AWP - Kayak Standard rules (From 1/1/2024)

The kayaks need to fulfill the following standards to take part at the races:
(Single events can add rules for safety reasons)

  • Made of PE plastic
  • Boats with a maximum length of 275 cm (9 feet)
  • With a minimum weight of 20kg for Open category and 18kg for Women. Weight is considered without any removable (without screws or glue) pieces in the kayak.  
  • A large cockpit that the paddler can escape from easily
  • Minimum volume of 280 liters for open category (manufactures has to certify with a written document the volume calculation).
  • Minimum volume of 220 liters for woman category (manufactures has to certify with a written document the volume calculation).
  • Must be fitted with a full plate footrest or similar (Yakima type touring, and slalom footrests are not permitted. Solid foam foot plates are allowed)
  • With a minimum of two attachment points in the front (in front of the paddler) and a minimum of two attachment points at the rear (behind the paddler), or alternatively one attachment point in the front and three attachment points in the back, that are strong enough to rescue a pinned kayak (at least 500 kg)
  • No construction changes may impact the safety standards or structural integrity of the kayak.
  • Handles, seat, full plate footrests and pillars may not be removed.
  • Home made outfitting in composite materials are not allowed for safety reason, unless installed or available for sale and approved by the kayak manufacturer. Seats must not break after a strong impact on the bottom of the kayak. 

Not approved boats

List (not complete) of kayak commercial model that do NOT fulfill the standards above: 

  • Jackson Nirvana L 
  • Jackson Gnarvana L 
  • Jackson Antix 2.0 M (for open category)
  • Jackson Antix 2.0 S 
  • Waka Goat (for open category) 
  • EXO Rexy 
  • EXO ZION slalom
  • Pyranha Ripper S
  • Pyranha Ripper M (for open category) 
  • Pyranha Ripper L (for open category) 
  • Pyranha Scorch X 
  • Pyranha Scorch S (for open category) 
  • Pyranha Machno S (for open category)
  • Pyranha Fusion II
  • Pyranha Rebel
  • Pyranha Z.ONE
  • Pyranha MASTER TG
  • Pyranha 12R 
  • Liquidlogic Braaap 69 
  • Liquidlogic Party Braaap
  • Liquidlogic Mullet
  • Liquidlogic Stinger
  • Dagger Rewind
  • Dagger Code LG 
  • ZET Chili
  • Perception SuperSport
  • Eskimo Kendo 
  • Spade Joker  (for open category)

Please note that this list is not complete. It's just an example of boats that do not fill the rules. If you your boat is similar to some model above, it's probably not allowed in the race.  

 

AWP gear rules

Each paddler must wear a whitewater helmet (EN 1385) and a whitewater PFD with safety harness and quick release belt.

More details about gear are normally defined from the race organizer to fit the safety standards required by the river conditions.

 

These rules are necessary in order to: 

  • Safety First. The creek kayaks are the safer boats to run class V runs. All safety feature must be in place to ensure the maximum safety level. 
  • Allow everybody to use the creek kayaks available on the market at standard prices. AWP wants to avoid specialized boats for racing that could be reserved only for rich paddlers or sponsored ones. 
  • Involve the maximum number of kayakers to take part at the races with the their creek kayaks.   
 
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