fitness paddling: exercise, train, race by kayak & canoe

I have refined virtual race rules for the year of 2008 trying to simplify them, to reduce my bookkeeping, and make the race more competitive, even if you are compete against yourself. I had trouble to keep race listings updated during last months.

The main change is that each next entry in the same boat and the same race distance must be faster than previous one. This doesn't apply to your first entry in the new year. So, we are looking for personal records now rather than just to record our training runs. See the rules summary below.

Summary of virtual race rules

1. Race distance. 5 and 10 miles (8 and 16 km).

2. Race course. A closed loop to average over water and wind conditions. Standing water without current is recommended since any current will usually work to your disadvantage on the loop course.

3. Boat. Any human power boats - kayak, canoe or rowing shell

4. Entries. You can enter any time and as often as you can and are able to satisfy the next condition. Use the entry form if possible or follow that format by sending information by e-mail.

5. Go faster. Each subsequent entry in the same boat and race distance must be faster than a previous one (except the first entry in a new year).

6. Time recording by any GPS unit. I can accept some other recording methods like, e.g., a speedometer on a water without current.

7. Points:

• 1 point for each 5 mile entry
• 2 points for each 10 mile entry
• 1 additional point for every 0.5 mph above 6 mph

8. Result posting. I will post race result as before for 5 and 10 mile course separately for cruisers (speed < 6 mph) and racers (speed > 6 mph). Additionally, the supermen with speed > 7 mph are recognized by red color listing. Points are listed for all paddlers together.

9. Paddlers info. I would like to maintain a paddler information page, at least, for more frequent racers. So, you are welcome to send pictures of yourself, your boats and paddling waters, and any information, stories or tips you would like to share.

Everybody is invited to race! Solo, tandems or adventure racer teams. Kayaks or canoes. Any paddling boats and paddlers of all skill levels. You can submit as many entries as you wish to show your progress. I think that, especially, interesting are entries from the same paddler racing different boats or the same boat under different conditions, using different paddles, etc.

There are two marathon distances, 5 and 10 miles, and 1000 meter sprint race. The race results are posted separately for the cruisers with the average speed below 6 mph, and, for the racers with the speed above 6 mph.

This is the third year of the virtual race. The entries include touring and sea kayaks, multisport kayaks, specialized racing kayaks like WSBS Thunderbolt or Nelo Razor, surfski, sprint K1, and not so many canoes. No tandem boats yet.