Rules

70-Mile Endurance Race – Official Rules and Regulations

1. Contestant & Team Entry

Teams must register and compete as listed on the Official Race List at www.canoeregatta.org. Any modifications require prior written authorization from a race official.

Team Composition
  • Griffin Fisher Open Endurance Class: 1–4 contestants
  • Open Stock Aluminum Endurance, Mens NYPSA Stock Endurance, Mixed/Womens NYPSA Stock Endurance, 60+ Amateur Endurance, 50+ Amateur Endurance, Womens Amateur Endurance, Mixed Amateur Endurance, Mens Amateur Endurance, and Pro Endurance: 2 contestants
  • C-4 Stock Endurance and C-4 Unlimited Endurance: 4 contestants
  • C1 Pro Endurance, Open 50+ C1 Endurance, Open C1 Endurance, Open C1 ABM Stock Endurance, and Kayak Endurance: 1 contestant
Eligibility & Changes
  • Proof of age is required for all contestants. Age is determined as of race day, based on the youngest paddler.
  • Class changes must be submitted before the Regular Entry Deadline.
  • Contestant changes received after this deadline are subject to a $50 change fee.
  • Withdrawals received before the Regular Entry Deadline will receive a 50% refund of the entry fee. No refunds thereafter.

2. Packet Pickup and Check-In

  • Race packets must be collected at General Clinton Park (Bainbridge) during designated pickup times.
  • All teams must check in with an official before entering the water at Brookwood Point.
  • Boats may not enter the water earlier than 30 minutes prior to their scheduled start time.

3. Awards and Prize Money

  • The Awards Ceremony will be held at approximately 5:30 PM Sunday at General Clinton Park (time subject to race progress).
  • Contestants must be present to receive any prize money over $249.
  • Prizes under $249 may be collected by a team member.
  • Unclaimed prize money at the ceremony is forfeited.
  • Contestants earning over $600 must submit IRS Form W-9.
  • Prize checks must be cashed within 90 days.
  • Reissued checks incur a $25 fee per issuance.

4. Canoe Specifications and Boat Numbers

  • All canoes must comply with specifications in Table 1 (below).
  • Official race numbers must be affixed to both sides of the bow on a clean, dry surface.
  • Numbers must remain in place for the entire race.
If the right-side number is lost
  1. One support crew member must report to the timing booth as the canoe crosses the finish line.
  2. If unavailable, the team must present themselves immediately after finishing.
  3. Failure to comply results in placement after all other finishers in class.
  • Officials may verify canoe compliance immediately after finishing. Non-conforming boats may be disqualified.
Paddles
  • Single-blade paddles permitted for all classes.
  • Double-blade paddles allowed only in Griffin Fisher Touring and Kayak Endurance classes.

5. Safety Requirements

Each canoe must carry or have occupants wear:

  • A U.S. Coast Guard–approved Personal Flotation Device (PFD) in good condition.
  • A pea-less whistle or other approved sound-signaling device.
  • Participants under age 13 must wear a PFD at all times in compliance with New York State law.
  • Non-compliance will result in disqualification.

6. Race and Course Rules

  • Canoes must remain in the river except when navigating around obstacles (e.g., log jams, bridges, dams).
  • Overland portages are prohibited.
  • Channels with water flow may be used at contestants’ own risk.
  • Mandatory portages or course changes may be imposed by officials for safety.
Specific Portage Rules
  • Goodyear Lake Dam (Colliers Dam): Do not pass under cables.
  • Southside Oneonta Dam: Portage only on the right.
Starting & Timing
  • Crossing the start line early: 2-minute penalty.
  • Late starters must yield to all others or go around the start buoy.
Withdrawals & Repairs
  • Canoes may be removed from the river by the contestants for repairs or due to illness or injury but must re-enter the river at the point of exit.
  • All repairs must be performed by the contestants.
  • If one person drops out, a replacement paddler may enter the boat to assist the team in finishing the race, or the remaining paddler(s) may complete the race alone.
  • Teams that receive a replacement paddler will be given an official finish time recorded two (2) minutes after the last boat in their class.
  • Paddlers who complete the entire race will receive credit for the finish but will be ineligible for prize money or trophies.
  • Contestants must notify race officials of any such changes either in person, by telephone, or by digital communication.
  • The race officially ends at 8:00 PM. After this time, the Bainbridge Chamber of Commerce ceases all official functions.

