Pre-Race Procedures

These procedures must be followed prior to every race:

1. Registration: Teams must check-in, in their entirety at the Registration Centre. All paddlers must sign the race registration form, then show their completed form and wristband to registration officials.
2. Canoe Check: Teams will be issued a “Canoe Check” form. They will be accompanied by a Vaka Eiva volunteer to their allocated canoe. Once the safety check is complete, the signed form must be returned to the Registration Centre. Canoes are numbered for easy reference.
3. Tagging: Upon returning the form, you will receive a “checked” tag for your canoe. Return to your canoe immediately and attach the tag around the kiato (spreader).
4. Race Briefing: A briefing will be held 30 minutes prior to the scheduled start time. The steerer and at least two other team members must attend.
5. Launch: Following the briefing, the team may proceed with the canoe to the slipway. A Vaka Eiva volunteer will perform a final safety check and remove the tag. Teams must then enter the water and proceed to the race start zone.
6. Warning Notifications:

• 30 min (First Call): All crews must be at their canoes.
• 20 min (Second Call): Canoes depart for the start line.
• 5 min (Last Warning): Race starts in 5 minutes.

Post-Race Procedures

These procedures must be followed at the end of every race:

1. Beach Access: No canoe is to be run up onto or left on the beach at the finish line. Exit the water in the order of finishing.
2. Parking: Teams must stay with their canoe until it is brought up the slipway and placed back in the designated canoe parking zone.
3. Documentation: One member must retrieve the “Canoe Check” sheet from the Safety Team at the top of the slipway and return it to the canoe.
4. Final Inspection: The canoe must be re-checked with a Vaka Eiva volunteer. Both a crew member and the volunteer must sign the form to indicate the canoe is available for the next race. Any damage must be noted at this time and reported to the Registration Centre.

Equipment Requirements

• Skirts (V6 Vakas): It is compulsory for skirts to be worn for all open ocean races, including V6 Iron and V6 Round Raro races. Failure to comply will result in disqualification.
• Spare Paddles: A spare paddle MUST be strapped to every V1, OC1, and V6 for every race. Canoes without a spare paddle will not be allowed to start.
• Bailers & Leashes:

• V1: Must carry one (1) bailer.
• V6: Must carry two (2) bailers.
• OC1: Must have a leash.

Uniform Requirements

Failure to adhere to uniform rules will result in disqualification. Official Vaka Eiva Race Shirts must be worn for:

• OC1/V1 Iron Races
• V6 Round Raro Relay Race
• Note for V6 Iron and Sprints: Paddlers may wear either the official Vaka Eiva shirt or their own club shirts.
• Sponsorship Conflict: If a crew or individual wears a uniform featuring a logo that conflicts with Official Vaka Eiva Sponsors, they will be disqualified.

Indemnity & Damage

• Indemnity: All paddlers and active supporters must sign an indemnity form at team registration. By registering, teams acknowledge responsibility for the welfare of the canoe used.

• Damage: A committee will assess any damage and decide on repair or replacement. 
• Teams responsible for damage must accept the committee’s final decision and meet all costs. The crew/paddler will be ineligible for subsequent races until repair arrangements are finalized and agreed upon.

Protests

Protests must be submitted in writing to the Race Director within the following timeframes:

• Open Ocean Events: Within 20 minutes of the last canoe crossing the finish line.
• Juniors Marathon: Within 20 minutes of the last canoe crossing the finish line.

Sprints: Within 10 minutes of the finish.