Coast to Coast Compulsory Kayak Gear

Kayak Compulsory Gear List – Stage 4 Kayak Leg

Kayak Gear Scrutineering

Kayak gear will be inspected on Saturday morning at Mt White.

Optionally, you can have gear packed into your dry bag checked at Registration on Thursday between 10 AM and 4 PM. Items eligible for early inspection are marked with an asterisk (*).

While some gear overlaps with the mountain run, you must have separate items for kayaking, as the kayak gear will be inspected while competitors are on the mountain run.

All gear must be dry during inspection, and a compression garment is not considered thermal.

Ensure all gear is correctly sized and in addition to what you will be wearing at the start at Mt White.

Coast to Coast Buoyancy Vest (PFD) Requirements

Buoyancy vests may be tested during inspection if they appear inadequate.

Ensure your buoyancy vest meets the required standard before race day.

PFDs must be NZS Type 406, in good condition, with a cinchable webbing waist strap. Other PFDs of equivalent standards may be approved but must be visually inspected on race day.

PFDs certified as ISO 12402-5 are generally not suitable for the Coast to Coast, with exceptions for specific models that meet additional safety requirements.

River-Specific Surf Skis

River-specific surf skis may be used but must gain approval from the River Safety team at least two weeks before the race.

Surf skis must meet the following criteria:

Dedicated over-stern rudder.

Single skin construction on the hull, specific to river conditions.

River-specific venturis, with bailer-style drains recommended (venturis must have bungs for shallow water).

An extra lower body layer is required—either dry-pants, wetsuit, Sharkskin, or similar.

Required Kayak Stage Clothing

Long sleeve thermal base layer top

Long sleeve mid-layer top (>220gsm)

Waterproof long sleeve paddle-specific jacket (seam-sealed with neoprene or cinchable cuffs and neck)

Thermal gloves

Full-length thermal base layer pants

Waterproof pants (seam-sealed)

Thermal hat

Thermal socks

Required Kayak Stage Equipment

Kayak (e.g., Beachcomber, Enigma, Waimak, Duo)

Two flotation air bags

Kayak/river-specific helmet

Paddle

Spray skirt

Buoyancy vest (PFD) with Type 406 bottom cinch strap webbing

Repair/duct tape (>10m)

Dry bag (seam-sealed)

Survival bag (not a blanket, stored in PFD)

Whistle (attached to the competitor)

First aid kit (including 1.5m x 5cm crepe bandage, 2.5m x 2cm strapping tape, 10 Band-Aids, triangular bandage, scissors, and 4 pain relief tablets)

Additional Gear Information

Refer to your handbook for the full list of compulsory gear.

All Kayak Stage Gear can be hired and rented

Coast to Coast Boat Selection Advice

Avoid the “faster boat” fallacy. Stability is key to staying upright, which is crucial for speed. You must complete your first race in the same class of boat you used for your Grade 2 Certificate.

Extra Highly Recommended Kayak Stage Items

These items are not compulsory but are strongly recommended for completing the race:

Boat Repair Equipment: Many withdrawals are due to broken rudders and cracked boats. Bring spare rudder cord, cable ties, a toweling rag for drying, and bitumen flashing tape for repairs.

Booties: Essential for warmth and protection if you need to swim or portage.

Extra Warm Gear: The mandatory gear is a minimum. Consider additional fleece pants and another warm top layer, especially if weather conditions are cold.

Kayak Stage Helmet Requirements

Helmets must be rated for kayaking. Surfing helmets and cycle helmets are not sufficient.

Multi-purpose helmets rated for whitewater (e.g., Kong Scarab) are acceptable if evidence of their rating is provided, but they offer limited side protection and are not recommended.

Multisport Kayak Comparison Chart

The following chart categorizes kayaks based on their stability and suitability for the Coast to Coast race. Consider factors such as body shape, cockpit comfort, and river dynamics when choosing a kayak:

Stable	Intermediate	Elite
Sea Kayak (Barracuda Beachcomber)	Ruahine Firebolt	JKK UFO 6.4
VOK Arrow XL	Quality Kayaks Ultimate	JKK UFO
VOK Arrow	JKK Meteor 2000	Wildabout Phantom
JKK Eclipse 5.7	Brainwave Python	Brainwave FB2
Brainwave ExpressO	Ruahine Firebolt	Andrew Martin Sharp 6.5
Brainwave Express	Ruahine Opus	Andrew Martin Sharp 6
Ruahine Swallow	Saracen Ultra	Sisson Evolution Edge
Saracen	Zen Racing Kayaks Mentor	Sisson Evolution Classic
JKK Eclipse	Sisson Nucleus100	Sisson Evolution Extreme.
Sisson Centrix	Sisson Nucleus80	Ruahine F1
VOK20	Sisson Nucleus60	Andrew Martin Pinnacle
Zen Racing Kayaks Spirit	Paddling Perfection Excalibur	JKK U2
Ruahine Gladiator	JKK Total Eclipse XL	VOK Wahoo
DMK Renegade	JKK Total Eclipse	Flow Rush
Sisson Esprit	Ruahine Gladiator
VOK Epic	VOK Corsiere
Ruahine Intrigue	Wildabout Spook
Sisson Eliminator	Saracen X
Barracuda Enigma	Flow Rockstar
Flow Aspire	Barracuda Waimak

This list is a guide and the categorization may vary based on individual factors like body shape and river dynamics. Ensure your kayak choice aligns with your experience and the specific conditions of the Coast to Coast course.