KAYAK
Kayak
~3.5mi with class II rapids
The kayak leg begins at Harlan Landing, sending racers onto the Yakima River for a fast, flowing stretch powered by spring runoff. Athletes navigate Class II water as the river winds through cottonwoods and open bends, rewarding strong paddling and smart line choices. The leg finishes back at Sarg Hubbard Park, where racers exit the river and transition into the road bike, carrying momentum from the water into the next stage of the race.
Course Map:
Equipment, SKILLS & Safety:
To maintain high standards for fairness and safety in this race, all boats must pass the safety inspection on race day. All racers must comply with the following safety rules or be subject to disqualification:
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1. All kayaks (in all divisions) must meet a minimum length of 13 feet (not including rudders or handles). Inflatable kayaks are not allowed. Sit-on-top kayaks do qualify if they meet the length/width ratio and are over 13 feet long.
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2. All kayaks (in all divisions) must have watertight bulkheads and watertight hatches or secure, positive flotation in both ends of their boat.
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3. All paddlers must wear a standard U.S. Coast Guard approved LEVEL 70 or TYPE III vest-style inherently buoyant Life Jacket (PFD) *and* have a whistle. Your PFD must be worn properly fastened on your body at all times during the race. All inflatable PFD’s, whether Type III approved or not, are prohibited.
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4. All racers should be capable of performing some form of remount or self-rescue (e.g., paddle float self-rescue, cowboy remount, Kayak roll, etc.).
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5. All kayaks must be paddled by one person using a double-bladed paddle as the sole means of propulsion.
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6. We recommend the use of spray skirts for sit-inside sea kayaks, but only if you are skilled in how to do a wet exit while wearing a spray skirt. Following boat manufactures recommendations is suggested.
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7. SUP’s are allowed.
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8. Earbuds, headphones or similar music/audio systems are prohibited while racing.​
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9. Folding kayaks are something new to the market and are acceptable if they meet the same safety rules as a normal kayak. With that said, they are NOT recommended for the fast and potentially rough water of the Yakima River (they are designed to be used on quiet lakes and calm anchorages) as they have an open cockpit and will take on water in rough waters and they do not have a rudder to help steer in high winds and waves. If your experience level warrants use of this style of kayak, use caution and good judgement, knowing how to self-rescue is imperative.
Boat Safety Inspection Required:
To participate in the Kayak Leg, your boat must pass the safety inspection. There are two opportunities to have your boat inspected. There are two options for boat inspection check off:
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1. Friday (recommended): From 4:00pm – 7:00pm. Once your boat passes inspection on Friday, you will be given a sticker and you will leave your boat (or take it with you if you choose) at the designated boat area. You will need to wait with your boat during inspection before you take it to the Scout storage area. ​
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2. Saturday (Race Day): Boats that are dropped off between 6:00am – 9:00am on Saturday will be inspected on race day. Sunday race day inspection hours are from 6:00 am – 9:00am. Any boat arriving at Harlan Landing after 9:00am on race day will not be inspected and will not be allowed to participate in the race.​
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After your boat passes inspection you will attach your designated kayak bib number visibly to your kayak. Duct tape will be provided.
Kayak Drop-Off on Friday – HIGHLY Recommended:
To avoid the long line and inspection process on race day, we highly recommend you drop off your boat at Harlan Landing between 12:00pm - 7:00pm on Friday. Kayaks dropped off Friday will be watched by a local Boy Scout troop overnight. There is a suggested donation ($5-10) but it is well worth it, as you won’t have to deal with your vessel on Race Day.
Parking/Pickup:
Boat pick up is at Sarg Hubbard Park. Use extra caution, as this will be a high-traffic area, and follow all volunteer and traffic control instructions to ensure a safe and efficient transition for everyone.
Registration:
A designated team representative must pick up the team’s race packet prior to the race. The packet includes the team timing chip, racing bibs, and T-shirts, and the designated representative is responsible for distributing these items to team members. There will be no extra racing bibs available at the exchange areas. Iron Division solo racers must pick up their own race packets prior to the race.
Timing Chips:
Race timing chips are worn on an ankle or wrist band and must remain visible and unobstructed at all times in order to be read. Iron Division solo racers are required to wear their timing chip for the entire race. Teams will use a single timing chip, which must be properly handed off between participants at each transition. The timing chip will not register if it is concealed in any way, such as in a pocket or closed hand. DO NOT LOSE YOUR TIMING CHIP. Teams & Iron participants are responsible for cost of replacing lost timing chips.
Mandatory Pre-Race Meeting:
The Pre-Race briefing meeting will be held at 8am on Race Day at Sarg Hubbard Park. IT IS MANDATORY FOR ALL KAYAKERS TO ATTEND THIS MEETING TO GET THE LATEST SAFETY INFORMATION ABOUT THE COURSE. We will briefly review water and wind conditions, race rules, any course changes, and any questions.