2026 Valhalla - Two Bridges Kayak Race

Competitor Information and FAQs

• Race Terms and Conditions

  General Terms and Conditions

  • Registration fees for the race shall be set at $30.00

  • Registering for this race shall be deemed as acknowledgement of these terms in harmony with the Royal Hobart Regatta ‘Terms and Conditions’ as listed on the Royal Hobart Regatta website

  • Competitors must comply with all reasonable instructions issued by race officials and/ or safety crews. Failure to do so may result in disqualification

  • All competitors are required to attend the safety briefing at the time and location posted on the Royal Hobart Regatta Association website

  • It is the responsibility of competitors to inform race officials of any medical conditions relevant to their participation in the event

  • In the event a competitor is below the age of 18 (Junior Categories) a parent or guardian shall assume responsibility for their compliance within these terms

  • Competitors are advised that during the event there will be other craft and/ or persons on the water. This may include, yet not be limited to:

    • Competing Swimmers

    • Naval Vessels

    • Rowing Sculls

    • Race Officials and Safety Crews

    • TasPorts logistical vessels (example Tug Boats/ Pilots)

    • Personal and/ or Commercial watercraft not associated with the event

    • Vessels engaging in activities associated with the Australian Wooden Boat Festival

  • Private boats cannot enter the Regatta venues unless by sea and shall be restricted to areas beyond the kayaking and rowing courses

  • During the course of this event Marine and Safety Tasmanian shall invoke Regulation 71 (Pilotage and Navigation) of the Marine and Safety Regulations which describe safe navigation procedures during such events. Regulation 71 enables TasPorts to direct vessels in a manner which effects the ongoing safe coordination of the Regatta in conjunction with Regatta administration

  Race Terms and Conditions

  • In the case of opposing traffic keep right

  • All craft must have sufficient fixed or positive buoyancy to float when filled with water

  • All competitors must notify a race official if withdrawing from the event using all practical means

  • All competitors must be able to swim adequately in waters on which the race is being held

  • All watercraft are required to carry an adhesive number which shall be attached to both sides of the bow of the vessel as instructed by the race organiser

  • In the event a craft is overtaking another it is the duty of the overtaking craft to always keep clear of competitors. Where a craft is racing in a group of competitors it is the duty of all the competitors in said group to always provide suitably ample space between each other

• Transport and parking

  • What are my transport/parking options for getting to and from the event?

    Whilst carpooling is advised, parking will be available at the Regatta Grounds from 7am. Public parking is $10, however upon presentation of a valid race entry ticket, a reduced parking rate for the day of $8 applies. EFT facilities are available.

  • Do I have to bring my printed ticket to the event?

    No. However to take advantage of reduced parking rates, participants will need to show a valid race entry ticket - either printed, or digital - to parking controllers.

• Race safety

  • If a competitor falls out of their craft 3 times consecutively within 10 minutes a water safety crew will escort them to land. Collection thereafter will be the responsibility of the competitor. Depending on the location of the collection, crafts will only be taken to land where safe to do so

  • Competitors are required to wear a properly fitting life jacket. Failure to do so may result in disqualification

  • The Royal Hobart Regatta Association will provide safety craft coverage for the event

  • In the event a race official deploys a red flag during the race it shall signify the event has been stopped. Competitors are to proceed directly to the start/ finish area

  • If personal safety of a competitor is compromised they are to go ashore at the nearest, safest location and contact officials by phone where possible

  • Where a competitor is in distress paddlers in the immediate area are required to render assistance in the absence of a safety crew. Failure to do so may result in disqualification

  • Race officials will conduct all relevant risk assessments for the effective coordination of the event. Competitors are further encouraged to make their own, personal risk assessment to ensure they are confident with the distance, course and conditions

• Assistance

  • A competitor may not be accompanied along the course or assisted in any way by other craft not entered in the event or by any vessel (example runabout)

  • In the event of a capsize a competitor may receive assistance with emptying their craft and regaining his or her paddling position but may not be progressed in any way

  • No exchange or substitution of craft is permitted

• Weather considerations

  • Weather conditions will be monitored continuously and decisions made due to inclement conditions will be distributed to competitors as soon as practicable

  • Competitors are advised that the River Derwent can be affected by wind and thereby competitors should ensure they are adequately equipped physically to paddle safely in changing and/ or unpredictable conditions

• Mandatory equipment

  • Competitors are required to have the following:

    • Boat Leash (which must be attached to you and your craft during the race)

    • Compliant Personal Flotation Device (PFD)

    • High visibility Clothing including a hat

    • Food and/ or water in a quantity suitable for the entirety of the race

    • Sunscreen

  • Competitors should attire themselves appropriately for the conditions.

  • GPS and/ or heart rate monitors may be used however they should not emit any sound.

• Disqualification and penalties

  • Any competitor who attempts to compete in a race by any other than honourable means and/ or who breaks the racing regulations shall be penalised or disqualified for the duration of the race

  • Any competitor who disregards the honourable nature of the racing regulations will be penalised or disqualified for the duration of the race

  • Should a competitor be found to have not follow the correct course the competitor shall be deemed to have broken the racing regulation and will be subject to a penalty.

• Protests

  • Protests shall be mitigated by a jury comprising the race officials as posted on the Royal Hobart Regatta Association Website

  • Lodgement of a protest shall incur a $50.00 submission fee

  • All protests must be submitted in written form and addressed to the Race Officials

  • All protests must be received no later than 30 minutes from the conclusion of the race

  • Race officials shall be permitted to commence issuing preliminary results and/ or carry out reward ceremonies after the first three competitors of the class have completed the course.

  • Should an incident be witnessed by race officials and action intended every effort will be made to notify teams and spectators

  • The decision of the Race Officials on a reported protest will be addressed within 30 minutes of the protest being received or the incident reported.