Race Rules, Safety and Code of Conduct

(Updated 11 April 2026)

(1)  Respect all competitors, spectators, club volunteers, officials and other river users.

(2) It is the competitor’s responsibility to know the race rules, safety and the club’s code of conduct, available on the CSKC Website and on the notice board at the registration desk each week.

(3) There is a risk to all competitors, officials, volunteers and spectators when attending and participating an event and do so at their own risk.

(4)  All competitors and people at the event should make sure they have registered their emergency contact person’s name and phone number with the registration desk as early as possible in the year and update this list if details change.

(5) It is also the competitor’s responsibility to read the race briefing that is available on the CSKC website and also on the notice board at the race registration desk each week. You must also listen to the race day briefing just in case there is something different to add for that day.

(6) All craft must be propelled by non-fixed single or double ended paddles.

(7)  All competitors must know the race course for the week’s race and adhere to their start time if it is a handicapped start.

(8) At the start the bow of all craft shall be either level or behind the start line. Craft that are in front of the start line may be issued a time penalty at the completion of the race.

(9) If a competitor misses their start, their race time will not be adjusted. If a competitor starts in an earlier start than that has been given to them, they will be disqualified and no time recorded. 

(10) You must wear a 50 S or above PFD if the paddler

• • • Is under 14 years of age.
    • Is not a strong swimmer.
    • Is paddling in open waters. Outside of harbour, port or river.
    • Is instructed to wear if the race committee deems it necessary.

(11)  All CSKC race courses are tidal so care should be taken as some hazards may be either level or just under the water’s surface when other times, they will be well under the surface and not be a hazard unless you capsize in the area.

(12) All craft must have a CSKC race number visible. Your time may not be recorded if race number is missing. You must tell the time recorder if your number has come off during the race.

(13) All craft must be self-buoyant. Open canoes and kayaks must have fixed buoyancy front and back to keep craft afloat level in case of capsize and able to support the weight of the paddler without sinking. 

(14) All paddlers to determine if the weather conditions and planned course are within their capabilities.

(15) The race could be altered, delayed or cancelled by the race committee if there is a current strong wind warning, flooding or thunder storms are present or expected or any unforeseen event.

(16) If lightning becomes evident during the race you must exit the water and seek the most appropriate shelter. 

Any paddler in difficulty must be assisted by those in the vicinity, and any time taken to assist will be considered in your time and awarding of results once the incident has been investigated and a conclusion reached.

It is recommended that paddlers wear appropriate footwear, particularly where there is risk of injury especially if the race involves portages.

(17) If there is a serious collision with another craft, particularly a powered craft, during the race or even at training, a report needs to be lodged with NSW Maritime as soon as it is possible. If a person is injured or worse during the collision, NSW Water Police also need to be contacted as soon as possible and a full report given of the incident. NSW Maritime and NSW Water Police consider it an offence not to report this type of incident and penalties may apply.

(18) Follow all channel markers on the course unless advised otherwise.

(19) Give space at channel markers and other river hazards for other competitors inside of you that you are aware of.

(20) You must keep to the right of any oncoming paddlers unless they are too far off the racing line but must be done safely.

(21) Passing paddlers going the same direction should be passed on the port side unless there is no other option and must be done safely.

(22) Paddlers being passed should not deviate from their racing line.

(23) Wash-riding is allowed but you must allow space between craft for paddling.

(24) Pink buoys are for separating oncoming paddlers and you must keep to the right of them.

(25) Yellow buoys are turns and you must keep to the right of them. All turns are anti-clockwise unless advised otherwise. You must make space for any paddler whose bow is in front of your cockpit when entering the turn. You may allow space for other paddlers inside of you on the turn.

(26) You are not allowed at any time to deliberately run into another competitor’s paddle or craft or force another paddler into a channel marker, river hazard or another craft.

(27) Competitors who have finished must keep clear of the finish line to allow others to finish unimpeded. 

(28) If you are entering or exiting the river at a different location than the normal start/finish location, make sure to register at the registration desk and also make sure the time keeper knows that you have finished the race so your name can be ticked off as finished.

(29) Any incident or infractions during the race must be reported to a member of the CSKC race committee within 20 minutes of finishing. The name and/or boat number of all people involved needs to be supplied as well as any potential witnesses. The location of incident and description of all craft involved is also required. Contact phone numbers and email will also need to be supplied if requested. The available race committee members will investigate and handle the discussion with all involved and hand out penalties if warranted. At no time should either party interact. The information may also be required in writing if deemed necessary by the committee.

(30) If a person is injured at the event, first aid needs to be given by a first aid officer who is located in the vicinity.

CSKC Race Committee.
President, Vice President, Race directors, Race secretary.