7. Non-Competing Watercraft

Competing canoes may not gain advantage through:

  • Tow, wake riding, pacing, or leading from a non-competing craft.

Feeding or safety assistance is allowed only as follows:

  • Re-righting a capsized canoe.
  • Assisting re-entry.
  • Transporting canoe or paddlers to shore if necessary.

After assistance, teams must resume from the point of interruption.

8. Provisions, Support Crews, and Littering

Contestants are responsible for their own provisions. Support crews may assist only with:

  • Food, water, clothing, paddle exchanges, and personal care items (e.g., sunscreen).
  • No assistance may be given in advancing or propelling the canoe.
  • Each team must designate a Support Crew Captain by one week before race day.
  • Captains are responsible for all crew conduct and cleanup at pit stops.

9. Sportsmanship and Rule Enforcement

  • All contestants must adhere to accepted standards of sportsmanship.
  • Intentional interference, damage, or unsafe conduct results in disqualification.
  • Illegal drug use is strictly prohibited.
  • Contestants using prescribed controlled substances must declare them in writing to the Competition Committee before the start.
Protests
  • Must be in writing, accompanied by a $100 fee, and submitted no later than one hour before the trophy presentations.
  • All decisions of race judges and officials are final.

11. Liability

By registering, all contestants acknowledge and agree to the following:

  • Participation is voluntary and at the contestant’s own risk.
  • The General Clinton Canoe Regatta, its officials, sponsors, and affiliates are not liable for injury, property loss, or death arising from participation.
  • Contestants agree to abide by all race rules, applicable laws, and official decisions.

Table 1: Boat Specifications

Class Specifications
Pro Class & All Amateur Endurance Classes
  • Maximum Length: 18′6″ (eighteen feet, six inches).
  • Minimum Heights (from 0″ waterline): 15″ bow – 10″ center – 10″ stern.
  • Gunwale Line: Must form a continuous, smooth arch curve.
  • Minimum Widths: 33″ at the gunwale line (top) and 27″ at the 3″ waterline (draft).
  • Measurement points may vary up to 14″ fore or aft of center.
  • Hull cross-sections may have no more than ¼″ concavity between 3″ waterline and gunwale.
  • No concave curves allowed below 3″ waterline.
  • Minor imperfections from repairs permitted if minimal.
  • Measurements verified externally (excluding gunwales, sponsons, keels).
  • Bailing Device: Manual (non-electric) foot pump allowed.
Note: Competition Cruiser (4x32) C-2 boats are allowed in this class. Reference USCA Competition Rules Chapter V, “Canoe Specifications and Method of Measurement” Section A for full Competition Cruiser (4x32) C-2 specs (www.uscanoe.com).
Griffin Fisher Touring Open Endurance Class
  • Open to all types of manually powered watercraft (single- or double-bladed paddle).
  • Examples include canoes and kayaks; however, some crafts (e.g., inflatable canoes or kayaks, stand-up paddleboards) may not be suitable for the race or course.
  • Contestants must use good judgment when selecting a craft.
C4 Pro Endurance Class
  • Maximum Length: 25′ 11″.
  • Minimum Weight: 50 lb.
  • Boat must accommodate 4 paddlers.
  • Minimum Width: 32″ at widest gunwale point.
  • Minimum Depths: Bow 17″ – Center 12½″ – Stern 13½″.
  • Paddles: Canoe paddles only.
  • One-of-a-kind boats permitted.
  • Rudders not allowed.
NYPRA Stock Classes Boats must appear on the List of Approved Stock Boats by Manufacturer for either C2 (Stock) or C1 (Solo Stock), maintained by NYPRA: runsignup.com/MemberOrg/NewYorkPaddlesportsRacingAssociation/Page/BoatTypesandDesigns
C4 Stock Endurance Class
  • Maximum Length: 23′ 1″ (twenty-three feet, one inch).
  • Minimum Weight: 50 lb (from manufacturer).
  • Minimum Heights (from 0″ waterline): 20″ bow – 13″ center – 17″ stern.
  • Gunwale line must form a continuous, smooth arch curve.
  • Minimum Width: 33″ at both gunwales and 4″ waterline over middle 4 ft.
  • No concave curves below 3″ waterline; minor repair imperfections allowed.
  • Measurements verified externally (excluding gunwales, sponsons, keels).
Open Stock Aluminum Endurance
  • Must be a production model aluminum canoe from an established manufacturer.
  • Maximum Length: 18′ 6″ (eighteen feet, six inches).
C1 Pro & Open C1 Classes
  • Maximum Length: 18′ 6″ (eighteen feet, six inches).
  • Minimum Heights (from 0″ waterline): 15½″ bow – 11½″ center – 11½″ stern.
  • Gunwale line must form a continuous, smooth arch curve.
  • Minimum Width: 14 ⅜ % of length.
  • No concave curves below 3″ waterline; minor repair imperfections allowed.
  • Measurements verified externally (excluding gunwales, sponsons, keels).
Kayak Class Any single Kayak, Sit-on-top, or Surf Ski with overall length > 16′ and 4″ waterline beam < 22″, or maximum overall length ≤ 20′ with 4″ waterline beam ≥ 17″.

