RACE INFORMATION
Saturday October 8, 2022
Pick up race number and transponder 9:00 - 12:00 am.
Start groups between 12:00 - 1:30 pm.
RACE COURSES
Courses are open to OC, SUP, HPK, SK, and Other human powered craft.
Short Course: Distance @ 5 Kilometers (Approximately 3 miles).
Skill Level 1/2 depending on conditions day of race.
For those new to open water or if day of race conditions are above your abilities for the longer courses.
Start/Finish just outside the Gig Harbor entrance paddling South along shoreline to buoy at 2.5 Km and return to finish line.
Intermidiate Course: Distance @ 10 Kilometers (Approximately 6 miles).
Skill level 2/3 depending on conditions day or race.
Participants should have considerable experience in open water and considered intermidiate to expert paddler.
Start/Finish just outside the Gig Harbor entrance paddling South to Point Evans and bouy turn at 5 Km. Return to finish line.
Nautical course with the participant taking into account the tide, current, wind and weather conditions.
Expert Course: Distance @ 20 Kilometers (approximately 12 miles).
Skill Level 2/3 depending on conditions day of race.
Participants should be highly experienced in open water and considered intermidiate to expert paddler. Able to average 5+ MPH on flatwater.
Start/Finish just outside the Gig Harbor entrance paddling South under the Narrows Bridge with turn around buoy at 10 Km between Narrows Park and Point Fosdick.
Nautical course with the participant taking into account the tide, current, wind & weather conditions.
Skill Level & Conditions.
1: Relatively calm with some wave & current action. For the Narrows Challenge paddling close to shore. Favorable to those with experience paddling in open water from beginner to intermediate.
2: Potential rough water with wind and current. Favorable to those with a considerable amount of paddling in open water from intermediate to expert.
3: Potential for high winds with strong current and rough water. Favorable to those with a considerable amount of paddling in open water at the expert level.
* Race day currents are listed as an extremely large flood. This equates to paddling with strong currents out to bouy turn and against strong currents on return.
** The Narrows Passage frequently experiences high winds. Potentially creating extreme downwind and upwind race day conditions.
Participate at your level of experience according to the conditions at time of event.
ENTRY FEES
Pre-registration: Per person $45 / Teams of 6 or more $225.
After September 28thth: Per person $55 / Teams of 6 or more $275.
AWARDS
Race purse to be determined
Prizes to 1st, 2nd & 3rd place for all categories with three or more participants
Hot Shot Awards: First single person craft to buoy turn on each of the courses.
Gifts cards and raffle prizes.
RACE REGISTRATION
Registration through Pacific Multisports. Create a login if not already a member.
https://register.pacificmultisports.com/Events/1027/Register
Registration online will be open until 10 AM Friday, October 7th.
No in-person or day-of registration is available.
Participants will receive an email with web link to a Powerpoint presentation describing pre-race preperation, course and other information on Oct. 7, 2022.
Pre-race Zoom meeting will be available for questions & answers Friday, October 7th at 7pm.
Race day morning pick up your race number, transponder, etc. at Gig Harbor Marina & Boatyard: 3117 Harborview Dr, 98335.
GETTING TO THE START
Highway 16 across the Narrows Bridge. Follow signs to downtown Gig Harbor.
There are public launch sites at Skansie Brothers Park, Eden Boat Park, Ancich Waterfront Park, Gig Harbor Boat Ramp. After you have launched paddle to the harbor entrance near Lighthouse Point. Start and Finish will be across from Lighthouse Point. Further instructions provided during pre-race meeting.
Mandatory Safety Rules
Participants testify they have experience & are completely capable of remounting their craft in rough water.
Will always wear a Coast Guard Approved PFD.
Will always wear a leash.
Will wear bright colors for high visibility on the water.
Will render assistance to any other participant as necessary.
Water Safety
Event Permit filed with US Coast Guard.
10+ Safety boats positioned on course.
VHF Radio – Channel 72.
Equipped with throw ropes.
Additional floatation devices.
Dedicated individual to monitor Commercial Traffic.
Will adjust start times as needed.
West Pierce Fire Boat scheduled to be on the water.
Coast Guard Auxiliary Patrol requested.
Race Day Course Decisions
Any neccassary evaluations of the course conditions on the day of event will be made in agreement with Tod Cole: Race Director; Larry Richardson: Tacoma Maritime Institure - Director; Robert Nissenbaum: ACA Certified Kayak Instructor.
COVID Requirements
Participants will follow COVID guidelines as required by Washington State & Pierce County at time of event.
Medical Plan
911 is primary Emergency contact for all participants, volunteers and staff. First aid supplies and guidance available at start/finish line dock.
Local Hospital:
St Anthony Hospital
11567 Canterwood Blvd
Gig Harbor, WA 98332
Ph. 253-530-2000
Disaster Response
Race Director will make decision to end event in case of natural or man made events.
On site mass communication will be done via volunteers on site.
Mass Email to participants for communication if required.
Race Director : Tod Cole
Email: paddle@narrowschallenge.com
Sponsored by Gig Harbor Canoe Kayak Racing Team - Masters