Rules & Safety for the 2021 Virtual Challenge (Revised October 3/21)
There are 2 major areas of concern on this year's route:
You should be aware of an eddy forming at the foot of the Falls at Kelvin Grove Park near the Start/Finish. There is a safety buoy marking it. Stay Clear! Stay at least 150 metres away from the Falls.
* There is a VERY strong eddy (bordering on whirlpool) at the point where the South Branch joins the North Branch. Stay closer to the shore on your right when paddling downstream and on your left when paddling upstream. Stay away from the dock by the INN!
Check this year's Race Course Map.
In the interests of avoiding collisions between boats meeting each other at the bends please follow these guidelines:
Going upstream - move closer to the river bank but not too close to shallow waters.
Going downstream – stick to the middle of the river ( except as noted above *) or slightly wide. The current is generally strongest in the deeper channel.
Covid-19 Rules
Participants must adhere to all Covid-19 Rules in place at the time of the Challenge.
Please remember to follow standard rules of maintaining 2 metres social distancing and mask-wearing when applicable.
For complete Covid-19 information, go to our Safety Page.
If you have any symptoms indicating that you may have contracted Covid-19 - please stay home - and feel better.
A special Note to Juniors: We are very sorry that we have had to limit Solo Classes to age 18 and up for this Challenge. We unfortunately were not able to come up with a reasonable solution to guarantee your Safety for this Virtual event. We hope that you will be able to talk your family into dusting off the Tandem boat and joining you this year for a fun family Challenge.
North Canoes
Unfortunately, due to Canoe Kayak Canada restrictions currently in place regarding large Crew Boats as well as Provincial guidelines, practice as well as participating in the Challenge is not practical. We are afraid that similar restrictions will still be (or become again) in place this October.
We will certainly miss the Big Canoe race again this year, but look forward to hosting a new and expanded race for 2022.
General
This is a Virtual Challenge - you will be responsible for your own preparation and Safety.
The 2021 Challenge will operate on the Honour System.
You will be responsible for timing yourselves and completing the route that you have chosen.
You may use a stopwatch, wristwatch with timer, Smart phone - whatever you trust to be accurate. If you have a GPS-enabled smart watch or mobile phone you may wish to use a tracking App such as Strava (information here).
The number participating in a start will depend on Covid-19 Rules in place at the time.
Please remember that Covid-19 Rules may require that team mates in Tandem Classes be members of a family or social bubble. Team mates can be changed before the paddle date if the GMPE is notified by October 7th.
General Rules
Please limit start times to 8:00 am through 4:00 pm (3:00 pm for 20 km. paddlers) on October 8th, 9th or 10th.
We suggest that you do a safety countdown to your start:
1/ Press Start on your timing device
2/ Get yourself settled in/on your craft, paddle in hand while you count down.
3/ Start.
You should deduct this time (whether you settle on a 10 sec. or 3 sec. or whatever you choose) from your finishing time - remember - Honour System.
This will provide a safe start.
As you finish, take care as you press Stop on your device – that's not a fun time to dump.
The routes can be a challenging . It is expected that you will be in good physical condition and reasonable health. It is critical that you are competent at paddling and have sufficient resources and experience for self-rescue and first aid.
You will carry mandatory equipment.
Seasonal conditions can be unpredictable and can change quickly. You may be exposed to wind, waves, rain, snow (yes - it did happen one year), or cold temperatures. Of course we have experienced beautiful Muskoka Fall days too.
The course is remote in some areas of the 20km. route with limited access. As this is a Virtual event you must be prepared to support yourself until emergency response can access your location, depending on the circumstances.
In an emergency situation, notifying EMS (911) if necessary will be up to you and your Buddy.
Canoe, Kayak & SUP Marathon Safety
Once again, please remember that you will be responsible for your own safety during this Challenge.
In the event of any emergency, 911 is the first call to make
The Buddy System Rule
This year’s Virtual Challenge requires that participants must team up with another Canoe/Kayak/SUP to start the race – the “Buddy System” Rule. Ideally you will partner up with other participants of similar abilities. Buddy's should keep an eye on each other during the paddle and make sure that they connect at the Finish.
Note: If you have difficulty connecting with a partner please contact us here and we’ll try to help you out.
