Kayak Classes for 2008

The class rules this year are essentially using the Sound Rowers / Blackburn Challenge rules.

There has been much preference for the classes being set up this way from the kayak community. Classes that are dropped this year include SOF, and short recreational boats. All boats must be able to float when swamped. It a kayak does not have bulkheads, floatbags must be used.

Please consult these rules to see what class your kayak will be in. If you have any questions, just contact Greg Lirot for help on that.  All paddlers must be capable of paddling in large waves and wakes proficiently and with confidence.

K-1 Recreational & Plastic

Maximum length of 16 feet and a 4“ waterline beam of at least 22”. Plastic or composite hulls may be in this class.

K-1 Sea Kayak

This class is comprised of boats complying with USCA sea kayak definitions. It also includes boats marketed as sea kayaks, but exceeding the 18 foot length specification. Examples of this are boats like the Seda Glider, Current Designs Extreme, and other boats. No max length, but must have a 4” waterline beam of at least 8.5% of length and overall beam of at least 10% of length, and 40 pound minimum weight and bulkheads plus hatches fore and aft (with the exception of pre 2000 models which must have airbags in lieu of hatches and bulkheads.). The Epic Endurance is a Sea Kayak under these rules. The Epic 18x gets bumped to Touring, while it makes USCA Sea Kayak rules, there are concerns about its advantage against other mass market boats in the Sea Kayak Class. The 18x Sport is still Sea Kayak.

K-1 Touring Touring

–max length 20 feet and 4” waterline beam at least 18” Max length 20’ and 4” waterline at least 18”. Examples of this class are the Westside EFT, Nelo Razor, KayakPro  Jet, Guillemot Mystery, and the Loki SeaRacer. A Sea Kayak is also bumped up to this class, the Epic 18x.

K-1 Unlimited (racing)

Boats that don’t fit in above divisions. Generally 4” waterline beam under 18”.  ICF K1s are discouraged from this race. Athletes with extensive K1 competition background are the only paddlers that will be permitted to use such boats in this race. K2 Recreational mixed or two men or two women. > 22" width. The overall length of a kayak does not include flip up rudders. For safety all kayaks must have sufficient floatation to support a 25-pound weight in a boat full of water. All kayakers must wear a coast guard approved PFD.

K2 Racing, 2 or more paddlers, < 22" wide.

All kayakers are required to have bailing equipment (pumps or other means to bail out swamped boats). Questionable kayaks will be measured for length and beam prior to the race to determine proper class.

Our resident kayak expert is Greg Lirot. Greg will answer questions regarding class and safety of kayaks. You can email Greg at GregLirot@yahoo.com