Ride the Wave Regatta

Save the Date!

Saturday, September 7th, 2019

The 12th Annual Ride The Wave Regatta featuring an 8 mile Lake Michigan loop course, an 8 mile Trail Creek course for Canoes, and a 3.5 mile recreational race.

Thanks to South Shore Convention and Visitors Authority for ongoing support and donating prize money.

Ride the Wave Regatta is a points race on the USCA Indiana Division 2019 race schedule.

Proceeds from Ride the Wave Regatta will benefit Northwest Indiana Paddling Association, a 501c3 non-profit organization dedicated to Paddling, Education, and Blueways Stewardship.

See you on the water!

Ken Stelter - Ride the Wave Regatta Race Director

Saturday, September 7th, 2019

Join NWIPA for the 12th Annual Ride The Wave Regatta Lake Michigan kayak races. This year’s event will feature three races. An 8 mile Lake Michigan loop short course, an 8 mile Trail Creek Canoe course, and a 3.5 mile recreational race.

This is a points race on the USCA Indiana Division 2019 race schedule.

Event Particulars:

Location:

The Short Course races will begin and end at the Washington Park in Michigan City, Indiana.

Map…  

The Trail Creek courses will make loops on Trail Creek, starting and ending at the Washington Park Marina boat Launch.

Boats:

Bring your sea kayaks, surf skis, canoes and outriggers!

As always, the weather will affect the plan for race day. If necessary we will adjust the courses, schedule, or cancel the race for the safety of our racers.

All Times are Central!

Race Plan:

Lake Michigan Short Course:

The Short Course racers will report to Washington Park Beach in Michigan City to register. The race will be an eight mile loop along the beautiful Lake Michigan shoreline, starting and ending at the WP Beach.

9:30 ... Short Course Registration

10:15 ... Short Course Description and Safety Talk

10:30 ... Launch and Line-up

10:45 ... Race Starts!

Trail Creek Course:

Begin at the Washington Park Marina boat launch and heads out of the Marina onto Trail Creek. A red buoy will mark the starting/finish line. Paddle upstream past the 4th bridge and turn the buoy in front of Hansen Park. Return to the start line and loop the red start/finish buoy at the Marina boat launch for the finish. You will need to take caution exiting and re-entering the Marina as there may be boat traffic present also.

Times: (All times Central) (times subject to change)

9:30 ... Trail Creek Course Registration

10:15 ... Train Creek Course Description and Safety Talk

10:30 ... Launch and Line-up

10:45 ... Race Starts!

Awards Ceremony:

2:30 pm Central, or when racers are off the water and times are tallied.

Classes:

Short Course K1 Unlimited  Men

Short Course K1 Unlimited  Women

Short Course OC1 Outriggers  Men

Short Course OC1 Outriggers  Women

Short Course OC2 Outriggers  Men

Short Course OC2 Outriggers  Women

Short Course Sea Kayak Men - Includes rec boats   IN-USCA Points Awarded

Short Course Sea Kayak Women - Includes rec boats   IN-USCA Points Awarded

Trail Creek K1 Unlimited  Men

Trail Creek K1 Unlimited  Women

Trail Creek C1 Canoes  Men   IN-USCA Points Awarded

Trail Creek C1 Canoes    Women   IN-USCA Points Awarded

Trail Creek C2 Canoes    Men   IN-USCA Points Awarded

Trail Creek C2 Canoes    Women   IN-USCA Points Awarded

Trail Creek Sea Kayak Men

Trail Creek Sea Kayak Women

Trail Creek Recreational Race - one loop of 3.5 miles

Boat Definitions:

Unlimited : Boats over 18 feet or less than 18.5 inches wide.

Sea Kayak: Boats 18 feet and under, and at least 18.5 inches wide. Must have water tight bulkheads and/or adequate flotation.

Canoe: Any single-hull boat paddled with a single bladed paddle.

OC1/2: Any multi-hull boat.

Cost:

Short Course $20 pre-register - $25 day of event

Trail Creek $20 pre-register - $25 day of event

Click Here to Register On-Line…

Note:

There will be a fee for Parking at Washington Park.

Rules:

-All participants must wear a properly fitted, Coast Guard approved PFD (life vest) at all times during the race. Failure to wear a PFD will be grounds for disqualification. Inflatable belts are not acceptable by the Coast Guard, inflatable vests are acceptable.

-All racers must attend the course and safety briefing.

-At registration verify that you are racing in the correct class. If you have a question about your class contact the Race Director on site. We will not change your class after the race starts.

-Do not launch until the race director clears you to.

-The 1st horn blast will be a five minute warm-up horn.

-Racers will line up behind a line from a designated buoy and a flag on the beach at the 2nd horn blast. Race will start when the starter sees most boats lined up.

-Races will start at the 3rd horn blast.

-We know all our racers follow good sportsmanship principals: keep an eye on your fellow paddlers and offer assistance where needed. Do not pass a paddler in the water until they are back in their boat or back on shore.

-The Ride the Wave Regatta time-keeper’s results will be final.

-Your boat should be sea-worthy, with water-tight bulkheads or adequate flotation.

-Spray skirts are strongly recommended for sea kayaks.

-Leg leashes are strongly recommended for surfskis.

Safety Protocol:

-NWIPA may have several safety paddlers and at least one power boat on the water to provide race support.

-Each racer should carry a cell phone or marine VHS radio for contacting race officials in the case of emergency; contact phone numbers will be provided and we will monitor VHF marine channel 68.

-Race officials reserve the right to modify the course, times, or other event particulars to accommodate weather and lake conditions and group dynamics.

-In the event Race officials must cancel the race due to inclement weather a portion of your registration fee will be refunded.

-Drivers will be available to pick up kayakers at designated places in case of emergencies.

Risk Assessment:

Your Go-No-Go Decision should be based on the weather, water, your skills, training and experience, with the understanding that:

a. You are engaging in an activity with inherent dangers,

b. You accept & acknowledge you are participating at your own risk, and

c. You are responsible for your own safety and to use your own judgment.

South Shore Convention and
Visitors Authority