Foyle Paddlers are delighted to host a Flat Water Race from Prehen Boathouse & around the bridges.

All paddlers should be capable of paddling the race distance independently or as part of a group led by a competent paddler, as the river is tidal and has some exposed sections.

Timings

• Registration starts at 10.30am at Prehen Boathouse, Victoria Road, Derry. Everyone must park in the car park.
• Safety Briefing 11.20am
• Special Olympics Race 11.30am
• Competitors to be on water by 11.50am
• Races start at 12.00pm

RACE 1

Long Race 10 Km

Prehen - Foyle Bridge – Prehen

Age Categories - Under 16, U18 and Seniors / Masters / Veterans

RACE 2

Peace Bridge 3.5 Km

Prehen – Peace Bridge – Prehen

Age Categories - Under 16, U18s, Seniors / Masters / Veterans

RACE 3 

Short Race 2 Km

Prehen – Craigavon Bridge – Prehen

Age Categories - Under 14, 16, U18s and Seniors / Masters / Veterans

Special Olympics Event

Prehen Boathouse 500 metre sprint

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Boat Categories – K-Boats, Sea Kayaks, GPs, Open Boats, Stand Up Paddleboards (SUPs) and Sit on Tops (SOTs)

Categories may be amended in the interests of fairness and competition. Medals will be awarded in all race categories, including Male/Female/Mixed Crews in doubles.

Please note: those participants who are not members/affiliate members of Canoe Association Northern Ireland (CANI) or the Irish Canoe Union (ICU) will be required to pay an additional 1 day insurance of £5.

Paddler Safety

• Car Park – be mindful of other vehicles while moving around the park; especially when carrying boats and equipment.
• Race competitors will receive individual numbered race bibs and be advised of Risk Assessment on display.
• Safety officer will do safety briefing – highlighting potential hazards and possible exit points (see below).
• Race competitors will enter the river and be set off according to race categories or in small groups if the numbers of competitors are low.
• Competitors will line up with steps at boathouse for race starting position, but care must be taken not to be too close to others in terms of avoiding paddle clashes.
• Potential Hazards: Avoid pontoons, bridge pillars and moored boats. Other moving water vehicles (e.g. motorboats, jet skis, yachts), with the exception of the safety boat, are not expected to be on the watercourse during the race.
• Exit or egress points: Numerous exits points on river right before the Craigavon Bridge as a footpath runs alongside the river. Pontoons can be accessed after the Peace Bridge on river left but should be approached from downstream of current. Further exit points are on river left at the steps after Sainsburys or at the Foyle Bridge.
• Coaches/Marshals are first aid qualified and will either paddle with race groups or be located at points along each race. They must be notified if you need assistance or seek to leave the river.
• Additional spotters may be located along the Craigavon Bridge and Peace Bridge. Spotters will contact the lead coach or safety officer either by mobile or VHF.
• All competitors will be briefed on the mandatory rule of helping another paddler in need of help.
• Race Finish: times will only be taken alongside the Registration Desk at the Boathouse
• Competitors must exit the river directly after the race and hand over their race bib at the Registration desk, where they can be signed off the river.
• Race sweepers will ensure that everyone is safely off the river.

NB. Due to potential changes in river or weather conditions the races may be modified in the interests of safety.