What do YOU need to read? Paddling at Åre Extreme Challenge 2018: If competing in a RIVER CLASS: Chapter 1. New equipment requirements for paddling section Chapter 2. Safe river levels for whitewater paddling Chapter 3. Required assessment for RIVER CLASS Chapter 4. Recommended* course for LAKE CLASS (*Optional) ** Detta dokument finns även på svenska på ÅEC:s hemsida.** ENGLISH VERSION 2018.03.19 If competing in LAKE CLASS (SOLO, DUO, OR TEAM): Chapter 1. New equipment requirements for paddling section Chapter 5. Recommended* skills assessment for RIVER CLASS (*Optional) If you are an instructor: Appendix 1. Paddle Pass Level 2 Green, Whitewater Assessment for Multisport Appendix 2. Content of Foundational Whitewater Safety and Rescue course Appendix 3. Criteria for EPP Level 2 Green Pass assessment for kayak paddling Why are we introducing new rules? Our goal is to ensure a safe and challenging race for all classes. Sadly, we have had to cancel the whitewater section of the race in 3 of the last 4 years due to high water levels. This is disappointing, since the heart and soul of this challenge is the course itself. Åre Extreme Challenge is a true man vs. nature event, where nature herself throws down a number of obstacles: a journey down a river valley through rapids and across a lake, a run up and over the tallest mountain and a technical bike ride through the forest. To ensure that we can safely paddle the rapids, even in the event of somewhat higher than normal water levels, we have decided to implement new rules in 2018. What are the new rules? First, we introduce new equipment requirements for RIVER and LAKE classes. Second, we clarify the process for deciding when river water levels are too dangerous, forcing us to cancel whitewater paddling and forcing the RIVER CLASS to paddle the lake. Third, we tighten the required skills for whitewater paddling (RIVER CLASS) and provide some recommendations for flatwater paddling skills (LAKE CLASS). Both were developed in cooperation with the Swedish Canoe Federation (Svenska Kanotförbundet kanot.com). Solo racers who do not want to meet the new whitewater paddling requirements are welcome to participate instead in the new LAKE CLASS SOLO division. Read more Swedish or English.
Chapter 1. Mandatory paddling gear Mandatory paddling gear for all racers. Red text is new 2018. Every participant must have either a: Kayak with (1) watertight bulkheads or floating devices in the front and/or rear of the kayak, (2) towing eyes (loops) securely attached in the front and rear and (3) spray skirt that is self-draining; or Surfski (we strongly recommended that participants attach towing eyes (loops) in the front and rear of the surfski to help the safety team tow your boat in the event you become separated from it. Duct tape is OK for this purpose) Whitewater helmet* with approved CE standard (ice-hockey helmet is approved) Life jacket approved CE standard EN393 50N for kayaking Whistle attached to life jacket Paddle The following in a waterproof bag: Phone First aid (pressure bandage) Extra long underwear topp (preferrably wool) Buff or warm hat Race vest + Race number as a sticker on kayak (and on helmet*) Recommended**: Waterproof jacket AND wetsuit that covers upper body and legs ( Long John wetsuit OK if you have a wool or fleece top under the jacket). *Applies only to RIVER CLASS ** Recommended clothing may become mandatory for RIVER CLASS if river water levels are high (see Chapter 2). In that case the race organization will inform participants in the week prior to the race. Tips bring this equipment just in case when you pack for your trip to Åre. Several important points regarding recommended cold water clothing: - If you fall into the following categories we strongly recommend that you wear this type of clothing, even if it s not explicitly required by the race organization: o You (racer) are unable to do an eskimo roll in your kayak. o You (racer) are unable to climb back into your surfski when it is windy or you are in rapids (which is of course when you are most likely to fall out in the first place!) - Your decision to wear recommended clothes should be based on your own competency in your kayak -- NOT on the air temperature! Why is cold water clothing so important? Cold water temperatures lead to a serious risk of hypothermia even in the middle of summer. Since eskimo-rolls are not required, there is an increased risk that ÅEC participants may swim. A long swim can be devastating on the body. It is worth noting that emergency crews in Sweden are required to wear a wetsuit if water temperatures are below 12 C (which is almost certain on race day in Åre). Further, flowing water has a chilling effect on the body that is 250 times stronger than calm water, which means a long river swim has a drastic effect on body temperature. Be smart!
