Race Tune Up
Official river scouting trips are being scheduled for July, August and September. Visit our website www.LaredosRioFest.com regularly for further details and updates.
Safety Guidelines for Laredos RioFest Competitors
Safety is of utmost importance when it comes to river racing. Safety exclusively depends on the racing skills and good judgment of each competitor. We want you to finish the race.
• Participants may not interfere with other boats or they will be disqualified
• Boat numbers assigned must be easily visible on both sides of the boat
• Racers are required to have an approved accessible PFD in their boat at all times
• Racers under 18 will be required to wear Life Saver Vest PFD
• All competitors will carry an emergency whistle on their person or attached to their life vest if wearing life vest during the competition
• All CASH PRIZE boats must be registered/jigged and an officially approved certification sticker must be affixed to the boat
• Competitors and parent/guardian of a minor/youth must be present for the pre-race meeting
• Competitors must report for roll call ten minutes before the race
• Any paddler at risk and requiring emergency assistance should wave their hands above their head for rescue assistance
• The rescue team is instructed to allow the competitors to attempt a self rescue first in order to enable the racer to complete the race
• The rescue team has the authority to pull paddlers off the water for safety concerns
• The rescue team has the authority to disqualify and pull paddlers off the water for un-sportsmanship conduct
• Competitors who exit the race must inform the event organizers
• Drink plenty of liquids – the race course might take in excess of five hours to complete and the sun could be hot
• Consumption of Alcoholic Beverages during the race is strictly prohibited
• Use adequate sunscreen – even on a cloudy day the sun’s effects are magnified by the water – the strength of the October sun rays in Laredo can be strong
• Keep your shirt on at all times – if desired, wear appropriate head gear of your choice
• Carry extra paddle(s) in the case of an emergency
Official Race Safety Officer name and contact information will be provided during onsite registration and will be posted at both 33 Rio Challenge and 9-Mile La Bota River Classic starting lines.
Race Training
It is accurate that anyone could begin to enjoy the sport by literally just sitting in a kayak or canoe and begin to paddle the boat. It is a fun sport. It is an enjoyable recreational activity for the entire family. Even the pursuit of recreational kayak or canoe paddling does require knowledge in the art of paddling, safety skills, and continued practice.
The sport of competitive river racing should not be taken lightly. Competitive river racing is similar to any other sport in that one contemplating to enter river racing must be mentally, physically and emotionally prepared to compete with racers who have been traveling the competitive river racing circuit for years. And you must have the grit and the will power to complete the race in the best possible time.
In Texas, the official racing association is the Texas Canoe and Kayak Racing Association. The association website http://tckra.org/ is your first step to learn more about the organization and river races around the Lone Star State. Laredos Rio Fest has worked exclusively with leaders of TCKRA to develop the race. Further we are honored to have TCKRA officials not only make up a large portion of our officiating team but also are in charge of race officiating and judging. If you are new to the sport or an avid competitor, a member of the TCKRA Executive Team will direct you to the correct club or association in your home town who might be able to further guide you with all aspects of competitive river racing in Texas.
The official forum/blog for Laredos Rio Fest is www.paddle24seven.com and this online community is where you will be able to converse with likeminded racers from all across Texas and America. At paddle24seven you will discover kayaks and canoes for sale. You can post a question on how to prepare physically for Laredos Rio Fest – don’t be surprised if a world champion kayaker responds to your query! This is also the perfect place to learn about river races all over Texas and other states.
A list of recommended publications:
1. The Practical Guide to Kayaking and Canoeing by Bill Mattos
2. The Practical Guide to Sailing, Kayaking and Canoeing by Jeremy Evans and Bill Mattos
3. Kayaking and Canoeing for Beginners by Mill Mattos
Another online resource: http://paddling.about.com/
Visit our website www.LaredosRioFest.com on a regular basis for further tips and updates.
Roll Call
All competitors are required to report to a mandatory roll call ten minutes before the start of the boat class division one is registered for. Racers not reporting will not be allowed to compete in the race. Registration fee will not be refunded for any competitor disqualified from the race.
We recommend that competitors give adequate time to report on the day of the race to the Official Reporting Station where you will receive specific instructions and the green light as to when you can proceed to the river banks and the Starting Line.
Please visit our website www.LaredosRioFest.com and this page in particular for further updates as to the official day of event reporting procedures and time schedule.
River Race Guidelines