Generation Gap Race – Official Rules and Regulations

1. Contestant & Team Entry

Teams must register and compete as listed on the Official Race List at www.canoeregatta.org. Day of Race registration will be available at the Race Start.

Team Composition
  • Amateur and Aluminum Classes: Two (2) contestants whose ages differ by no less than fourteen (14) years as of the date of the race.
  • Open Class: Two (2) or more contestants, with at least one paddler who is fourteen (14) years or more older than the other(s) as of the date of the race.

2. Packet Pickup and Check-In

  • Race packets must be collected at Race Start, beginning approximately 90 minutes prior to race start.
  • All teams must check in with an official before entering the water.

3. Canoe Specifications and Boat Numbers

  • All canoes must comply with specifications in Table 1 (below).
  • Official race numbers must be affixed to the right (starboard) side of the bow on a clean, dry surface.
  • Numbers must remain in place for the entire race.
If the right-side number is lost
  1. One support crew member must report to the timing booth as the canoe crosses the finish line.
  2. If unavailable, the team must present themselves immediately after finishing.
  3. Failure to comply results in placement after all other finishers in class.
  • Officials may verify canoe compliance immediately after finishing. Non-conforming boats may be disqualified.
Paddles
  • Single-blade paddles only.

4. Safety Requirements

Each canoe must carry or have occupants wear:

  • A U.S. Coast Guard–approved Personal Flotation Device (PFD) in good condition.
  • A pea-less whistle or other approved sound-signaling device.
  • Participants under age 13 must wear a PFD at all times in compliance with New York State law.
  • Non-compliance will result in disqualification.

5. Race and Course Rules

  • Canoes must remain in the river except when navigating around obstacles (e.g., log jams, bridges, dams).
  • Overland portages are prohibited.
  • Channels with water flow may be used at contestants’ own risk.
  • Mandatory portages or course changes may be imposed by officials for safety.
Starting & Timing
  • Crossing the start line early: 2-minute penalty.
  • Late starters must yield to all others.
Withdrawals & Repairs
  • Canoes may be removed from the river by the contestants for repairs or due to illness or injury, but must re-enter the river at the point of exit.
  • All repairs must be performed by the contestants.
  • The race officially ends at 8:00 PM. After this time, the Bainbridge Chamber of Commerce ceases all official functions.