Mandatory Equipment required per Participant/Team:
Map and Course Details (Waterproof map bag suggested)
Cell Phone - fully charged - in a water-tight bag
A buoyant 50 ft (15 m) heaving line
Bailing device (canoe/kayak only)
A sound-signaling device (e.g. whistle)
First Aid Kit including: Closure bandages; Adhesive Tape; Gauze Roll; Blister Pads; Antibiotic Ointment; Antibacterial Towelettes; Tensor Bandage and Scissors.
Required gear per Individual Participant:
A Transport Canada / U.S. Coast Guard approved Life Jacket MUST be worn at all times while on or in the water. Self-inflating PFDs are not permitted*.
A paddle (single blade for Canoes and SUPs; double blade for Kayaks and Pack Boats)
Minimum 1 L (2 L recommended) of hydration.
Recommended:
If you are starting later in the afternoon, please include a flash light / navigation lights in case you are delayed.
SUP Paddlers - remember your boots - the water is cold in October !
Extra paddle
Timing device
Utility Knife
Race Nutrition
In addition to clothing worn at the start of the race, the following is a good idea for afterwards:
A wind/waterproof jacket and pant set
A dry set of full-length top and bottom clothing
Dry socks and footwear
A hat that provides warmth
Pair of gloves that provide warmth
Note: The wearing of PFDs (life jackets) is mandatory. As this event takes place after October 1st, Ontario Marathon Canoe Kayak Racing Association says this: “Before May 1 and after October 1 all paddlers in every class must wear a lifejacket or PFD. It is not enough just to have a PFD on-board.”
We are under obligation to enforce this and there will be spotters at random places and times along the routes.
Failure to comply will result in disqualification.
For this race, due to COLD water temperature, inflatable life jackets and belts are not acceptable*.
*Why disallow inflatables? The primary reason for disallowing inflatables is that the Muskoka River is COLD in October. Inflatable life-jackets provide little or no thermal protection. It has been noted that inflatables would not necessarily be inflated by people who fall in but expect to continue to race. Continuing to paddle with an inflated PFD is very awkward, so there is a disincentive to inflate. Also when you deflate them they are no longer valid and legal because the cartridge has been used (unless you insert a spare cartridge).
Race competitors may not use alcohol or any substance that impairs their abilities or functioning before or during the race. Failure to comply will result in disqualification.
Concussion:
Concussions in canoe/kayak/SUP’s are rare, but can occur while participating in any sport or recreational activity. While there are relatively few reported concussions sustained while marathon canoe racing it’s important to remember that aerobic activity can exacerbate the effects of a concussion. Since the circumstances under which a concussion can be sustained are so varied, it’s important for all GMPE participants to be aware of the signs, symptoms and what to do if a possible concussion occurs.
Learn more at Rowan's Law here.
Paddling Conditions:
The Start and Finish line is at Kelvin Grove Park this year and all routes take place on the North Branch of the Muskoka River.
The 5 km race goes downstream to a marker before the Hairpin Bend and returns upstream to Kelvin Grove Park.
The 10 km race turns around on the mark before Santa's Village Park and returns upstream to Kelvin Grove Park.
Due to the high and unsafe current on the South Branch of the Muskoka River ,the 20 km race will consist of paddlers making a double loop of the 10 km route.
The Lady Muskoka is docked in Port Carling this year and it's route will not be a concern for our paddlers.
Weather:
Participants must be aware of the added risks of extreme weather and take reasonable precautions. The decision that weather conditions are not favourable, when made by a GMPE director, is binding on all participants. Any one going on the water against such decisions does so at his/her own risk and will be disqualified from the Challenge. Paddlers and boats will not go on the water in high winds, waves or possible thunderstorms. If weather conditions change for the worse during the Challenge, paddlers will stay close to shore and take refuge as soon as possible. Once again - do not try to outrun a storm. In the event of lightning and thunder, the 30/30 rule will be followed. *If you count 30 seconds or fewer between lightning and thunder, go immediately to shore and seek appropriate refuge. Remain at least 30 minutes after the last thunder.
Heat and humidity can increase risk of heat stroke, sunburn, dehydration and fatigue.
Cold weather increases risk of hypothermia.
