The metropolitan town of Laredo, Texas is located in South Texas, a short two hours drive from San Antonio. Majority of the goods that travel from South America and Mexico cross through Laredo making the city the sixth largest port in America and the second largest inland port.
Laredo is one of the safest American cities and also one of the fastest growing metropolitan centers in the United States. Being a trading hub and a crucial link in the economic engine of America, Laredo is the home office for the Department of Homeland Security Border Patrol Laredo Sector (region stretches to Dallas), one of the largest U.S. Customs districts, and local law enforcement with secialized training in border protection.
What kind of travel documents do I need if I should wish to go to Nuevo Laredo, Mexico?
Department of Homeland Security recommends anyone visiting a foreign country should carry a United States passport at all times. A passport will make the return process go by efficiently. However, a United States citizen cannot be prevented from returning home as long as one has appropriate identification such a driver license, or state identification along with their social security card or birth certificate.
Is the race challenging and complicated?
33 Mile Rio Challenge is not dangerously adventurous as some of the river races found in Texas or in other rivers of America. However, the water flow, circumvention of islands to navigate around and the uncertain nature of the terrain based on water level certainly make the race interestingly challenging even for champion competitors. All competitors should be in the best physical condition to compete in the race. Tune up or scouting outings on the Rio Grande will be scheduled during the months of July, August and September (visit our website for special announcements). We further recommend all competitors prepare for RioFest by competing in river races all across Texas (www.tcra.com) or in your home state. Visit our official online forum www.paddle24seven.com to be part of the community of river racing enthusiasts.
Can a recreational or novice competitor participate in the race?
Yes. Rio Grande is a smooth flowing river and a perfect venue for beginners to enjoy the competitive nature of an eco-friendly sport. Recreational/Novice divisions will be part of the 33 Mile Rio Challenge and the 9-Mile La Bota River Classic. We do recommend all competitors, especially recreational or novice racers adequately prepare for the race. RioFest will offer several tune up or scouting outings on the Rio Grande during the months of July, August and September (visit our website for special announcements) to prepare for the competition. To enjoy the competition and finish the race, we also recommend all competitors begin a rigorous physical workout program with regular kayak/canoe outings. Contact a Kayak or Canoe Club in your home town or state for assistance. Visit our official online forum www.paddle24seven.com to be part of the community of river racing enthusiasts.
How do I know if I am physically fit for the race?
It is the sole responsibility of each competitor to see if they have the conditioning and skills required to compete in the race. All water sporting activities can be extremely dangerous. River racing is a dangerous sport and you should take this responsibility very seriously. Do not place yourself, your fellow competitors, race officials and the emergency management team at risk if you feel you do not have the skills or conditioning required to finish the race. Racer participation in RioFest is at the sole discretion of the Race Officials and Event Organizers.
Is there a risk of injury or fatality
Water associated sporting has a significant amount of danger inherent in the activity. RioFest competitors should be aware that river racing (Kayaking and Canoeing) does pose a significantly additional danger for injury of fatality. If you are contemplating entering the race as a serious cash prize competitor or a recreational/novice racer who would like to gain a first hand experience of entering the world of competitive river racing, or if you just want to experience the thrill of being part of an event, RioFest Officials and Event Organizers strongly recommend that you seek at a minimum basic training in canoe and kayak handling, first aid and CPR as a necessary, responsible and courteous precaution while undertaking the sport.
What kind of boat can I use and which division do I enter?
RioFest only allows self propelled (boat must move by the sheer force of human strength) vessels to enter the race. Please click on the tab titled RIVER RACE to familiarize with boat specifications and select the appropriate division to enter.
Laredos RioFest takes over a year to plan and execute. All cash prizes are brought forth by corporate sponsorship. Registration fee is solely used to meet operations expenses to put on a quality event. Due to the tremendous advance operations cost of the race, we regretfully cannot provide any form of refund.
I am between the age of 13 and 15. Will I be allowed to race?
Minors between the age of 13 and 15 can compete in Laredos RioFest as long as a parent/guardian or an adult selected by the parent/guardian accompanies the minor in the same boat and must be in the same boat at all times. The parent/guardian must also sign the official waiver forms. All accompanying parent, guardian or an adult recommended by the parent or guardian must pay the registration fee. Please click on the tab titled RIVER RACE to and read carefully the official Rules and Regulations.
I am a youth between the age of 15 and 17. Will I be allowed to race independently?