6. Non-Competing Watercraft

Competing canoes may not gain advantage through:

  • Tow, wake riding, pacing, or leading from a non-competing craft.

Feeding or safety assistance is allowed only as follows:

  • Re-righting a capsized canoe.
  • Assisting re-entry.
  • Transporting canoe or paddlers to shore if necessary.

After assistance, teams must resume from the point of interruption.

7. Provisions, Support Crews, and Littering

Contestants are responsible for their own provisions. Support crews may assist only with:

  • Food, water, clothing, paddle exchanges, and personal care items (e.g., sunscreen).
  • No assistance may be given in advancing or propelling the canoe.

8. Sportsmanship and Rule Enforcement

  • All contestants must adhere to accepted standards of sportsmanship.
  • Intentional interference, damage, or unsafe conduct results in disqualification.
  • Illegal drug use is strictly prohibited.
  • Contestants using prescribed controlled substances must declare them in writing to the Competition Committee before the start.
Protests
  • Must be in writing, accompanied by a $100 fee, and submitted no later than one hour before the trophy presentations.
  • All decisions of race judges and officials are final.

9. Liability

By registering, all contestants acknowledge and agree to the following:

  • Participation is voluntary and at the contestant’s own risk.
  • The General Clinton Canoe Regatta, its officials, sponsors, and affiliates are not liable for injury, property loss, or death arising from participation.
  • Contestants agree to abide by all race rules, applicable laws, and official decisions.

Table 1: Boat Specifications

Class Specifications
Amateur Classes
  • Maximum Length: 18′6″ (eighteen feet, six inches).
  • Minimum Heights (from 0″ waterline): 15″ bow – 10″ center – 10″ stern.
  • Gunwale Line: Must form a continuous, smooth arch curve.
  • Minimum Widths: 33″ at the gunwale line (top) and 27″ at the 3″ waterline (draft).
  • Measurement points may vary up to 14″ fore or aft of center.
  • Hull cross-sections may have no more than ¼″ concavity between 3″ waterline and gunwale.
  • No concave curves allowed below 3″ waterline.
  • Minor imperfections from repairs permitted if minimal.
  • Measurements verified externally (excluding gunwales, sponsons, keels).
  • Bailing Device: Manual (non-electric) foot pump allowed.
NOTE: Any recreational or stock boats that do not meet the stock aluminum specification will be placed in the Amateur class.
Aluminum Classes
  • Must be a production model aluminum canoe from an established manufacturer.
  • Maximum Length: 18′ 6″ (eighteen feet, six inches).
Open Class Open to all types of manually powered watercraft (single- or double-bladed paddle).

Relay Race – Official Rules and Regulations

1. Contestant & Team Entry

Teams must register and compete as listed on the Official Race List at www.canoeregatta.org.

Teams
  • Team Composition: Each team must consist of no fewer than four (4) and no more than ten (10) members.
  • Boat Crew per Leg: Only two (2) paddlers may occupy the canoe during any leg of the race.
  • Leg Participation: Team members may compete in multiple legs; however, no individual may paddle in consecutive legs.
  • Team Exclusivity: Each participant may paddle for only one (1) team during the event.

2. Packet Pickup and Check-In

  • Race packets must be collected at Race Start, beginning approximately 90 minutes prior to race start.
  • All teams must check in with an official before entering the water.

3. Canoe Specifications and Boat Numbers

  • Only stock aluminum canoes are permitted. Canoes must be production models manufactured by an established commercial manufacturer.
  • Official race numbers must be affixed to both sides of the bow on a clean, dry surface.
  • Numbers must remain in place for the entire race.
If the right-side number is lost
  • One team member must report to the timing booth as the canoe crosses the finish line.
  • Failure to comply results in placement after all other finishers in class.
  • Officials may verify canoe compliance immediately after finishing. Non-conforming boats may be disqualified.
Paddles
  • Single-blade paddles only.

