September 3, 2024
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.
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 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.
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
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)
Refer to your handbook for the full list of compulsory gear.
All Kayak Stage Gear can be hired and rented
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.
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.
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.
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.
email support@snm.nz or call us on 0800 76 62 66
