2010 Two Harbors Kayak Festival Racing Logistics & Rules

Welcome to the 13th Annual Two Harbors Kayak Festival - August 6-8, 2010

We offer three different racing experiences for you to enjoy.

18 mile marathon Sat. August 7th, 9:00am

 ( Unlimited Class 9:10 start)

5 mile Betty’s Pies Race Sat. August 7th, 9:30am

Tandem Sprint Races Sun. August 8th, 10:00am

We offer three separate kayak races, with various age groups and boat categories, local exhibitors, kayak equipment demos, beginning level instructional tours, advanced clinics, kids kayaking, gear swap, food and fun, and more!

The racing portion of the THKF has grown rapidly and is the oldest and largest open water race on the Great Lakes, aside from the stunning beauty of the course and its quality organization, this event draws paddlers from all over the Midwest and beyond.  Some great relationships and stories have evolved over the years.

In 2007 a new 18 Mile Great River Energy (GRE) Kayak & Canoe Marathon - Men’s Unlimited Racing Kayak Class record was set by Eric Borgness, 2:18:55, besting his prior record setting effort in 2004 of 2:19:26. The women joined the 18 Mile Marathon Unlimited Racing Kayak scene in 2004 with Megan Kleinschmidt’s 2:55:10 pace setting effort.

2008 was the first year an “unlimited tandem” showed up on the course, Daniel Sikora and Chris VanMeter paddled their double surfski to a 2:32:12, easily eclipsing the old tandem mark.

2004 saw  a new 18 Mile GRE Marathon Men’s Production Sea Kayak record  set by Robert Kinderman, 2:43:18, followed by Mike Brumbaugh, 2:47:26, both improving on a great 2001 effort from Ron Deters, 2:47:27. That same year (’04) the 18 Mile Marathon Women’s Production Sea Kayak class featured Gail Green,  who established a new course record of 2:58:12, topping  her previous personal best of 3:05:19.

 Everyone is looking to improve their personal best time. It’s a great feeling when it happens and it’s a significant accomplishment to finish the marathon!

The best times for the 5 Mile Betty’s Pies 1/4 marathon were established on the course that turns around at the mouth of the Stewart River.  In the Composite Sea Kayak class it was John Radle, 55:34 in 2004, and Cindy Little, 1:01:24 in 2008, setting course records.

As you would expect wind, waves, and air temperature are the major factors on race times. It’s fun to compare times in relation to kayak design and the race day conditions on Lake Superior. Each kayaker is challenged on the race course and modern day racers experience a heightened appreciation of Lake Superior just as the Native Americans and Voyageurs did years ago. To fully enjoy the racing experience all racers need to set aside some time to prepare for the unpredictable waters of Lake Superior. There are many details for you to consider. In order to make this years racing events successful the following logistics and revised race rules will apply:

1. Race Courses:

a. GRE 18 Mile Kayak Marathon: Around Encampment Island and back

i. Floating mass start from Burlington Bay

ii. Proceed north across the mouth of Burlington Bay

iii. Paddle between shoreline and orange buoys up to Encampment Island

iv. Go around Encampment Island in a counterclockwise direction

1. Return to Burlington Bay using the same route between shoreline and the orange buoys

b. Betty’s Pies 5 Mile Race: To the Stewart River and back

i. Floating mass start from Burlington Bay

ii. Proceed north across the mouth of Burlington Bay

iii. Paddle between shoreline and orange buoys up to the Stewart River

turn around buoy in front of Betty’s Pies

iv. Go around the buoy in a counterclockwise direction

1. Return to Burlington Bay using the same route between shoreline and the orange buoys

1. Entry Fees:

GRE Marathon Betty’s Pies 5 Mile Race

a. Postmarked by June 30 $40.00 $30.00

b. Postmarked by July 24 $45.00 $35.00

c. Postmarked after July 31 $50.00 $40.00

d. Friday registration $60.00  No Registration on race day. 

1. Racer Check-In:

c. The primary racer check-in time is Friday night from 5-9pm at Burlington Bay with the racer reception taking place from 7-9pm

d. Racers are responsible for confirming their name, race selection, gender, age and boat type at Friday night check-in.

e. Emergency racer check-in is available on Saturday from 6-8am at Burlington Bay

f. Racers’ kayaks will be randomly inspected by race officials on Friday and Saturday

1. Racer Food:

g. Energy bars, electrolyte drink, and oranges in a zip-lock bag will be distributed at the starting area of the 5 and 18 mile events.

h. Paddlers must carry their supplies in their kayak. Racers are encouraged to bring alternative food and drink items of their own choosing to supplement what is provided.

1. Awards & Supper:

i. A volunteer will greet you on the beach to collect your bib and award you with a medallion at the end of the race. If you are not greeted please return your bib to the registration table at the finish area and pick up your medallion.

j. Supper with the paddlers will be held at Burlington Bay Saturday from 5:30-7:00pm.

k. The Marathon and Betty's Pies 5 Mile Race Awards Ceremony & Drawings will be held at Burlington Bay on Saturday at 6:30pm.

l. GRE 18-mile Marathon cash awards will be given to the three fastest men and women in either Production Plastic or Production Composite kayaks. Cash awards will also be given to the three fastest men and women in Unlimited Racing Kayaks provided a minimum of three kayaks are racing in each class. The cash award breakdown will be $150 for first, $100 for second and $50 for third. A single cash prize of $100 will be given to the fastest tandem provided a minimum of three tandems are racing.