4. Safety Requirements

Each canoe must carry or have occupants wear:

  • A U.S. Coast Guard–approved Personal Flotation Device (PFD) in good condition.
  • A pea-less whistle or other approved sound-signaling device.
  • Participants under age 13 must wear a PFD at all times in compliance with New York State law.
  • Non-compliance will result in disqualification.

5. Race and Course Rules

  • Canoes must remain in the river except when navigating around obstacles (e.g., log jams, bridges, dams).
  • Overland portages are prohibited.
  • Channels with water flow may be used at contestants’ own risk.
  • Mandatory portages or course changes may be imposed by officials for safety.
Starting & Timing
  • Crossing the start line early: 2-minute penalty.
  • Late starters must yield to all others.
Withdrawals & Repairs
  • Canoes may be removed from the river by the contestants for repairs or due to illness or injury, but must re-enter the river at the point of exit.
  • All repairs must be performed by the contestants.
  • The race officially ends at 8:00 PM. After this time, the Bainbridge Chamber of Commerce ceases all official functions.

6. Non-Competing Watercraft

Competing canoes may not gain advantage through:

  • Tow, wake riding, pacing, or leading from a non-competing craft.

Feeding or safety assistance is allowed only as follows:

  • Re-righting a capsized canoe.
  • Assisting re-entry.
  • Transporting canoe or paddlers to shore if necessary.

After assistance, teams must resume from the point of interruption.

7. Provisions, Support Crews, and Littering

Contestants are responsible for their own provisions. Support crews may assist only with:

  • Food, water, clothing, paddle exchanges, and personal care items (e.g., sunscreen).
  • No assistance may be given in advancing or propelling the canoe.

8. Sportsmanship and Rule Enforcement

  • All contestants must adhere to accepted standards of sportsmanship.
  • Intentional interference, damage, or unsafe conduct results in disqualification.
  • Illegal drug use is strictly prohibited.
  • Contestants using prescribed controlled substances must declare them in writing to the Competition Committee before the start.
Protests
  • Must be in writing, accompanied by a $100 fee, and submitted no later than one hour before the trophy presentations.
  • All decisions of race judges and officials are final.

9. Liability

By registering, all contestants acknowledge and agree to the following:

  • Participation is voluntary and at the contestant’s own risk.
  • The General Clinton Canoe Regatta, its officials, sponsors, and affiliates are not liable for injury, property loss, or death arising from participation.
  • Contestants agree to abide by all race rules, applicable laws, and official decisions.

Sprint Race – Official Rules and Regulations

1. Contestant & Team Entry

Teams must register and compete as listed on the Official Race List at www.canoeregatta.org. Day of Race registration will be available at the Race Start.

Team Composition
  • All C1 classes and Kayak Classes: 1 contestant
  • All C2 Classes: 2 contestants

2. Packet Pickup and Check-In

  • Race packets must be collected at Race Start, beginning approximately 90 minutes prior to race start.
  • All teams must check in with an official before entering the water.

3. Canoe Specifications and Boat Numbers

  • All canoes must comply with specifications in Table 1 (below).
  • Official race numbers must be affixed to the right (starboard) side of the bow on a clean, dry surface.
  • Numbers must remain in place for the entire race.
If the right-side number is lost
  1. One support crew member must report to the timing booth as the canoe crosses the finish line.
  2. If unavailable, the team must present themselves immediately after finishing.
  3. Failure to comply results in placement after all other finishers in class.
  • Officials may verify canoe compliance immediately after finishing. Non-conforming boats may be disqualified.
Paddles
  • Single-blade paddles permitted for all classes.
  • Double-blade paddles allowed only in Kayak classes.

4. Safety Requirements

Each canoe must carry or have occupants wear:

  • A U.S. Coast Guard–approved Personal Flotation Device (PFD) in good condition.
  • A pea-less whistle or other approved sound-signaling device.
  • Participants under age 13 must wear a PFD at all times in compliance with New York State law.
  • Non-compliance will result in disqualification.

