Coast to Coast Kayak Stage Leg 4

70km – Mt White Bridge to Waimakariri River Gorge Bridge

Cut-Off Times (Indicated by Air Horn)

3:00 PM: You must be on the river at Mt White.

4:30 PM: Cut-off at Gooseberry Checkpoint.

7:00 PM: Kayakers must be past Woodstock Checkpoint (15km above Gorge Bridge).

8:15 PM: Competitors must reach the Waimakariri River Gorge Bridge.

Important Coast to Coast Kayak Stage Rules

You must carry all compulsory kayak equipment. See pages 9 & 10 of the handbook for the checklist.

Follow all signage and official directions. Failure to do so could place you outside the managed safety area, putting you at risk.

Waimakariri River Conditions

The Waimakariri River is usually low around the race date, with flows ranging between 35-70 cumecs at the Otarama Gauge. The maximum allowable flow for race day is 180 cumecs, though this may vary depending on weather conditions. The river is classified as Grade 2 and features braided river sections and gorges, with potential hazards such as wave trains, strong eddy lines, bluffs, midstream rocks, and trees.

Kayaking Stage Overview

Start by paddling downstream through easy Grade 1 riffles with multiple braid options. Good river reading skills will help you choose the fastest lines.

After approximately 30 minutes, you’ll encounter the Rock Garden Rapids, which change annually but typically involve maneuvering around boulders and navigating larger waves.

At 15km, you will reach the Gooseberry Stream Checkpoint, the last chance to exit before entering the Waimakariri Gorge.

The Gorge, approximately 30km long, features larger wave trains, bluffs, and boily eddy lines. Landmarks include Hamilton Rapid and the Red Staircase Viaduct.

The Woodstock Checkpoint marks the end of the Gorge and the beginning of the final 15km braided section, where willow tree hazards are common.

Waimakariri River Safety Notes

If you expect to swim, consider using a more stable kayak or spending more time on Grade 2 water. A swim can cost you 15 minutes and expose you to unnecessary risk.

River safety personnel are stationed at known trouble spots but are not present everywhere. Be prepared to self-rescue.

Familiarize yourself with international river signals, as officials may use them to communicate hazards or direct you.

Jet boats are part of the safety management system, used for transporting officials, rescuing competitors, and providing communications and evacuations.

Ensure your bib number is visible to checkpoint officials, and follow all signage to stay within managed river braids.

Coast to Coast Grade 2 Kayaking Skills Certificate

New competitors must email a signed copy of their current Grade 2 Kayak Certificate by January 20, 2025. Certificates older than two years will require a $50 administration fee. If you’ve completed the Kayak Stage in the past five years, you only need to state the year(s) you competed on the entry form.

We recommend re-certifying every five years if you are not regularly kayaking on Grade 2 water.

The Certificate requires you to verify your competence in the listed skills. Coast to Coast does not guarantee the safety or quality of listed operators.

Grade 2 kayak instructors

Coast to Coast Grade 2 Kayaking Skills Certificates will only be accepted from:

NZOIA Multisport Kayak Instructor (endorsed assessors)

Anyone holding a current NZOIA Kayak 1

North Island – Social Nature Movement:

Chris Lacoste 0275011639 clacoste@snm.nz

NZOIA Multisport Kayak Instructor, NZOIA Kayak 1 & Rescue 3 International Whitewater Rescue Technician ‘pro’