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About the
Sprint Racing Program | News | Newsletter
| Race Schedule | Regatta
Results |
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Regattas The highlight of the paddling season is attending regattas. All the hard work the athletes put into their training finally pays off when they showcase themselves at these races. The coaching staff determines who will compete in certain regattas and does their best to ensure everyone is given the opportunity to compete in the maximum number of races allowed in each regatta. Whether large or small, near or far, these regattas provide Calgary athletes the opportunity to show that we have encouraged a positive and supportive program for all of our members. We do this through our results in races and more importantly through the support and cheering that the athletes, coaches, and parents provide while any of our members is competing. Regatta Officials Every regatta that paddlers attend, whether home or away, the following officials are needed to successfully run the competition: Chief Official Ensures competition is run according to rules and is on time. Chief Finish Line Judge Compares judges’ slips to verify order of finish, and lets Scorekeeper know the results. Finish line Judges Judges the order of finish and complete a judge’s slip. A pair of binoculars is needed for this job. Timer Records times. Competition Secretary Records the placing in program together with crew changes, scratches, disqualification’s etc. Whipper-in Ensures each crew checks in and obtains boat and body number, communicates scratches or changes to Chief Official and ensures return of boat and body numbers after each crew’s event. Announcer Communicates race progress, results, special announcements etc. Referee Ensures rules are followed. Raises white flag if race is completed according to rules, red flag if there have been infractions. Starters At 5, 3, and 1 minute to start, the starter asks crews to align themselves behind start line, approach the start line and await the starting commands. The starter starts each race and is in control of race until all boats have cleared 25 metre mark. Competition Organizer Organizes regatta for Club or Division. Boat Driver Drives referees and follows the race. May have to respond to any emergency situation that arise Competition Committee Chief Official, Chief Finish Line Judge and Competition Secretary - supervise competition, may postpone due to inclement weather, hear protests and settle disputes. Out-of-town Competition A typical regatta day goes as follows... Athletes travel by bus, van or plane depending on distance. You arrive at the competition site by 8 – 8.30 am to allow for competitors in the first race to "whip in" (getting their numbers for their race), warm up and be at the start line for the start of the first race Races usually start at 9 am Athletes are responsible for checking the timetable, whipping in, and being in their boats and at the start line in good time for their race. Coaches and older athletes are there to help, but athletes are expected to take responsibility for themselves. Lunches are usually provided by the chaperones at the race site for a nominal fee, since time is usually short and athletes may be too tired to eat if not prompted. Regattas are usually one or two days. Medals or ribbons are presented at the end of the day. For the Canada Day Regatta in Regina, we usually depart on Friday and return either late Sunday or Monday. The host club usually provides a dinner on the second night therefore Money is needed for snacks or lunch on the trip there and back, breakfast, lunch and dinner for the days of the competition. Nationals or large regattas usually sell T-shirts and other paddling related clothing and equipment, so spending money is needed and limits need to be set! Depending on the location, there are sometimes opportunities to do something fun in the evenings such as swimming etc., so money would be needed for that. You will receive information before each regatta as to costs involved. Boats need to be loaded onto the trailer before leaving for a regatta, at the end of a regatta and again when we return to the Canoe Club. All paddlers are expected to help in this procedure! Tarps are usually rigged on boat trailer for protection from sun and rain. Paddlers usually gather around the trailer as their "home away from home". Regattas are a great place to meet other paddlers and form friendships with paddlers right across the country, not to mention getting to know the paddlers from your own club better. Busses and rooms can be quite close quarters; sometimes you get to know the quirks and personalities of fellow paddlers a little too well! What to bring to a regatta
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