All CSA registered entrants must be AR rated according to CSA rules and regulations.  Paddlers who are CR rated and have completed their River Proficiency Test, may paddle the race in the back of a K2 with a paddler who has completed 10 or more “Fishes.  Consult the CSA website for further information or contact your Union if uncertain.  Entry List goes to Unions for verification!  All entrants from foreign countries must satisfy the EPCU and Fish Safety Officer of their ability to handle the racing conditions presented by the Hansa Fish.

CSA approved life jackets are compulsory on both days. These will be checked and if incorrect, paddlers will be prohibited from taking part. Helmets are not compulsory, but highly recommended on Day 1 for Toastrack Bridge, especially for novice paddlers.

Private sponsorship: no apparel or equipment bearing logos or products in direct conflict with sponsor’s market will be permitted. During TV and Media interviews, paddlers must ensure they are wearing race sponsor’s apparel.

Valid CSA registration numbers and Sponsor decals must be placed on each side of the front deck of the boat. Other sponsorship must be placed on the rear deck or on the sides behind the front point of the cockpit. Batch stickers must be placed on the front left hand deck and be clearly visible.

The winner is the competitor completing the race in the shortest total time. The Senior and U18 class are the only open classes.

There will be a Le Mans start at Grassridge Dam on Day 1. The seeded paddlers will be in a separate smaller batch. All late entries will be unseeded and in the last batches. Elapsed start on Day 2.

10 litres of buoyancy (in front AND in back) is imperative and will be checked. Beach balls and bottles ONLY permissible if secured to the boat.

Paddles may be exchanged. No canoes replaced. No outside assistance of any kind allowed, except in an emergency.

Withdrawals from the race must inform an official (wearing official bibs) and provide their name and boat number ASAP.

The area behind any line of buoys is NO MAN’S LAND! If entering you will be disqualified.

Any appeal must be lodged in writing within one hour of the competitor completing the specific leg, to a member of the Jury. R50 must accompany the protest. CSA rules will apply.

No competitor under 14 years of age is allowed to compete in a K1

Cradock Weir: Only the first 50 Boats may go over the weir wherever they choose, but if you land on another boat below the weir, you will be disqualified. The rest of the field may only pass under the safety marshal’s orders. Safety will be left to the Lifesavers’ discretion. No discussion in this regard.

The organizers reserve the right to :

Disqualify any participants, penalise with a time penalty or apply appropriate disciplinary action against any competitor in breach of the marathon rules or who in any way tries to improve his position in a dishonest way.

Enforce the withdrawal of any number of participants whenever the safety or health of participants is endangered.

Amend or add to the rules at any stage. No change or amendments to the rules are allowed unless approved by the chief official. The organizers reserve the right of entry. Unless sound reasons can be given, a canoeist who disobeys any rules – whether they be specified in the brochure, on the entry form, pre-race note or given at the pre-race meeting – will be disqualified.

K1 and K2 allowed. K3 only permitted subject to certain conditions:
a. All paddlers in the K3 must be competent and qualified to do the Fish.
b. The Front paddler must have completed at least two Fish River marathons, either in a single or in the front of a multi seated Kayak.
c. All the K3's will be batched with K2s that are of about the same speed as they are, as they are not starting in one batch at the back of the race.
d. At all times K3 must give way to the racing class (in this case K2).
e. K3 crew must be particularly considerate to other participants in that they are paddling a large craft that may hinder smaller more manoeverable kayaks.
f. K3 entrants must get their entry forms signed off by their Union Safety Officer stating that all the paddlers are suitably qualified to do the Fish River Marathon

The race Committee’s decision will be final and the marathon accepts no responsibility for any loss, damage, injury or death resulting from the race.

NO REFUNDS WILL BE GIVEN TO ANY ENTRANT THAT ENTERS THE HANSA FISH CANOE MARATHON AND THEN, FOR WHATEVER REASON, CANNOT TAKE PART IN THE RACE.