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What happens in case of Fog?

Fog is always a risk at this time of year on Table Bay. We strongly recommend (can we insist?) that you load the race way points to your GPS enabled device. Navigational way points can be found here.

  • At 6 am, via the race Whatsapp group, we will notify you if the race is going ahead on schedule or if there has been a fog delay.
  • If there is a fog delay, stay at home. DO NOT COME TO THE RACE VENUE.
  • The next update will be at 8.30 am. Each update will be done at 2 hour intervals.
  • We will give you a minimum of 2hrs notice to get to the start of the race.
  •  The latest the race can start will be 2.30pm.
Fog mid race is a serious safety hazard. If you have ever paddled in fog, you know how incredibly disorientating it is. No matter how well you know the area, or how well you can read the sea, you will get lost. Perhaps the biggest risk is being run down by commercial traffic in Table Bay. To reduce the risk and get everyone home as safer as possible please follow these steps.

  • Be aware of the weather. If you see fog forming, take stock of your surroundings, and make smart decisions. The water is ice cold, and the air temperature will drop. Hypothermia is a real risk. Staying safe and getting home safely is far more important than a race result.
  • If the race safety officer decides to halt racing, the on water safety boats will sound a horn – 3 short blasts, then 3 long blasts. This pattern will be sounded repeatedly.
  • Immediately stop racing and group together with the fellow paddlers around you.
  • If you are alone, use your race issued whistle to attract attention.
  • If you hear a whistle, answer with your whistle and navigate towards one another.
  • Once you have formed a group return to the start by the shortest route possible.
  • Use a GPS enabled device, loaded with course way points to navigate home. The google maps app of your phone works very well.

What happens if the event is cancelled?

If the event is forced to be cancelled 2 months before the planned date, then paddlers will have the option of a refund or transferring their entry to the new date. If the race is cancelled with 2 months of the planned date, paddlers will be able to transfer their entry to the new date. The race organisers will also do their best to offer a full or partial refund dependent upon the expenses already incurred in staging the event. If the conditions on the day force a cancellation then there will no refund or entry transfer. Ocean paddling takes place in an uncontrolled environment and the risk of bad weather cancelling the event is part of the sport.

Is there a window period?

No. Window periods incur substantial additional costs. The venue and staff all need to be booked and paid for, for the entire window period. To have a window period would require a substantial increase in the entry fee.

Will the race be made into a downwind if windy?

No. Our permit is for the specific course. We are not allowed to move the event to another location.

Do I need to be CSA registered?

For the main 27km and 15km courses, yes, if your discipline is governed by CSA. You will need to be a member of a recognised club, a member of your local union and have a full racing CSA license. You will also need to be “open ocean” proficient as per CSA rules. Speak to your club’s safety officer. 8km course participants can enter with either a CSA social license,  be a member of Life Saving South Africa or be a customer of pre- authenticated commercial tour operator.

What happens if I enter but cannot make it on race day?

You can transfer or sell your entry to someone else. Please follow the instructions under the “Entry Transfer” section of the website.

I want to paddle doubles but I don't have a partner yet?

All entries are done as individual entries. This is so you can enter the event with out having to secure a partner.  On April 1st we will open a system whereby those paddling with partners will be able to team up, provided their partner/s have entered.

Is this a race just for surfskis?

Not at all. Any paddle powered craft that is sea worthy enough to complete the race course in a reasonable amount of time is eligible. The race organisers reserve the right to decide what craft will be allowed to enter and compete on the day.