Please check this page again before the race. We will be adding more suggestions as the race approaches and want everyone to be as prepared and well equipped as possible.
We want everyone participating in the Tenandeho White Water Derby to have an great time and a safe experience. This page is intended to assist participants in being more prepared for the race. This page is only a collection of suggestions from past participants, it is by no means intended to be an all inclusive list of equipment needed for this race. Every individual needs to decide for themselves whether they feel comfortable participating based on the conditions, their experience, and their gear at the time of the race.
Below are groups of tips for all participants, participants using open deck boats (such as canoes), and closed deck boats (such as kayaks). We hope to see you at this year's race.
TCA
All Participants
- US Coast Guard approved, over the shoulder life jackets are required for all participants.
- Helmets are required to be worn from start to finish by all competitors in the race. Anyone not complying will be disqualified.
- Wet suits / dry suits are highly recommended. The water is typically very cold this time of year. Exposure to this temperature can very quickly reduce the strength of your limbs, and then lead to hypothermia. There are also portions of the creek where you may not be able to immediately climb up on shore.
- Ropes on the bow and stern of your boat can make loading and unloading your boat much easier. They also make retrieving a lost boat much easier.
- Floatation (air bags) are suggested for all boats. They help limit the amount of water in the boat and can help retrieving a swamped boat much easier.
Participants using open decked boats such as canoes
- It is highly recommended to bring an extra paddle.
- Don't forget a mechanism to bail any water that gets in the boat.
Participants using closed decked boats such as kayaks
- Spray skirts are highly recommended. With most boats a standing wave can easily make it over the bow and swamp your boat.
- Check you can stretch your sprayskirt onto the boat. Some can be a tight fit and extremely difficult to get onto the boat the first time of the year, especially if it's a cool morning. It can be helpful to leave the skirt on the boat overnight the night before the race.
