Rules for Participation in the Oetz Kayak Cross

Safety

First and foremost, all athletes must be experienced kayakers who feel comfortable on the Ötztaler Ache slalom course (WW III–IV). Athletes must attend the briefing before the race. During the competition, embarking on the upper section of the slalom course or continuing below the Wellerbrücken section is prohibited!

Equipment

All paddlers must wear a whitewater helmet (EN 1385) and a whitewater life jacket with safety harness (ISO 12402-5), which will be checked by the race director. Given the low water temperatures and cool weather in autumn, athletes must wear adequate cold-weather protection clothing throughout the entire competition: either long neoprene trousers or long johns, or dry trousers with a dry jacket, or a dry suit are permitted.

Kayak

Standard whitewater kayaks made of PE. Maximum length of 275 cm (9 feet). Rear buoyancy body. Minimum weight of 18 kg (including buoyancy aids). Sufficiently large cockpit from which one can easily get out. The kayak must be equipped with a full plate footrest or similar. At least two attachment points at front and rear, strong enough to recover a jammed kayak (at least 500 kg).

Disqualification Criteria

In addition to the above rules, the following offences lead to disqualification: intentional body contact, intentional obstruction of other paddlers, ignoring safety instructions, paddling on closed sections of the course.