Equipment

Craft Buoyancy

All craft must have sufficient fixed buoyancy to remain floating level when full of water. Buoyancy will be assessed during scrutineering and if found to be inadequate, the craft must be rectified or automatically be disqualified from the event.

Some manufactured craft do NOT have enough buoyancy to meet this rule. It is the paddler’s responsibility to be prepared for our higher-than-normal standards.

The following are acceptable forms of buoyancy:-

  • Airbags which cannot be dislodged.
  • Foam fixed in position.
  • Core mat.
  • Air-tight compartments with secure hatches.

Advertising on Craft

Promotion for sponsors, supporters, paddlers, Arrow Bone Marrow Transplant Foundation and other worthwhile causes is permitted (and encouraged) on craft entered in the Hawkesbury Canoe Classic. All money raised from advertising or sponsorship must be donated to the Hawkesbury Canoe Classic. No Paddler or Landcrew are permitted to raise funds for any other charity due to participation in the Hawkesbury Canoe Classic.

Buoyancy vests (PFD)

Requirement

For both legal and safety reasons all paddlers must wear a fastened Personal Flotation Device (PFD) that complies with the Australian Standards during the Hawkesbury Canoe Classic. PFD vests which conform are Type 2 or Type 3. Remember to re-fasten your PFD before leaving checkpoints, especially if you remove it to change clothes.

Paddlers detected not obeying this rule will be disqualified and directed to leave the course.

Testing

All Personal Floatation Devices will be tested as part of scrutineering because the buoyancy of jackets can deteriorate with age and therefore not support your weight in the water.

Testing consists of strapping a 5kg lead weight onto your PFD and then putting the jacket into a drum full of water. If the jacket floats it passes, if it sinks then the PFD has failed.

It is the paddler’s responsibility to ensure all compulsory safety equipment is fit for the purpose it is designed for.

To overcome the hassle of starting the race with a wet jacket, pre-race testing will be available at all HCC lead up events. Check the website for details www.canoeclassic.asn.au.

Scrutineering

Each craft must be inspected at Windsor and checked for seaworthiness, buoyancy, compulsory equipment and compliance with Craft Specifications. Entry will be refused by the Chief Scrutineer if all requirements are not met.

All craft will be checked again by the marshalls as they go through the Start “gates” and may be rechecked during the event and at Finish.

Compulsory Equipment

Each paddler must have the following equipment. You must present it all for checking at scrutineering and when you go through marshalling. The Hawkesbury Canoe Classic is a demanding event that is run mainly at night so your safety equipment must be in good working order. Compulsory equipment can be checked and anytime throughout the event by race officials. If you are missing this equipment you may be disqualified.

Each paddler must have:

A tested buoyancy vest:

“Pea-less” whistle: This must be attached to the paddler’s PFD via a short string. Toy whistles are not suitable.

Waterproof light: Must be powered by at least one AA size battery or have an LED globe with a reflector. This light must be attached to the paddler’s PFD by a string.

Emergency blanket: This must be in easy reach of the paddler at all times while in the craft.

Sufficient solid food and drink:

Headgear: For protection against prevailing conditions.

Each craft must have:

Waterproof torch: (additional to the PFD light) with either LED bulbs and reflector, or incandescent globes powered by at least 2 x D size batteries. Dolphin torches, 2-D maglites and most new LED lamps are acceptable. The torch must be attached to the craft so that the paddler can retrieve it while seated in his or her normal position.

Maps: These are available from the web site www.canoeclassic.asn.au. You will need them to be waterproofed. If you require maps to be sent to you please contact the entries co-ordinator.

Canoe number (supplied at start).

Cyalume lights: Two are supplied and placed as directed. These must remain visible for the duration of the event.

Compass: Should be water proof.

Canoe number holder: All craft must have a canoe number holder fixed to the craft.

There may be random checks of compulsory equipment throughout the night by race officials. If you do not have your compulsory equipment, you may be disqualified.