2024 California River Quest Race Rules
Age Restrictions
Due to the extreme nature of this event, strict age limitations will be enforced. Any solo participant must be at least 18 years of age. Any tandem participants must be at least 14 years of age and travel with an adult over the age of 25 at all times. No exceptions. If you are suspected of being under the age of 18, identification with birth date is required at check in.
Waivers
All California 100 participants and volunteers will be required to sign waivers.
Mandatory Check Points
The California River Quest racecourse has three checkpoints. EVERY participant must wave to a race official and shout out your number. Make sure that the official acknowledges you. It is especially important that relay members come to the check-in before switching paddlers – everyone finishing the leg and those starting a leg. Failure to check-in at these points will result in disqualification, no exceptions.
Cut-off times will be set for each checkpoint based on the conditions and flow for paddler safety. Times will allow for all paddlers progressing at a reasonable pace to continue. If you arrive at a checkpoint near the cut-off time, race officials will confer with you to determine if you should continue or not.
Cut-off times will be determined close to or on race day depending on flow conditions. A total race cut-off time will be established.
Please keep in mind that the water is a moving current and must be taken into account when estimating paddling time. The predicted current for the race is between 2-4mph. This factor is variable and we won’t know an exact current speed until shortly before the race.
Boats
Your boat must meet the standards set forth in your registered category. At the Saturday check-in, race officials will confirm that your boat fits the category in which you registered.
Race officials will also check to confirm that you are in possession of the mandatory equipment (see list below). Please have these items organized and ready to show race officials at check-in.
Paddlers must use the same boat they start in for the entire race. For relay teams, each relay leg is considered separate and team members may use different boats per leg. Each race craft must be propelled exclusively by paddle power (double or single blade) while on the water. No rowing, sail, or kite configuration is permitted.
Leashes
No leashes may be used. No exceptions.
Support
All checkpoints will have: water to refill your containers, some basic food items (fruit pieces, nutrition bars), toilets and places to rest. You should not rely on the checkpoints as your only source of food.
Each participant is allowed unlimited ground support, but every racer is responsible for their own support. Participant’s support teams may use the designated checkpoints or other public river access points to exchange food, beverages and trash.
If paddlers do not have a support team, they may bring small drop bags for any or all of the checkpoints. These drop bags must be labeled with the racer’s first and last name. Bags can be dropped at Saturday check-in or at race start on Sunday. They will be delivered to the checkpoints.
On-Water Assistance
Support crews may not, in any way, assist with the propulsion of the boat. They may only touch the boat when the boat is in contact with the shore. Physical contact with support can only occur when the boat is grounded. No contact on the water is allowed. No support provided from a support boat is allowed. The organizers of the race will not provide any outside support during the race other than emergency medical assistance.
Assistance in Forward Progress
Outside assistance that provides intentional aid in the forward progress of a canoe/kayak is not allowed. This includes towing, wake riding, deflection of wind, and “rafting up”. However, limited interaction between the competitor race craft, as is the case in most canoe and kayak marathon races, is acceptable. This will be restricted to only wake riding and wind deflection. No towing of race craft is permitted. If a paddler receives forward assistance on the water because of injury or accident, and they decide to continue, their affiliation with the race may be terminated pending conference with race officials.
Routes
For any “shortcut” to be legal, it must have a flow of river water through it. Overland portages are not allowed.
Hazards
The part of the Sacramento River that is the racecourse for the California River Quest is wide and mostly flat water, but there will be between 3-5 mph current and there are dangers. Swift currents and riffles at the start of the race have been known to flip unprepared paddlers. You must know how to maneuver your vessel in swift currents to avoid hazards. You should know how to get back in your boat while on the water if you fall out. The water is cold (low 50s) and hypothermia can set in within a few minutes of falling out. Other hazards on the course are semi-submerged trees that act as strainers or sieves. Keep alert and avoid any branches that are partially submerged or hanging into the water from the banks of the river.
Night Travel
A cutoff will be implemented at CP3 (Woodson Bridge) to ensure 100 mile racers finish by sunset.
Withdrawing from the Race after Start
If for any reason you disqualify yourself from the event after the race has started, you must notify the race director immediately. If you are at a checkpoint, notify the timing official and race staff. If you do not notify the proper authorities, you will be banned from any future California River Quest events and may be held responsible for the cost of a search and rescue. Phone numbers for race officials will be provided prior to the race.
Gear List
Several items of gear are required and will be checked at the check-in:
– Appropriate Vessel
– USCG-Approved Type III PFD (required to be worn at all times)
– Paddle
– Cell Phone in waterproof container and turned ON (programmed with race safety numbers)
– One space blanket in PFD
– Method of carrying at least 3L of water at all times (5L recommended)
– Adequate food/nutrition
– Whistle attached to your PFD
– First aid kit
– Boat repair kit (enough to get you to the next checkpoint)
– (100 mile only) Two forward-facing lights, one attached to boat, one on your head, to be turned on at least 1/2 hour before sunset
The following are highly recommended:
– Spare paddle
– GPS to track miles
– Satellite tracker (let people know where you are)
Transportation and Parking
Each participant must supply their own transportation to the start and pick up from the finish. We encourage connecting with other boaters to work out carpools and shuttles. Shuttle service is available. See website for details.
Refunds
Once you have registered, your entry fee is non-refundable.
In the event of a natural disaster or flood, you may receive a partial refund on your registration fee. The amount returned in event of a natural disaster will be determined based on the expenses paid in preparation prior to the race.
NOTE:
The race will go on unless hazardous conditions (e.g., fires, floods, natural disasters) preclude a safe race environment.
Media
All participants agree to appear in the event-related media coverage free of charge.
Sporting Conduct
If participants see a fellow racer in need of help, they must stop and either assist the person (if this can be done without endangering yourself), or call for help. California River Quest will not tolerate unsportsmanlike conduct on the course. Disqualification may be the result, to be determined by race officials.
Alcohol/Illegal Drug Consumption
No participant is allowed to consume alcohol or illegal drugs during the race. Any participant suspected of consuming alcohol or illegal drugs is subject to disqualification and being banned from any future California River Quest races.
Litter on the Course
California River Quest will have a zero-tolerance for purposeful littering on the course. Possible disqualification will be the result, to be determined by race officials.
Revisions to Rules
The organizers of this event reserve the right to revise any prior rules or regulations as a result of conflict, hazard, or unforeseen incident.