Mandatory Gear

Boat- you may change boats at any time during the race. If you change boats of different classes register for the fastest boat class.

PFD- per USCG guidlines PFD must be worn or easily accessible at all times

Lights- Lights are required at night although you don't have to run them. We recommend a bow light, head lamp or hand held spotlight.

​Ground Crews are recommended but not required. 

Boat Classes

Kayak- sea kayaks or surf skis

Traditional Canoe- no rudder or outrigger, paddlers must use a single blade for the entire race

Unlimited Canoe- any boat that is not a traditional canoe or if you plan to use a kayak paddle for any portion of the race

SUP- although you may sit or kneel to rest, you are expected to stand for the majority of the race and use a SUP paddle

C-4 or C-6 canoe

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Each division, except C-4 and C-6, can be further divided into Men's and Women's solo or Tandem Mens, Women's or mixed. If a team looses a member, they can continue with the remaining racers.

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Portage/Down Time

There is a mandatory Portage at mile 58. You will see Big Shoals kayak launch on the right and the portage trail is about a mile down on the left. The portage is about a quarter mile long. There is a small eddy where you can put in but if you continue along the trail until it runs into a small stream there is a larger eddy and a shelf you can stand on that will make it easier to remount your boat. You may use wheels and racers may assist each other but you may NOT receive assistance from your ground crew. Failure to portage around the rapids here will result in damage to your boat, as it is a series of limestone ledges, and a time penalty will be added to your finish time.

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The race runs continuously, meaning that there is no mandatory down time. There is no "camping" at most of the parks. If you stop to rest be unobtrusive and be ready to move on if asked.