1. The Missouri River 340 will officially start at 8 AM Central time on July 15, 2008. The starting point is Kaw Point Park, Mile 367.5 in Kansas City, Mo. All boats will start together.
2. The race will officially end at exactly noon of July 19, 2008, or when the last boat has reached Mile 29 marker 340 miles downstream, whichever comes earlier. A team's participation in this event ends when they have reached the Mile 29 marker before noon of July 19th, 2008, or when they notify race headquarters that they have withdrawn. Teams still on the Missouri River after noon of July 19th, 2008 are electing to continue independently of the race.
3. Each race craft must be propelled exclusively by paddle power (double or single blade) while on the water. No rowing configuration is permitted. No sail or kite is permitted.
4. All participants agree to appear in this Event related media coverage free of charge.
5. For any "shortcut" to be legal, it must have a flow of river water through it. Overland portages are not allowed. Portages over exposed "wing dams" for convenience are not permitted. Outside assistance is not permitted.
6. Outside assistance that provides intentional aid in the forward progress of a canoe/kayak is not allowed. This includes towing, wake riding, deflection of wind and "rafting up". However, limited interaction between the competitor race craft, as is the case in most canoe and kayak marathon races, is acceptable. This will be restricted to only wake riding and wind deflection. No towing of race craft is permitted.
7. Ground support is allowed for racers but is not mandatory. A ground crew may assist with procurement of supplies, set up of tents and preparation of meals. Ground crew may not, in any way, assist with propulsion of the boat. They may only touch the boat when the boat is in contact with the shore. Physical contact with support can only occur when the boat is grounded. No contact on the water is allowed. No support provided from a support boat is allowed..
8. Infractions of any rule during the Event will be grounds for time penalties or disqualification to be reasonably and fairly determined by the Judges Committee.
9. Deliberate littering of the river is illegal. Teams must keep their trash in their canoes/kayaks and either transfer it to their support teams or go ashore themselves to properly dispose waste.
10. All team members should understand there are serious risks involved in this endeavor. The hydraulics associated with many of the wing dams along the river are inherently dangerous. The greatest risk, however, is from the numerous large and small power craft that ply the great river. Constant vigilance, clear thinking, and quick reaction will be essential at all times. Good judgment must dictate when it is time to rest. All team members (racers and support personnel) will enter this race at their own risk and will not hold this event's organizers, judges, officials, and sponsors liable for accidents to personnel or damage to any property.
11. Anyone paddling solo in this event must be at least 18 years of age on July 15, 2008 or at least 16 years of age if part of a tandem team accompanied by their parent or legal guardian. (Note that the parent or legal guardian must sign the liability waiver for the 16 or 17 year old.)
12. All participants in this Event, including paddlers and other team members must sign the "Amateur Athletic Waiver and Release of Liability". This waiver is required by the United States Canoe Association for participation in this event.
13. Multiple teams may not share paddlers. Teams may share ground support.
14. Teams must make formal contact with race officials at each designated checkpoint. Formal contact is defined by boat or paddle contact with shore at the checkpoint and signing of clipboard. It is not required that you exit your boat. Checkpoints will be manned by volunteers and race staff until the checkpoint deadline passes. If you are not going to make a checkpoint by the proscribed deadline, you must make contact with a race official by phone prior to that deadline. Racers that physically miss two consecutive checkpoints are out of the race. If you elect to end your race you must make it a priority to contact race officials and let them know. Safety boats will patrol the length of the course throughout the race.
7. Ground support is allowed for racers but is not mandatory. A ground crew may assist with procurement of supplies, set up of tents and preparation of meals. Ground crew may not, in any way, assist with propulsion of the boat. They may only touch the boat when the boat is in contact with the shore. Physical contact with support can only occur when the boat is grounded. No contact on the water is allowed. No support provided from a support boat is allowed..
8. Infractions of any rule during the Event will be grounds for time penalties or disqualification to be reasonably and fairly determined by the Judges Committee.
9. Deliberate littering of the river is illegal. Teams must keep their trash in their canoes/kayaks and either transfer it to their support teams or go ashore themselves to properly dispose waste.
10. All team members should understand there are serious risks involved in this endeavor. The hydraulics associated with many of the wing dams along the river are inherently dangerous. The greatest risk, however, is from the numerous large and small power craft that ply the great river. Constant vigilance, clear thinking, and quick reaction will be essential at all times. Good judgment must dictate when it is time to rest. All team members (racers and support personnel) will enter this race at their own risk and will not hold this event's organizers, judges, officials, and sponsors liable for accidents to personnel or damage to any property.
11. Anyone paddling solo in this event must be at least 18 years of age on July 15, 2008 or at least 16 years of age if part of a tandem team accompanied by their parent or legal guardian. (Note that the parent or legal guardian must sign the liability waiver for the 16 or 17 year old.)
12. All participants in this Event, including paddlers and other team members must sign the "Amateur Athletic Waiver and Release of Liability". This waiver is required by the United States Canoe Association for participation in this event.
13. Multiple teams may not share paddlers. Teams may share ground support.
14. Teams must make formal contact with race officials at each designated checkpoint. Formal contact is defined by boat or paddle contact with shore at the checkpoint and signing of clipboard. It is not required that you exit your boat. Checkpoints will be manned by volunteers and race staff until the checkpoint deadline passes. If you are not going to make a checkpoint by the proscribed deadline, you must make contact with a race official by phone prior to that deadline. Racers that physically miss two consecutive checkpoints are out of the race. If you elect to end your race you must make it a priority to contact race officials and let them know. Safety boats will patrol the length of the course throughout the race.
15. Each racer must have available a U.S. Coast Guard approved life preserver at all times while on the water. A whistle and an emergency chemical night light must also be attached to each life preserver at all times. A PFD must be worn at all times while on the water. This is per the United States Coast Guard as part of our race permit.
16. Boating at night is dangerous and the organizers of this event do not require teams to do this. The decision to paddle at night is made solely by each team. The following guidelines are provided to minimize the risk of serious injury. Full navigation lights are required for night travel. This is proscribed by Missouri State boating law. http://www.boat-ed.com/mo/handbook/lights.htm This would include red/green lights on the bow and a white stern light. Paddlers should also have an LED or chemical light affixed to PFD in case of emergency. A white light (flashlight) for signaling should also be aboard.
Craft Requirements
Craft Requirements
17. There are no restrictions on the design of the canoe/kayak.
18. The original craft must be paddled from start to finish. Repairs may be made to the craft during the race, but other alterations are not permitted.
19. Any part of the craft (rudders, outriggers, etc.) which will be below the water line during any portion of the race must be "on board" from start to finish. A space must be available on each side of the canoe/kayak close to the bow on which to affix the official race number. Each team may choose their own 4 digit number upon entry on a first come, first served basis.
20. In formulating the rules that govern this event, every effort has been made to foresee all situations and problems that may rise, however, officials of the Missouri River 340 retain the right to change or amend these rules at any time without liability or recourse from any party regardless of the circumstances. Should such changes or amendments be made, every effort will be made to notify all entrants.
Please be sure to read the Paddler's Guide.
Printable Entry Form
Printable Waiver (please include one for each paddler if tandem entry)
Printable Entry Form
Printable Waiver (please include one for each paddler if tandem entry)
