12.6 ISUP Female

Race Under 12.6 ISUP Male

Race 12.6 - under 14ft ISUP Female

Race 12.6 - under 14ft ISUP Male

Race 14ft ISUP Female

Race 14ft ISUP Male

Tandems

Start Line Sequence

Paddlers will start in waves outlined below. For all waves the start sequence will be 5 minute warning, 1 minute warning, 30 seconds warning and 10 second countdown. You will hear a loud whistle and then it will be verbally communicated. “Whistle blow….. 5 minute warning”

Waves

Location: The Iconic Suspension Bridge

Start sequence, cut off timings by category... this may change depending local weather conditions and the down river flow rate.

Wave 1: 7am

Adventure Category - Any ISUP

7am: Event Start

10:45am: Cut off for Check Point 1 at Gunthorpe (16.7km)

12:30pm: Cut off for Check Point 2 at Hazleford (24.3km)

4pm: Race cut off at Newark Castle (40km)

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Wave 2: 730am

Race Under 12.6 ISUP

7:30am: Race Start

10:45am: Cut off for Check Point 1 at Gunthorpe (16.7km)

12:15pm: Cut off for Check Point 2 at Hazleford (24.3km)

4pm: Race cut off at Newark Castle (40km)

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Wave 3: 8am

Race 12.6 ISUP

8am: Race Start

10:45am: Cut off for Check Point 1 at Gunthorpe (16.7km)

12:15pm: Cut off for Check Point 2 at Hazleford (24.3km)

4pm: Race cut off at Newark Castle (40km)

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Wave 4: 9am

Race 14ft ISUP & Tandems

9am: Race Start

11:30m: Cut off for Check Point 1 at Gunthorpe (16.7km)

12:45pm: Cut off for Check Point 2 at Hazleford (24.3km)

4pm: Race cut off at Newark Castle (40km)

Breaks, Check Points & Cut Offs

For the safety of all participants there will be a mandatory 10min break for all racers at Gunthorpe Lock. You’ll arrive at this checkpoint/cut off point and then your 10min will begin. Here, our team of volunteers and first aid support will welfare check, hug, high 5 and get you ready for your next stage. You can of course have a longer break, but you need to manage your timings to meet the next cut off check point.

There are 2 timed cut off points along the route. Gunthorpe & Hazleford. We have included the additional “portage time” along the route for the cut off times. You will be able to work out your event strategy and what speed you need to paddle at to meet the cut off times. Remember this is a downriver event, there may be flow and assistance from the river. The week before the event, we will make any necessary time adjustments to reflect the weather conditions on the day.

These cut off points designed to keep you paddling at a pace and to ensure everyone participating has the skills, stamina and strength to complete the event. For your safety and wellbeing if you are unable to meet the required cut off times you will be asked to retire from the event, return your bib and disable your tracker. An event official will be here to help facilitate exit for all paddlers who have not met this cut off. If you are concerned about not making these cut-off please have your own transportation organised. The race will not provide shuttles from this point.

Our safety team has the full authority to revoke the option to continue paddling past the checkpoints, and they can insist that a paddler retires from the event if they deem the paddler unfit to continue. This may be due to extreme fatigue, poor nutrition, injury etc. If the paddler does not appear coherent/appears confused/losing coordination/motor skills/etc., our team has the authority to insist the paddler stop paddling. Please accept this with grace. These cut-off times are for your safety. 

FAQ

Does the river have flow? What's the wind usually like?

The river has flow. It can be as steady as pushing you along at rest at 1.5kmph and as faaaast as 4kmph. The wind is usually behind you. The river does meander, so you may get a bit of side wind along the route.

How does this impact cut off times?

The week before, we'll check the weather and if we feel we need to add on time for no flow or head wind we will, we will also let you know what weather to expect along the route.

I don't know what category to enter?

Please see the allocated timings for each category.

Adventure: 9hrs to get to the castle

Race Below 12.6: 8.5hrs to get to the castle

Race 12.6: 8hrs to get to the castle

Race 14ft and tandems: 7hrs to to get to the castle

You can work out the required paddling speed at calculator soup

Everyone gets their finishing medal and the top 3 fastest in each category will be crowned kings and queens of the river.

So if you want to have the most available time enter the adventure category, if you want to test your skills, stamina and strategy enter the applicable race category for your board length.

How do I work out my paddling pace with the portages and mandatory stop. I'm getting confused?

1. The 40km includes all portage distance. We have measured from the start to the finish.

2. We have estimated 1hr in portage times and your mandatory 10 min break. You can of course "make time" by having an efficient, fast, slick portage or you can take longer depending on your strategy. Remember no running with boards is permitted at the portage.

3. "forget" about the river flow and see that as a bonus.

4. Work out your category allocated time, minus off our predicted portage time and your 10min break. This give you your paddling time.

5. Use calculator soup to work out your pace (without flow)

EG 14fts 7hr allowed - 1hr 10min = 5hr 50min = 6.8kmph of paddling pace

6. Then get excited about the potential flow rate.

7. You start to get carried away with the maths...... on a "slow flow" I only need to put in 5.3km of effort (on the eg above)

8. WHHHHHAAAA on a "fast flow" day, if I paddle at 6.8kmph of effort but with the flow push I will be travelling at the speed of light and get there before lunch.

The most important thing for us is for you to enjoy the day, enjoy the lead up, the party and celebrate in your achievements. We have to have these plans in place as our big boss said so, so we can get organised, and get the bananas in the right place at the right time. Don't let the timings scare you.

We want to see you all at the castle. WE WILL SEE YOU ALL AT THE CASTLE