Open Water Race

Narrows Challenge 2022 - You Tube Video

 

RACE INFORMATION

Thank You to all participants and volunteers for the Narrows Challenge 2022 - You made it a successful day in the challenging waters of the Narrows Passage (aka Swift Water). Set your calendars for next year and see you then.

 

Saturday October 14, 2023

Pick up race number 9:00 am - 12:00 pm.

Pre-race meeting 12:00
Start 1:00 pm

 

RACE COURSES

Courses are open to OC, SUP, HPK, SK, OW and Other capable human powered craft.

 

Short Course: Distance @ 5 Kilometers (Approximately 3 miles). 

Skill Level 1/2 depending on conditions day of race.

For those new to open water or if day of race conditions are above your abilities for the longer courses.

Start/Finish just outside the Gig Harbor entrance paddling South along shoreline to buoy at 2.5 Km and return to finish line.

 

Intermidiate Course: Distance @ 10 Kilometers (Approximately 6 miles).

Skill level 2/3 depending on conditions day or race.

Participants should have considerable experience in open water and considered intermidiate to expert paddler.

Start/Finish just outside the Gig Harbor entrance paddling South to Point Evans and bouy turn at 5 Km. Return to finish line.

Nautical course with the participant taking into account the tide, current, wind and weather conditions.

 

Expert Course: Distance @ 20 Kilometers (approximately 12 miles). 

Skill Level 2/3 depending on conditions day of race. 

Participants should be highly experienced in open water and considered intermidiate to expert paddler. Able to average 5+ MPH on flatwater and complete course withing 3 hours.

Start/Finish just outside the Gig Harbor entrance paddling South under the Narrows Bridge with turn around buoy at 10 Km between Narrows Park and Point Fosdick.

Nautical course with the participant taking into account the tide, current, wind & weather conditions.

 

Skill Level & Conditions. 

1: Relatively calm with some wave & current action. For the Narrows Challenge paddling close to shore. Favorable to those with experience paddling in open water from beginner to intermediate.

2: Potential rough water with wind and current. Favorable to those with a considerable amount of paddling in open water from intermediate to expert.

3: Potential for high winds with strong current and rough water. Favorable to those with a considerable amount of paddling in open water at the expert level.

 

* Race Commissioners reserve the right to limit any participant based on type of craft, age, experience or conditions.

 

* Race day currents are listed as 10' flood. This equates to paddling with strong currents out to bouy turn and against strong currents on return.

** The Narrows Passage frequently experiences high winds. Potentially creating extreme downwind and upwind race day conditions.

Participate at your level of experience according to the conditions at time of event.

 

 

ENTRY FEES

Pre-registration: Per person $45 / Teams of 6 or more $225.

Registration starting October 7th: Per person $55 / Teams of 6 or more $275.

 

AWARDS - Ceremony at 3:30 pm

20Km: 1st thru 3rd and Hot Shot

10Km: 1st thru 3rd and Hot Shot

5Km: 1st thru 3rd and Hot Shot

Hot Shot: First single person craft to buoy turn on each of the courses.

Ribbons to 1st, 2nd & 3rd place for all categories with three or more participants

 

RACE REGISTRATION

Registration through Pacific Multisports. Create a login if not already a member.

 

 

Registration online May 1, thru 10 AM October 13th.

No in-person or day-of registration.

Participants will recieve pre-race information via PowerPoint presentation.

Race day morning pick up your race number at Gig Harbor Marina & Boatyard: 3117 Harborview Dr, 98335.

12:00 in person pre-race meeting at Check-in location.

 

GETTING TO THE START

Highway 16 across the Narrows Bridge. Follow signs to downtown Gig Harbor.

There are public launch sites at Skansie Brothers Park, Eden Boat Park, Ancich Waterfront Park, Gig Harbor Boat Ramp. After you have launched paddle to the harbor entrance near Lighthouse Point.  Start and Finish will be across from Lighthouse Point. Further instructions provided in pre-race instructions.

 

Mandatory Safety Rules

Participants testify they have experience & are completely capable of remounting their craft in rough water.

Will always wear a Coast Guard Approved PFD.

Will always wear a leash (accept Ocean Kayaks).

Will wear bright colors for high visibility on the water.

Recommended to carry VHS Marine Radio.

Will render assistance to any other participant in need.

 

Water Safety

Event Permit filed with US Coast Guard.

8+ Safety boats positioned on course.

VHF Radio – Channel 72.

Equipped with throw ropes.

Additional floatation devices.

Dedicated individual to monitor Commercial Traffic.

Participants & Safety Boats maintain required distance from all whales.

Will adjust start times as needed.

Coast Guard Auxiliary Patrol requested.

 

Race Day Course Decisions

Any neccassary evaluations of the course conditions on the day of event will be made in agreement with race commissioners: Tod Cole: Race Director and Robert Nissenbaum: ACA Certified Kayak Instructor.

 

Medical Plan

911 is primary Emergency contact for all participants, volunteers and staff.

First aid supplies and guidance available at start/finish line dock.

 

Local Hospital:

St Anthony Hospital

11567 Canterwood Blvd

Gig Harbor, WA 98332

Ph. 253-530-2000

 

Disaster Response

Race Director will make decision to end event in case of natural or man made events.

On site mass communication will be done via volunteers on site.

Mass Email to participants for communication if required.

 

Race Director : Tod Cole

Email: paddle@narrowschallenge.com

Sponsored by Gig Harbor Canoe Kayak Racing Team - Masters