Current weather conditions (and forecast) for Bracebridge can be seen online here.
There are 2 major areas of concern on this year's route:
You should be aware of an eddy forming at the foot of the Falls at Kelvin Grove Park near the Start/Finish. There is a safety buoy marking it. Stay Clear! Stay at least 150 metres away from the Falls.
* There is a VERY strong eddy (bordering on whirlpool) at the point where the South Branch joins the North Branch. Stay closer to the shore on your right when paddling downstream and on your left when paddling upstream. Stay away from the dock by the INN!
Check this year's Race Course Map.
In the interests of avoiding collisions between boats meeting each other at the bends please follow these guidelines:
Going upstream - move closer to the river bank but not too close to shallow waters.
Going downstream – stick to the middle of the river ( except as noted above *) or slightly wide. The current is generally strongest in the deeper channel.
Covid-19 Rules
Participants must adhere to all Covid-19 Rules in place at the time of the Challenge.
Please remember to follow standard rules of maintaining 2 metres social distancing and mask-wearing when applicable.
For complete Covid-19 information, go to our Safety Page.
If you have any symptoms indicating that you may have contracted Covid-19 - please stay home - and feel better.
A special Note to Juniors: We are very sorry that we have had to limit Solo Classes to age 18 and up for this Challenge. We unfortunately were not able to come up with a reasonable solution to guarantee your Safety for this Virtual event. We hope that you will be able to talk your family into dusting off the Tandem boat and joining you this year for a fun family Challenge.
North Canoes
Unfortunately, due to Canoe Kayak Canada restrictions currently in place regarding large Crew Boats as well as Provincial guidelines, practice as well as participating in the Challenge is not practical. We are afraid that similar restrictions will still be (or become again) in place this October.
We will certainly miss the Big Canoe race again this year, but look forward to hosting a new and expanded race for 2022.
General
This is a Virtual Challenge - you will be responsible for your own preparation and Safety.
The 2021 Challenge will operate on the Honour System.
You will be responsible for timing yourselves and completing the route that you have chosen.
You may use a stopwatch, wristwatch with timer, Smart phone - whatever you trust to be accurate. If you have a GPS-enabled smart watch or mobile phone you may wish to use a tracking App such as Strava (information here).
The number participating in a start will depend on Covid-19 Rules in place at the time.
Please remember that Covid-19 Rules may require that team mates in Tandem Classes be members of a family or social bubble. Team mates can be changed before the paddle date if the GMPE is notified by October 7th.
General Rules
Please limit start times to 8:00 am through 4:00 pm (3:00 pm for 20 km. paddlers) on October 8th, 9th or 10th.
We suggest that you do a safety countdown to your start:
1/ Press Start on your timing device
2/ Get yourself settled in/on your craft, paddle in hand while you count down.
3/ Start.
You should deduct this time (whether you settle on a 10 sec. or 3 sec. or whatever you choose) from your finishing time - remember - Honour System.
This will provide a safe start.
As you finish, take care as you press Stop on your device – that's not a fun time to dump.
The routes can be a challenging . It is expected that you will be in good physical condition and reasonable health. It is critical that you are competent at paddling and have sufficient resources and experience for self-rescue and first aid.
You will carry mandatory equipment.
Seasonal conditions can be unpredictable and can change quickly. You may be exposed to wind, waves, rain, snow (yes - it did happen one year), or cold temperatures. Of course we have experienced beautiful Muskoka Fall days too.
The course is remote in some areas of the 20km. route with limited access. As this is a Virtual event you must be prepared to support yourself until emergency response can access your location, depending on the circumstances.
In an emergency situation, notifying EMS (911) if necessary will be up to you and your Buddy.
Canoe, Kayak & SUP Marathon Safety
Once again, please remember that you will be responsible for your own safety during this Challenge.
In the event of any emergency, 911 is the first call to make
The Buddy System Rule
This year’s Virtual Challenge requires that participants must team up with another Canoe/Kayak/SUP to start the race – the “Buddy System” Rule. Ideally you will partner up with other participants of similar abilities. Buddy's should keep an eye on each other during the paddle and make sure that they connect at the Finish.
Note: If you have difficulty connecting with a partner please contact us here and we’ll try to help you out.