Chapter 2. Safe river levels for whitewater paddling (RIVER CLASS) In the past, there has been uncertainty about how the race organization evaluates river levels in deciding whether to include or cancel the whitewater section. We are now requiring stronger whitewater paddling skills from our participants (see Chapter 3) so that we can, with greater likelihood, safely include whitewater paddling even if water levels are slightly higher than normal. There are two safety concerns when deciding whether to allow whitewater paddling: (1) risk of hypothermia due to a long swim and (2) risk of getting caught or entrapped in the river due to any swim. To address concern (1) we reserve the right to require additional clothing/wetsuit. That is, all RIVER CLASS participants may be required to wear the recommended cold weather clothing (see Chapter 1) if the race organization determines that high water levels result in fewer eddies (backwater) in which a capsized kayaker can find safety. To address concern (2), we will make a determination, along with paddling experts, in the week before the race whether the river can be paddled safely. This decision will be based on several criteria including whether or not the river shore is free from debris from the spring flood, whether or not there are sufficient and safe eddies (backwater) for swimmers, and whether or not there are dangers posed by erosion of steep river banks, etc. If we feel the river poses too dangerous a risk, we will cancel the whitewater paddling. Chapter 3. Required assessment for RIVER CLASS ÅEC participants must demonstrate knowledge of Class I and II paddling. Key points: What is required? A three hour assessment is required (Appendix 1). The 8 hr course is optional but strongly recommended for first time whitewater paddlers, as is a more in depth whitewater paddling course (Appendix II). Equipment. Short whitewater boats are useful for introduction and learning but the certificate is based on your ability to demonstrate skills using the equipment you plan to use for the race (i.e., sea kayak/multisport boat/surfski and wing blade paddle/euro blade paddle). Your instructor must document equipment used and this must match race day equipment. Pick the right boat! Every year we see racers suffer from poor choice of kayak. A tippy kayak is only for experienced paddlers. Choose a boat that works for you on the river and the lake! Rolling and re-entry. Neither the assessment nor the course require proof of an eskimo-roll for a kayak or re-entry for a surfski, as we believe other skills are more valuable for safe whitewater paddling in a multisport race. Rolling and re-entry are nonetheless important skills that everybody should learn and practice, practice, practice! Certificate from the assessment can be presented at race check in Thur/Fri, but preferably via email two weeks before the race. Exemptions should also be sent via email at least 2 weeks before the race. Send to whitewater@areextremechallenge.se. Non-Swedish. Our requirements are based on the European Paddle Pass (EPP), which makes it easy to accept equivalents from Europe. We can also accept other standards. Email whitewater@areextremechallenge.se with questions.
Criteria The criteria for this required assessment are found in Appendix 1. Assessment is done on a Class II river. It is called Paddelpasset Level 2 (Green Paddelpass - Whitewater Assessment for Multisport). Instructors/assessors Assessments must be conducted by a certified instructor (i.e., current holder of a Swedish Canoe Federation license). certified assessors include: o Dennis Franzén, Håkan Mattsson, Linda Falk, Mats enbusk, Anders Wredendal, Jonas Forsmark, Matt Larsson Clifford, Jonas Brunnemyr, Annis Nyberg, Karin Trolin, Erik Rehn, Nenad martinis, Kristian Lund. o From 1 May 2018 there will be a total of 20 instructors available. o Contact details for these assessors are provided (and continually updated) at kanot.com/paddelpasset. The required assessment can only be done by these certified individuals. However, there are many instructors who may be able to provide the necessary skills and training to be able to pass this assessment. If in doubt, use an instructor certified by the Swedish Canoe Federation (see kanot.com/utbildning Those who wish to be a certified instructor can contact Jonas (paddelpasset@kanot.com). An instructors course will be held in spring 2018. Exemptions We allow for exemptions from this assessment for experienced paddlers. This does NOT apply to beginner kayakers. If you are unsure whether this applies to you, then chances are very high that it does not. Requests for exemption should be mailed to whitewater@areextremechallenge.se no later than two weeks prior to the race. Requests should include a motivation based on at least two* of the following: Logged experience Signed attestation from a person of high regard in kayaking Proof of kayak competition or multi-sport event involving class 2 paddling Video evidence of skills River rescue course or other kayak skills course High paddling result in ÅEC SOLO class 2013/2014/2016 (excluding lake paddling years). *Note: Depending on your level, ÅEC may require more than two forms of evidence.
Chapter 4. Recommended course for RIVER CLASS Although not required, we strongly recommend that RIVER CLASS competitors take an 8 hr Foundational Whitewater Safety and Rescue Course. This is a skills course for learning the basics of whitewater paddling and does NOT replace the required assessment in Chapter 3. Content The content for a recommended course are found in Appendix 2. It should be done on a Class II river. Instructors There are at least 7 certified instructors that can deliver this course. More information about these instructors and the courses they will be giving will be available on our websites in January 2018 (kanot.com/utbildning or ÅEC English or ÅEC på svenska) Many instructors may be able to provide the skills to be able to pass the required assessment in Chaper 3. If in doubt, use an instructor certified by the Swedish Canoe Federation (see kanot.com/utbildning). Those who wish to be a certified instructor can contact Jonas Forsmark at the Swedish Canoe Federation (paddelpasset@kanot.com). Note that this type of recommended course is primarily a safety course and does not provide technique or instruction for paddling. Therefore we recommend that you also consider taking a whitewater paddling course with a certified instructor. Chapter 5. Recommended skills assessment for LAKE CLASS Although not required, we recommend that all beginner paddlers take a 1-2 hr assessment on flatwater using the same boat and paddle you plan to use in ÅEC. Criteria The criteria for this recommended assessment are detailed in Appendix 3. The assessment is done on flatwater. Instructors/assessors There are many instructors in Sweden that can deliver this service. A list of approximately 50 such assessors can be found at kanot.com/paddelpasset/godkandaexaminatorer/ To be part of this list, please contact Jonas Forsmark (paddelpasset@kanot.com).
