Pacifico 8-Ball Kayak Sprint

FULL CONTACT KAYAKING

Can you make it through this Mountain Games original without some carnage? 🎱: Outlook not so good.

Sunday, June 9
1:00 PM

IMPORTANT: Registration for this event closes Saturday, June 8 at 6:00 PM. Athletes must arrive at Whitewater HQ on the Gore Creek Promenade 45 minutes before the race start to check in, attend race safety meeting and pick up their competition bib.

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Event Overview

SUNDAY, JUNE 9

1:00 PM

The Pacifico 8-Ball Kayak Sprint is a whitewater battle royale sprint to the finish. After a floating start at the Covered Bridge, as many as 10 kayakers will push, shove, and jostle their way through a 200-meter sprint in the narrow confines of Gore Creek. Along the way, boaters must avoid being knocked off by the 8-Ballers – loathsome kayakers in full body armor waiting patiently to attack the sprinters and slow them down throughout the course.

Times

SUNDAY, JUNE 9

1:00 PM

Rules

CATEGORIES:

Open – Men
Open – Women

EQUIPMENT:

Boat may not exceed 9′ in length.
- If in doubt about your boat, ask Race Directors at least 24 hours in advance of competition.

MANDATORY EQUIPMENT:

PFD
Helmet
Protective footwear
Dry-top, paddling jacket or wetsuit

Strongly recommended EQUIPMENT includes:

Gloves
Full-face helmets
Elbow pads
Chest and rib protection

FORMAT & RULES:

Athletes must arrive at Whitewater HQ on the Gore Creek Promenade 45 minutes before race start to check in, attend race safety meeting and pick up the competition bib.
The final number of heats will be determined the day of the race based on the total number of athletes registered. 
Final race rules and format will be available during the safety meeting.   
The race begins with competitors starting in a “reverse floating start” format at the Covered Bridge. When all of the competitors are as close as possible, the starter will blow a horn. Paddlers will then sprint 200 meters down Gore Creek to the “finish line” (in line with the upstream side of the International Bridge). As they paddle, boaters must avoid being pushed off course by the “8-Ball kayakers” who will be positioned along the course. The 8-Ball kayakers’ goal is to impede the forward progress of lead racing kayakers.
Both hands must remain on the athlete’s paddle at all times. No intentional grabbing, shoving, hitting or horseplay will be allowed. Unsportsmanlike conduct may result in disqualification.
Top finishers will advance to the next round. Number of racers advancing will be determined by the number of athletes in each heat. Rounds will continue until a winner is determined. 
Athletes are encouraged to use reef safe sunscreen during all competitions.
All athletes should be aware that all competitions take place in mountain rivers which may have challenging conditions such as underwater obstacles, unseen hazards, rocks, debris and vegetation.
CLEAN, DRAIN, DRY. Before participating in this year’s GoPro Mountain Games, athletes’ gear should be CLEAN of plants, mud, and debris; DRAINED of standing water; and completely DRY before your competition. Following these CLEAN, DRAIN, DRY steps helps to protect the waters we paddle from aquatic invasive species.