Canadian Downwind Championships Schedule & Safety Plan
Event Schedule:
Boat Staging: Boats and Boards are to be dropped off to volunteers at Porteau Cove between 9:00am and 11:00am on Saturday July 13th. DO NOT PARK AT PORTEAU COVE - RACERS ARE NOT PERMITTED TO PARK AT PORTEAU COVE.
Registration: Race day registration will start at 9:00am in downtown Squamish at the O'Siem Pavillon on Cleveland Ave. downtown Squamish. Lots of nearby breakfast restaurants and the nearby Farmer's Market is not to be missed! PARK YOUR CAR IN SQUAMISH!
Mandatory Safety Meeting: Will start at approximately 1pm at Porteau Cove - wind dependent.
Shuttle: Shuttle bus (included in your entry fee) taking paddlers to the start of the race will depart from the registration area at 12:00 noon. You are responsible for getting yourself on the bus.
Race Start: Race will start from the small cove 1km south of the Porteau Cove boat launch between 1:30pm and 2:30pm (conditions dependent).
Safety Plan:
The following is the General Competitor Safety Plan. The complete event safety procedures and plans are available on the website and at race registration. All participants are mandated to attend a pre-race safety meeting reviewing race day conditions and safety instructions.
General Competitor Safety:
1. Paddlers must be able to swim, tread water and be familiar with COLD and rough water conditions. You MUST be able to perform a solid solo surfski remount in rough conditions! If in doubt of your ability to handle the conditions, do not start the race. There is no shame in heading to the shore. Overestimating your ability puts yourself, other paddlers and volunteer rescue personnel at risk. Howe Sound waters are always frigid (< 8 degrees Celsius) and only get colder and more confused as you approach Squamish harbour.
2. Prior to the race do a thorough inspection of your boat, rudder and leash ensuring it is securely attached to you and your boat prior to starting. Howe Sound’s winds will blow a boat away faster than you can swim! Even if it's a glassy start, conditions change in minutes.
3. A lifejacket or personal flotation device (PFD) and signalling devise must be worn by every competitor.
4. All lifejackets and PFDs must meet federal government approval and be of appropriate size for the paddler (http://www.tc.gc.ca/eng/marinesafety/debs-obs-equipment-lifejackets-information-1324.html).
5. In order to comply with Canadian Coast Guard regulations (April 1, 1999), a sound signaling device (whistle) must be carried. Race organizers strongly recommend all paddlers carry a flare and/ or cell phone on them (not attached to the boat) during the race.
6. Ensure that your equipment is in good condition, e.g. cables checked, rudder in place, paddle securely tightened etc.
7. If you come across competitors who are in trouble, you should ask them if they need help. Provide assistance if needed.
8. Wear appropriate clothing: hats, rash guards, etc. Brighter (fluorescent yellow, safety orange, bright red) is better, especially as the race nears Squamish Harbour with increased boat and wind-sport activities. There is a strong likelihood that you will cross paths with a kite surfer over the last 2 km of the race. Be aware of their path and make your intentions obvious with eye contact, hand signals or gestures.
9. If a racer pulls out of a race before the finish, he/she must inform a race volunteer as soon as possible so that it can be communicated to the Race Director. The number will be on your wristband.
10. The race will not start in a thunderstorm or if lightning is in the forecast. If time permits race will commence a minimum of 30 minutes past the thunder/lightning
11. Mandatory waivers must be signed by all competitors; competitors under 18 years of age require the signature of a parent or guardian.
12. When entering Squamish Harbour and the Mamquam Blind Channel follow navigational aids as during low tide events submerged logs, and equipment can be close to the surface outside of the main channel.
13. A minimum of 3 safety boats will be leading, monitoring, and sweeping the race. If you are in need of a rescue or having boat problems, please wave one of these boats down or blow three short whistle’s / Fire flare device signaling you are needing assistance.
14. Safety boats do not carry any supplies (water, energy bars, paddles etc.) for the race participants. Safety boats primary function will be to rescue the paddler. If conditions permit they will rescue your boat. Race organizers are not responsible for damage to your equipment.
15. Be aware of "rules of the road" for boating especially when entering the Squamish Marina area. Enter harbor from the right side. Since you are small, make sure that larger craft sees you. Even though you may technically have the right of way, if a vessel cannot see you or maneuver around you it really won't matter!
16. NEVER LEAVE YOUR BOAT. It is much easier to find an overturned or upright ski than it is to find a single body in the water. Furthermore, the boats are designed to float and are your most reliable flotation device.
Force Majeure:
The Canadian Downwind Championship Organizers, Squamish Paddling Club, Coast Outdoors, or any of its sponsors, are not liable for the failure to hold the event or return registration fees if such failure is as a result of Acts of God (including severe high winds, fire, flood, landslide, lightning, earthquake, storm, hurricane or other natural disaster), war, invasion, act of foreign enemies, hostilities (regardless of whether war is declared). Or any event that will threaten the safety of race participants, organizers or volunteers. The organizers will make every effort to reschedule the event or work around any unforeseen conditions and will take every effort to notify all registrants of the delay or cancellation in a timely fashion. |