Appendix 1. Paddle Pass Level 2 Green, Whitewater Assessment for Multisport This is required for all ÅEC competitors in the RIVER CLASS (see Chapter 3). Paddelpasset is a recognized qualification within EPP, Euro Paddle Pass. This award covers basic paddling skills for navigating a whitewater grade II river. It only requires the user to demonstrate how to pick and hold a desired line down through the rapids. It does NOT require the paddler to be completely self-reliant, autonomous, or able to maneuver efficiently in the river (that is covered in a higher level assessment). Importantly, this assessment assumes the paddler will have support from a safety kayaker and/or other knowledgeable race support personnel. Equipment Long or short kayak, wing blade paddle or Euro blade. Both the kayak and blade used in this assessment must be documented by the assessor in the certificate. It should include a description such as short whitewater kayak, downriver kayak, multisport kayak, surfski, etc and wing, standard, etc. Technical Standards Lifting, carrying and launching the kayak Demonstrates effective forward paddling and holding a desired line. Reverse paddling and stopping Demonstrates effective forward and reverse sweep strokes. Remains balanced. Draw strokes and moving the kayak sideways Low brace support stroke and preventing a capsize while paddling in rapid. Stern rudder Low brace turn Disembarking Show sufficient beginnings of*: o High Recovery Stroke o Sculling draw and sculling support o Edging o breaking in and out of eddies and ferry gliding. * Effective skills in these last bullet points are essentially level 3 skills. Thus, for this level 2 assessment it is sufficient to show the beginning of these skills. SAFETY STANDARDS Swim and empty the kayak on the shore. Capsize, retain equipment, swim to shore and empty boat and continue. Show sufficient beginnings of eskimo rescue: Where the kayak is appropriate the candidate must demonstrate recovery with lower body rotation from an upside down position while maintaining a hold on the rescuer s bow. (or beginnings of a re-entry in a surfski) Personal Protective Equipment: Flotation as appropriate to kayak, adjusting outfitting, spray deck, buoyancy aid, whistle and helmet as appropriate. Appropriate clothing. Show water confidence appropriate to venue and weather Environment and responsibility An understanding of the importance of respect for nature and the principles of fair play while training and racing Time for assessment 3 hrs
Appendix 2. Content of Foundational Whitewater Safety and Rescue course The course should review and practice the following skills: Whitewater, hydrology, terminology Eddylines, wave trains, holes, buffer waves, side currents and boils. Recognizes and understands hazards associated with kayaking, including broaching, strainers and foot entrapment. Planning and preparing for whitewater activity Dynamic safety management The appropriate actions required to avoid or deal with hazards. Identifies and demonstrates paddling safe and efficient lines. Understands correct use of personal kayaking and safety equipment. Can identify appropriate and inappropriate equipment. Including kayak, PFD, helmet, thermals, paddle, spraydeck. Land based rescue, Priorities and methods Self rescues: Swim, rocks, strainers Demonstrates self rescue with kayak and gear. Demonstrates safe rapid float position (on back, feet first, feet up etc). Demonstrates assertive white water swimming across wave train and eddyline. Receives a throw bag as a swimmer in Grade 2. Correct holding of rope and body Water based rescues Demonstrates being rescued with aid of another craft Rescue of equipment First aid, Hypothermia Can describe and identify, prevention, symptoms and treatment of hypothermia Length of course 8 hours
Appendix 3 Criteria for EPP Level 2 Green Pass assessment for kayak paddling An award that covers the basic flatwater skills in paddling and safety and shows that the paddler has acquired effective forward paddling. Location: The assessment of this award should take place during a flatwater journey (see time for assessment below) Technical Standards Lifting, carrying and launching the kayak Efficient forward paddling Reverse paddling and stopping Draw strokes and moving the kayak sideways Low brace support stroke and preventing a capsize Stern rudder Low brace turn Disembarking Show sufficient beginnings of*: o High Recovery Stroke o Sculling draw and sculling support o Edging o breaking in and out of eddies and ferry gliding. * Effective skills in these last bullet points are essentially level 3 skills. Thus, for this level 2 assessment it is sufficient to show the beginning of these skills. Safety Standards Capsize, retain equipment, empty, assisted re-entry Swim not more than 10 meters and empty the kayak on the shore. Jump out and climb back in (assisted) Where the kayak is appropriate the candidate must demonstrate recovery with lower body rotation from an upside down position while maintaining a hold on the rescuer s bow. Deep Water Rescue Take part in a deep water rescue without assistance. Personal Protective Equipment: Flotation as appropriate to kayak, adjusting outfitting, spray deck, buoyancy aid and helmet as appropriate. Appropriate clothing. Show water confidence appropriate to venue and weather Environment and responsibility An understanding of the importance of respect for nature and the principles of fair play while training and racing Time for assessment 1-3 hrs, depending on context, group size, and ambition/interest of paddlers.