2017 WWR #5 Bells Sprint
Saturday, August 19,2017 _safety and competency session (see below)
Sunday, August 20, 2017 _RACE DAY
Location: Bells Rapids, Cathedral Avenue, Brigadoon
Registration Check In: 07:30am – 08:30am
Briefing: 08:45am
Race start: 09:00am
There will be no late entries on the morning of the race. Only registration check in.
New paddlers to Wildwater Racing WA will be required to attend a competency session to evaluate skills before entry to the race. Subject to recent experience in paddling moving water.
Course Description
Starting upstream of the main bridge and finishing downstream of Bolland’s elbow.
Due to high water levels, we are excited to have true ‘world class’ racing conditions for our upcoming Wildwater Bells Sprint race. The course consists of 3 main rapids over 700m on a winding section of river. With the current water level at 1.7m, most of the obstacles are now washed out by the Intense and powerful volume of water. Paddlers will require precise boat handling in turbulent water. There are large, unavoidable waves and holes demanding fast manoeuvres under pressure. Risk of injury to swimmers is moderate to high, and water conditions may make self-rescue challenging.
The race is open to all boats no more than 4.5m, with no rudders or that have their rudders tied up. There will be at least two runs each, best time to score.
Sundries Note (Boats not classed wildwater/downriver kayaks) For those entering in the sundries category, this race is only open to those who are in competition type boats. This is a timed individual event and we expect those entering the race are competent white water paddlers. A competency test may be required. Sundry results will not be included in the WW season point-score
Safety Requirements:
Helmets, Pfd’s are compulsory. Additional Floatation recommended
Due to the course being held in wildwater conditions, it is necessary for all paddlers to wear helmets and pfd’s. It is also recommended for all paddlers to have grab loops on their boats to assist rescue and to have floatation inside their boats to ensure boats do not fill with water in the case of a capsize. All paddlers will require cockpit skirts with appropriate grab loop for ease of escape from a capsized boat