1. Boat Categories:

m. Production Plastic (manufacturer produced plastic sea kayak less than 19’ long)

n. Production Composite (manufacturer produced composite sea kayak less than 19’ long, including home built boats that meet the less than 19' spec)

o. Unlimited Racing Kayak (manufacturer produced kayak 19’ or longer or custom one-of-a-kind kayak of any length, width, and material with racing design characteristics such as sprint kayaks, surf skis and ICF race kayak design. Some examples include Vampire, Phantom, Thunderbolt, Eagle, Jaguar and RPM. These kayaks are very narrow and light and are not designed for multi-day tours like the production category kayaks)

p. Tandem (both composite and plastic)

pp. All Outrigger/Duke Canoes (Oc-1's, 2's, 4,s & 6's)

1. Gender and Age Categories: Male or Female

q. 16-20 years

r. 21-25 years

s. 26-30 years

t. 31-35 years

u. 36-40 years

v. 41-45 years

w. 46-50 years

x. 51-55 years

y. 56-60 years

z. 61+

1. Start Times:

aa. 8:15am Mandatory Competitors meeting at the Registration Tent

bb. 9:00am Kayak Marathon Start

cc. 9:10am Unlimited Racing Class Kayak & Canoe Marathon Start

dd. 9:30am Betty’s Pies ¼ Marathon Start

1. Pre-Race Logistics

ee. A drive through Kayak Unloading & Loading Zone will be established near the Burlington Bay start area. During the day your vehicle must be parked at your campsite or in the designated lots away from the start area.

ff. A mandatory competitors meeting will be held at 8:15 am next to the Registration Tent in Burlington Bay. Racers must have checked their entry data either Friday evening or at this meeting prior to the start of their race. You are responsible for making sure you are entered in the correct boat class & age group. If a correction is necessary please speak to the registrar at the registration tent immediately.

All 18 mile GRE Marathon entrants must display their bib number on both sides of the bow of their boat either in white or black ink depending on the color of their kayak. Tape will be available if you do not have your own.

gg. On-Shore Start and Finish Area: Before and after the race, racers can leave their kayak on the beach while they wait for the race start or while parking their vehicle. Paddlers should be in their kayak in the water 10 minutes before the start.

e. On-Water Start Line: The start and finish line will be between two buoys. They will be set wide enough to accommodate several kayakers. The mass start nature of this event can cause turbulence and can cause kayak collisions. Racers should line up with their experience and kayak handling skills in mind (i.e. experienced paddlers in front of less experienced.)

1. Safety Rules

a. Winds: If on-shore wind speed exceeds 20 mph and wave heights exceed 3 feet the GRE Marathon and Betty’s Pies Races will be held on Sunday. In this case the Tandem Sprint Races will be held on Saturday in Agate Bay.

1. PFD: A Coast Guard approved personal flotation device must be worn when paddling. We may announce the following PFD exception on race day at the competitors meeting: a surfski paddler may instead choose to carry a pfd on deck IF he/she is leashed to the surfski (leash from boat to paddler). The race director will need to approve the leash and leashing method.

1. Surf Skis: Paddlers are required to use a leash (boat to paddler and the paddle to boat or paddler) if there is significant wind at the start of the race or if a significant wind develops during the race.

1. Bulkheads: A stern bulkhead with sealed hatches or flotation bags are required for each kayak.

1. Clothing: Kayakers will be expected to wear paddling gear that adequately reduces heat loss if a capsize occurs. Average water temperature is 50 degrees. Dress appropriately!

1. Safety equipment: A bilge pump and paddle float are required for all kayakers (except surf ski paddlers & outriggers). All paddlers should begin a self-rescue until help arrives if a capsize occurs.

1. Power Boat Assistance: Power boats may provide assistance to kayakers without disqualification. The power boats will be equipped with a ladder, throw bag, and boat hood to provide assistance as needed. Power boats will be positioned strategically on the race course with one anchored at the Encampment Island Check Point Buoy to take attendance as GRE Marathon Racers go by.

1. Safety kayakers will be positioned along the Betty’s Pies ¼ Marathon race course.

Buoy Markers: Orange inflatable buoy markers will identify the course. All paddlers must stay between the shoreline and the buoy markers to be considered on the course. Leaving the designated course boundaries may disqualify the racer. Judgments related to course violations will be made by Race Officials and the Race Director. The Betty’s Pies ¼ Marathon race turn around is a floating white sign with a double orange buoy on it. All racers must pass between the shoreline and the Betty’s Pies buoy.

1. Emergency take out locations include Flood Bay, Stewart River and Silver Creek.

1. Toilets are available at Burlington Bay and Flood Bay Wayside.

1. The course will be closed at 3:00pm. All competitors will be required to stop paddling at that time

1. Severe Weather:

hh. Wind and lightning can delay the race start until 11:00am. After the 11am cut-off the GRE Marathon and Betty’s Pies ¼ Marathon races will be moved to Sunday at 9am.

ii. In the event of lightning with thunder following in less that 20 seconds along the race course the following rules will apply:

i. All cash awards are canceled (funds will be used toward free food and beverages for all marathon racers).

ii. Paddle to shore and sit on a pebble beach away from trees and tree roots. Look at your watch and note the time!

iii. When the lightning has passed for 10 minutes racing can resume. Launch your kayak, look at your watch and note the time!

iv. Report the time you spent on shore to the timing table at the finish area.

v. Shore time credit will be subtracted from your time based on the average, high, and low times reported.