5. Race and Course Rules

  • Canoes must remain in the river except when navigating around obstacles (e.g., log jams, bridges, dams).
  • Overland portages are prohibited.
  • Channels with water flow may be used at contestants’ own risk.
  • Mandatory portages or course changes may be imposed by officials for safety.
Starting & Timing
  • Crossing the start line early: 2-minute penalty.
  • Late starters must yield to all others.
Withdrawals & Repairs
  • Canoes may be removed from the river by the contestants for repairs or due to illness or injury, but must re-enter the river at the point of exit.
  • All repairs must be performed by the contestants.
  • The race officially ends at 8:00 PM. After this time, the Bainbridge Chamber of Commerce ceases all official functions.

6. Non-Competing Watercraft

Competing canoes may not gain advantage through:

  • Tow, wake riding, pacing, or leading from a non-competing craft.

Feeding or safety assistance is allowed only as follows:

  • Re-righting a capsized canoe.
  • Assisting re-entry.
  • Transporting canoe or paddlers to shore if necessary.

After assistance, teams must resume from the point of interruption.

7. Provisions, Support Crews, and Littering

Contestants are responsible for their own provisions. Support crews may assist only with:

  • Food, water, clothing, paddle exchanges, and personal care items (e.g., sunscreen).
  • No assistance may be given in advancing or propelling the canoe.

8. Sportsmanship and Rule Enforcement

  • All contestants must adhere to accepted standards of sportsmanship.
  • Intentional interference, damage, or unsafe conduct results in disqualification.
  • Illegal drug use is strictly prohibited.
  • Contestants using prescribed controlled substances must declare them in writing to the Competition Committee before the start.
Protests
  • Must be in writing, accompanied by a $100 fee, and submitted no later than one hour before the trophy presentations.
  • All decisions of race judges and officials are final.

9. Liability

By registering, all contestants acknowledge and agree to the following:

  • Participation is voluntary and at the contestant’s own risk.
  • The General Clinton Canoe Regatta, its officials, sponsors, and affiliates are not liable for injury, property loss, or death arising from participation.
  • Contestants agree to abide by all race rules, applicable laws, and official decisions.

Table 1: Boat Specifications

Class Specifications
Amateur C2 Class
  • Maximum Length: 18′6″ (eighteen feet, six inches).
  • Minimum Heights (from 0″ waterline): 15″ bow – 10″ center – 10″ stern.
  • Gunwale Line: Must form a continuous, smooth arch curve.
  • Minimum Widths: 33″ at the gunwale line (top) and 27″ at the 3″ waterline (draft).
  • Measurement points may vary up to 14″ fore or aft of center.
  • Hull cross-sections may have no more than ¼″ concavity between 3″ waterline and gunwale.
  • No concave curves allowed below 3″ waterline.
  • Minor imperfections from repairs permitted if minimal.
  • Measurements verified externally (excluding gunwales, sponsons, keels).
  • Bailing Device: Manual (non-electric) foot pump allowed.
NYPRA Stock Classes Boats must appear on the List of Approved Stock Boats by Manufacturer for C2 (Stock) maintained by NYPRA: runsignup.com/MemberOrg/NewYorkPaddlesportsRacingAssociation/Page/BoatTypesandDesigns
Open C1 Classes
  • Maximum Length: 18′ 6″ (eighteen feet, six inches).
  • Minimum Heights (from 0″ waterline): 15½″ bow – 11½″ center – 11½″ stern.
  • Gunwale line must form a continuous, smooth arch curve.
  • Minimum Width: 14 ⅜ % of length.
  • No concave curves below 3″ waterline; minor repair imperfections allowed.
  • Measurements verified externally (excluding gunwales, sponsons, keels).
Kayak Sprint Class Any single Kayak, Sit-on-top, or Surf Ski with overall length > 16′ and 4″ waterline beam < 22″, or maximum overall length ≤ 20′ with 4″ waterline beam ≥ 17″.
Recreational Kayak Sprint Class Any single Kayak, Sit-on-top, or Surf Ski with an overall length < 16′.