Windy City Downwind
14th October 2023 - Wellingtons premier waka-ama & surfski race.
There are a range of courses across the harbor on offer to maximise the wind and suit a range of abilities. Featuring surfski, SUP and Waka-Ama categories and proudly part of the Darcy Price NZ Ocean Surfski Series.
Date: 14th October 2023 - 1:30pm race briefing.
- 12:30pm Registration and Safety Checks Open
- 1:30pm Race briefing (compulsory)
- 2:15pm Mass start - all categories.
Entry Information:
Early Bird Pricing (Before 3rd October):
- U23 $20 (Short or Long Course)
- Open $70 (Short or Long Course)
Sponsors and Supporters
A huge thanks to the sponsors and supporters who make this race possible
Supporting Windy City since day 1. Get to Kayak HQ for all your surfski / waka needs.
Safety Information
We will have safety boats out on the water to support 140 paddlers.
However you need to take responsibility for yourself and provide all of your own safety equipment. There will be safety checks for all vessels before you put on. You will not be able to race with out all the appropriate safety equipment on this check list below.
YOU MUST HAVE:
- Leash - You are no good if your canoe, with all your safety equipment floats away from you. Use it! It is a water start and finish so no excuse.
- Cell phone – You must have a cellphone with SafeTRX installed and enabled. Make sure it is fully charged and that you have the safety director’s number.
- 2nd form of comms - whistle, flare, vhf radio or PLB
- Life vest - Must be worn - its no good attached to your boat
- Spare paddle - Waka only.You can’t do much with a broken one or if it floats away after aflip. Ski’s and Sups are welcome to take a spare if you can, but this is not compulsory.
- Bailer or Foot pump - Cockpit Ocs only. It is no fun watching your mates surf past you or have your canoe snap in half because you are too full of water. Keep it dry!
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED:
- VHF Radio - Make sure it is fully charged and set to Channel 74.
- Extra clothing - Wellingtons harbor is cold in October, if you come out of your boat you will have 30mins before hypothermia kicks in.
- Whistle - Great to let those around you know that you need help. It’s a big ocean and it gets even bigger really quick.
- Flare – Great to attract attention.
Everyone is required to fill in and sign their own Assessment of risk & Release of liability - Entry Form,accepting their own responsibility for being on the water on the day and acknowledging that they are competent in the conditions before them.
Course Options:
The prevelant wind in October in Wellington is Northerly - often referred to as the "Spring Northerlies" provide great innner harbour downwind conditions.
14th October 2023
Windy City Downwind
Wind - its what Wellington's famous for.