Race Day Information
Start Location: Mt White Bridge
Finish Location: Gorge Bridge
Total Race Distance: 70km of Grade II River down the Waimakariri River in Canterbury, New Zealand.
Race Director: Katie Cambie @ Topsport Kayaking
Registration at Mt White Bridge: 7am - 8am
Race Start - 9am
The race will start in category waves. Exact waves and start times will be posted in the days leading up to the event.
Estimated Times:
Advanced - Approximately 3hrs & 45 minutes
Intermediate - Approximately 4hrs & 30 minutes
Novice - Approximately 5hrs & 30 minutes
Further race day timetable details will follow to competitors via email and competitor handbook.
Your Kayak and Compulsory Gear
Download the compulsory gear list here.
This list outlines the minimum gear requirements — we always recommend bringing additional clothing and safety equipment beyond what is listed. Thermal layers may be synthetic, natural, or composite materials. Cotton is not permitted. Please note that compression garments do not qualify as thermal clothing.
Your kayak must match your level of experience. Entry level paddlers are required to use the same type of kayak they used during their Grade 2 Certificate Course.
It is the sole responsibility of each participant to ensure they are carrying all mandatory equipment, and are wearing their PFD (personal flotation device), spray deck, and helmet. Kayaks must be in good condition and suitable for a safe descent of a Grade 2+ river. Any paddler found on the water without their PFD, spray deck, or helmet will be removed from the event immediately. Compulsory gear and airbags will be checked before the race, with additional inspections taking place at the finish. Any competitor missing required items — including airbags — will be disqualified. There is no refund for any competitor disqualified for incorrect or missing gear.
Please consider supporting our naming sponsor Further Faster when purchasing your gear and food supplies.
Race Categories
Open - All individuals are eligible to enter the open category regardless of their age and experience.
Veteran - Open to all individuals aged 40 or over on race day.
Novice - Open to individuals of any age who are new to Down River Racing for their first 2 summer racing seasons.
Junior - Open to individuals under the age of 21 on race day.
Classic - Open to all individuals aged 50 or over on race day.
Vintage - Open to all individuals aged 60 or over on race day.
Doubles - Are one category, combining all age groups and gender.
Prizegiving
Prize Giving details to follow.
Results
Results will be posted on Sports Splits and the Topsport Kayaking Facebook Page.
Alternative Date & Course
This race is 100% weather and river flow dependant. This year the race will be run on Sunday the 14th of December 2025.
If the weather and/or river flow is unsafe to run on this date an alternative course will be used.
There are several options for an alternative course if needed. The course will be chosen by the Safety Director and Race Director. Possible alternative options include:
The Willows at the end of Thompsons Road and finish up the Cam River to the Kaiapoi Township.
Woodstock to The Willows at the end of Thompsons Road.
A flatwater course on the Avon River.
Please note there is no competitor refund if the race is on an alternative course.