Before you build your crews
Every boat must carry at least one person classified as a Swimmer. If anyone in the boat is a Non-swimmer or a Beginner, at least one Swimmer in that boat must be an adult 18 or older. A kayak seats one person, so every kayak racer must be classified as a Swimmer.
Every boat races as a buddy boat, paired with one other boat. Pair like with like wherever you can: two canoes, or two kayaks. A kayak can do very little for a capsized canoe, so a mixed pair is a last resort. Paired boats launch together and stay together for the whole course.
Life jackets are provided and are worn at all times on the water, by every person in every boat. Race numbers go on the front, on the outside of the life jacket. A Race Number (BIB) worn underneath a life jacket will not read.
The three swim classifications are Non-swimmer, Beginner and Swimmer. Swim check documentation must be from calendar year 2026, and no swim checks are conducted on site. Full detail in the Swim FAQ.