Youth between the age of 15 and 17 will be allowed to race independently but only with the consent of the parent/guardian. The parent/guardian will have to sign the official waiver forms. To enter the 33 Rio Challenge (33-mile race) the youth must show proof of previous river race experience. Previous rive race experience is not required to enter the 9-Mile La Bota River Classic (9-mile race). Please click on the tab titled RIVER RACE to and read carefully the official Rules and Regulations.
What is the cost of sporting insurance?
Laredos RioFest offers one day complimentary United States Canoe Association insurance. You will not have to purchase additional insurance on your own.
Will I owe taxes from my winnings?
Yes. United States Citizens and Foreign Nationals with permits to reside in the United States will be required to report their earnings over $600 to the Internal Revenue Service. We will be submitting official documents to the IRS of prize winnings paid to the winners. Citizens of Mexico and other foreign nationals not authorized to reside in America, per United States of America tax rules, will have 30% of their winnings deducted before the prize is awarded.
33-Mile Rio Challenge does not require a support crew. However, we do recommend that you have one if you require specialized refueling or support on route to the finish line. The first and only available support station accessible will be nearly 24 miles from the start of the race at the La Bota Ranch boat docks.
City of Laredo Fire and Emergency Management Services will have the primary task of providing emergency safety assistance. In the event that you should exit the race due to an emergency in a section of the river where EMS is not placed, if you are in a position, please make your way to a safe location and call 911. You can also wait by the banks of the river till such time the final sweeping boat (a vessel which will follow the final competitor from the starting line of the 33-Mile Rio Challenge) reaches your location at which time they will command for emergency assistance on your behalf.
Sportsmanship requires that competitors should watch for other racers offering aid to fellow competitors. Sportsmanship also requires that one should stop and offer aid if one was the cause for the distress of a fellow competitor. Sportsmanlike conduct must always prevail in every instance at Laredos RioFest. Sportsmanship precludes any competitor from blocking the advance and overtaking by another competitor. Sportsmanship further requires that all competitors find the courage and physical strength to complete the course.
Fire and Emergency Services are authorized to remove competitors from the river at any time in the event of safety concerns.
Does the competition have specific rules and regulations?
Yes. Once you’ve completely read all aspects of the rules and regulations governing the competition found under the RIVER RACE tab of the website, you will be ready to register for the race.
Will I be ever asked to exit the race?
Any competitor starting the 33 Rio Challenge must reach the La Bota Ranch Check Point and Refueling station by 3:30pm to be allowed to complete the race and will be required to exit the race. Any competitor found not to render aid to another racer or not adhering to the requests by race officials, race organizers and emergency services will also be asked to exit the race. Competitors who do not abide by the requests made by law enforcement personnel will also be asked to exit the race. Racers who do not abide by the request to exit will lose all further emergency and safety assistance, and will be permanently disqualified from competing in Laredos RioFest.
What do I do in the event of changes in weather or water conditions? Weather and water conditions can change rapidly. If you determine during the race that you are at risk, you should make all attempts to finish the race as quickly as possible or exit the race in the safest area possible. It is your sole responsibility to inform the race officials that you have abandoned the race.
Both the 33 Mile Rio Challenge and the 9-Mile La Bota River Classic will have official race meetings before the start of the race. Race meetings will be posted on the website. Additionally, a mandatory roll call will be in effect: all competitors must report to the roll call ten minutes before the start of their race. Any competitor missing the roll call will not be allowed to start the race.
You can register online by visiting the registration page found under the RIVER RACE tab of the website. You can also mail in your registration. Registration fee, early registration cut-off dates, and all other pertinent information can be found under RIVER RACE tab of the website.
Onsite registration will be held in Laredo at Los Dos Laredos City Park at the location of the Finish Line. Driving directions can be found on the website under the tab RIVER RACE.
All competitors enter this race at their own risk. Laredos RioFest, Laredo Hotel and Lodging Association, and its judges, supporters, sponsors, volunteers, and partners will not be liable for accidents to personnel or damage to any property or equipment. Unattended vehicles are the sole responsibility of the owners. Laredos RioFest, Laredo Hotel and Lodging Association, and its judges, supporters, sponsors, volunteers, and partners do not accept responsibility to the safety of any vehicles or articles left inside the vehicles. In formulating the rules and regulations that govern Laredos RioFest and all related events, every effort has been made to foresee all situations and problems that might arise; however, officials of Laredos RioFest reserves the right to change or amend the rules and regulations at any time without liability or recourse from any party regardless of the circumstances. Should such change or amendments be made, all entrants will receive notification of the same.
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