Craft specifications

Racing Canoes and Kayaks

C1, C2, C4, K1, K2 & K4

The specifications for these canoes and kayaks are determined by the International Canoe Federation (ICF), and are uniform throughout the world.

Touring Canoes and Kayaks

TC1, TC2, TC4, TK1 & TK2

The specifications for these canoes and kayaks are as approved by the Marathon Committee of Australian Canoeing (AC).

Surf Skis

SSK1 & SSK2

All surf skis are to carry appropriate manufacturer’s compliance labels or they will be measured to ensure they comply with Surf Lifesaving Australia specifications. No temporary additions will be permitted.

Wildwater Kayak (Down River Racer DRR)

Specifications for these craft are determined by the ICF. These craft are generally paddled in wild water, down river racing conditions, and are designed for this special purpose. No steering device is permitted on wildwater boats.

Recreational Kayaks (Rec)

Kayaks that are not specifically designed to meet the ICF or AC specifications for the “racing” and “touring” classes or the Surf Ski classes, will be classified as Recreational or Unrestricted.

A list of many of the popular types of kayaks is provided on the web site.

Short Recreational (SRec)

Short Recreational craft are not more than 4.5m in length. Minimum widths apply (see appendix. No steerable rudders are permitted. Fixed skegs are allowed. Boats equipped with rudders will enter the medium recreational class.

A “measuring box” has been defined relating to a specific area of the kayak for assisting the scrutineers to ascertain the compliance or non-compliance of waterline width measurements. No concave surfaces are permitted within the box area.

The measuring box covers 600mm (300mm each side of the centre line) of hull and measurements are taken 102mm from keel line.

Single Medium Recreational and Long Recreational (MRec1 or LRec1)

Most of the commercially available single sea kayaks and estuary boats on the market fall into these classes. A “measuring box” has been defined relating to a specific area of the kayak for assisting the scrutineers to ascertain the compliance or non-compliance of waterline width measurements. No concave surfaces are permitted within the box area.

The measuring box covers 600mm of hull and measurements are taken 150mm from keel line.

Double Recreational (Rec2 or LRec2)

Most of the commercially available double sea kayaks and estuary boats on the market fall into these classes.

A double “measuring box” has been defined relating to a specific area of the kayak for assisting the scrutineers to ascertain the compliance or non-compliance of waterline width measurements. No concave surfaces are permitted within the box area.

The measuring box covers 600mm of hull and measurements are taken 170mm from keel.

A general purpose single or double kayak is likely to comply with the specification for both TK and Rec eligibility. If not a recognised competition TK design, it is suggested paddlers enter the appropriate Rec Class.

Unrestricted Class (UN1 and UN2).

This unrestricted class is for craft which do not fit the requirements of other classes. Any craft will be permitted, provided that it meets safety requirements and:

• The paddlers are facing forward.

• The craft is powered by hand held paddles only.

There is no restriction on length, width, hull shape or construction. Single or double bladed paddles may be used.

Outriggers

Outriggers are permitted in the Classic. Trophies will be awarded if classes can be constituted. Specifications are as per those laid down by Australian Outrigger Canoe Racing Association Incorporated (AOCRA).

All Outriggers must carry the appropriate manufacturer’s compliance label. No temporary additions will be permitted. (eg they must have the State and registration number displayed at the front of the craft).

Stand Up Paddle Boards

Stand up paddle boards are permitted in the classic. Following heroic finishes in the 2008 Classic by two stand up paddle boarders, Stuart Murray and Inoke Tuhukava, there will be a SUP class in 2009. However it will not be divided into age and gender groups.

Committee’s discretion

Craft which do not fit in any of the above classes may be permitted to start at the discretion of the Race Committee provided they meet buoyancy and other safety conditions.

Regardless of any specifications outlined in the “Craft Specifications”, the Race Committee reserves the right for any reason whatsoever to:

  • Not permit a craft to start.
  • Withdraw a craft at any time during the Classic.

General rules for all craft

Kayaks are defined as all craft powered by double-bladed paddles, unless they comply with SLSA surf ski specifications.

Canoes are defined as sit in craft, propelled by single-bladed paddles, unless they comply to outrigger association specifications.

Paddles must not be supported on the boat in any way.

Paddles must be hand held and have no mechanical devices.

All craft must carry sufficient buoyancy to remain floating level when full of water.