Mandatory Equipment required per Participant/Team:
Map and Course Details (Waterproof map bag suggested)
Cell Phone - fully charged - in a water-tight bag
A buoyant 50 ft (15 m) heaving line
Bailing device (canoe/kayak only)
A sound-signaling device (e.g. whistle)
First Aid Kit including: Closure bandages; Adhesive Tape; Gauze Roll; Blister Pads; Antibiotic Ointment; Antibacterial Towelettes; Tensor Bandage and Scissors.
Required gear per Individual Participant:
A Transport Canada / U.S. Coast Guard approved Life Jacket MUST be worn at all times while on or in the water. Self-inflating PFDs are not permitted*.
A paddle (single blade for Canoes and SUPs; double blade for Kayaks and Pack Boats)
Minimum 1 L (2 L recommended) of hydration.
Recommended:
If you are starting later in the afternoon, please include a flash light / navigation lights in case you are delayed.
SUP Paddlers - remember your boots - the water is cold in October !
Extra paddle
Timing device
Utility Knife
Race Nutrition
In addition to clothing worn at the start of the race, the following is a good idea for afterwards:
A wind/waterproof jacket and pant set
A dry set of full-length top and bottom clothing
Dry socks and footwear
A hat that provides warmth
Pair of gloves that provide warmth
Note: The wearing of PFDs (life jackets) is mandatory. As this event takes place after October 1st, Ontario Marathon Canoe Kayak Racing Association says this: “Before May 1 and after October 1 all paddlers in every class must wear a lifejacket or PFD. It is not enough just to have a PFD on-board.”
We are under obligation to enforce this and there will be spotters at random places and times along the routes.
Failure to comply will result in disqualification.
For this race, due to COLD water temperature, inflatable life jackets and belts are not acceptable*.
*Why disallow inflatables? The primary reason for disallowing inflatables is that the Muskoka River is COLD in October. Inflatable life-jackets provide little or no thermal protection. It has been noted that inflatables would not necessarily be inflated by people who fall in but expect to continue to race. Continuing to paddle with an inflated PFD is very awkward, so there is a disincentive to inflate. Also when you deflate them they are no longer valid and legal because the cartridge has been used (unless you insert a spare cartridge).
Race competitors may not use alcohol or any substance that impairs their abilities or functioning before or during the race. Failure to comply will result in disqualification.
Concussion:
Concussions in canoe/kayak/SUP’s are rare, but can occur while participating in any sport or recreational activity. While there are relatively few reported concussions sustained while marathon canoe racing it’s important to remember that aerobic activity can exacerbate the effects of a concussion. Since the circumstances under which a concussion can be sustained are so varied, it’s important for all GMPE participants to be aware of the signs, symptoms and what to do if a possible concussion occurs.
Learn more at Rowan's Law here.
Paddling Conditions:
The Start and Finish line is at Kelvin Grove Park this year and all routes take place on the North Branch of the Muskoka River.
The 5 km race goes downstream to a marker before the Hairpin Bend and returns upstream to Kelvin Grove Park.
The 10 km race turns around on the mark before Santa's Village Park and returns upstream to Kelvin Grove Park.
Due to the high and unsafe current on the South Branch of the Muskoka River ,the 20 km race will consist of paddlers making a double loop of the 10 km route.
The Lady Muskoka is docked in Port Carling this year and it's route will not be a concern for our paddlers.
Weather:
Participants must be aware of the added risks of extreme weather and take reasonable precautions. The decision that weather conditions are not favourable, when made by a GMPE director, is binding on all participants. Any one going on the water against such decisions does so at his/her own risk and will be disqualified from the Challenge. Paddlers and boats will not go on the water in high winds, waves or possible thunderstorms. If weather conditions change for the worse during the Challenge, paddlers will stay close to shore and take refuge as soon as possible. Once again - do not try to outrun a storm. In the event of lightning and thunder, the 30/30 rule will be followed. *If you count 30 seconds or fewer between lightning and thunder, go immediately to shore and seek appropriate refuge. Remain at least 30 minutes after the last thunder.
Heat and humidity can increase risk of heat stroke, sunburn, dehydration and fatigue.
Cold weather increases risk of hypothermia.
Current weather conditions (and forecast) for Bracebridge can be seen online here.
