1; RACE DATES 2025
RACE A
RACE B
RACE C
RACE D
23rd February
9th March
23rd March
6th April
2; ENTRY
All Entries to the Series or Individual races are made via the Marathon Racing Committee (MRC) – Race entry system
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This Entry System shows the opening and closing deadlines of the Series and each Race.
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Make sure you select YYYY Waterside - and then either Series or Race A, Race B, Race C or Race D.
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The series option offers a bulk discount, but entering each race individually and completing all four races also qualifies you for any of the appropriate Waterside Series awards.
nb; All SUPS to register as Division 9
Deadlines
MRC Entries close 5 Days prior to the race to allow for data processing.
There is a limit of 500 paddlers.
NCC reserve the right to restrict entrants in the SUP class to a maximum number of crews..This decision and number will be informed by the race risk assessments.
Race A is pre-entry only. No late entries will be accepted. There is a limit of 500 paddlers.
Races B, C & D Late paper entries will be accepted on the day at check-in.
For all races advance entries and payment must be received by the Wednesday prior to the race
Fees
Fees
Pre-entries
Late entries
(Races B,C & D)
Per seat per race
Per seat per series
Additional per seat per race
Senior
£22.00
£80.00
£5.00
Junior
£17.00
£60.00
In the event that you cannot provide evidence of BCU membership an event ticket can be arranged at Race Control before the start of each race.
Event ticket for temporary Paddle UK membership – £5.00 (non-refundable)
4; CLASSIFICATIONS
There are 15 main classes with many also containing Sub-Classes. Each of the four races have their own prizegiving, where placed crews (depending on numbers) are awarded Waterside Mugs, a tradition going back over 25 years. At Race D prize giving, for those that qualify, series class winners have the potential to be awarded a Waterside Series trophy and/or keepsake.
Classes
K2
K1
C2
SUP
1 K2 Senior
2 K2 Junior
3 K2 Ladies
4 K2 Junior Ladies
5 K2 Veteran
6 K2 Mixed
7 K2 Junior/Veteran
8 K1 Senior
9 K1 Junior
10 K1 Ladies
11 K1 Veteran
12 C2 Canadian
Doubles
C1
13 C2 Canadian
Singles
14 Racing SUP
Men
15 Racing SUP
Ladies
Many sub classes also exist
Within the above restrictions, crews may choose which class to enter. For instance, a K2 crew who are both ladies under the age of 19, have the choice of entering K2 Junior or K2 Ladies.
A crew qualifies for the Junior/Veteran class if one crew member is a Veteran, and the other is a Junior.
Age categories
All ages apply on 1st January preceding the race
Junior = under 19yrs
Senior = over 19yrs
Veteran = over 35yrs
Veteran Masters = over 50yrs
Junior/Veteran crew qualifies if one crew member is a Veteran, and the other is a Junior.
Racing SUPS class= any age over 19yrs
Please notify the organiser of ANY entrant below the age of 16.
This is so we can verify that the young paddler and support crew have the competency to undertake the challenges of the Waterside Series.
Teams
Team Nomination Forms must be handed to the organisers before the closure of race control at the Start of Waterside A
There are three team prizes within the Series which hold a strict criterion.
Senior Team
Junior Team
Schools Team
These are the last and most prestigious trophies to be awarded at prizegiving The schools trophy is the one that receives the most interest and is thus used as the final climax to the Series prizegiving.
The Series result is based on the total time taken for all four races.
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Any crew finishing all four races is automatically eligible for the Series awards.
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In the case of K2 and C2 paddlers, you must have had the same partner for the whole series.
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The Team time is calculated by adding up the times of the fastest three boats at each race.
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The members of the Team must be nominated before the start of the Series, after which no changes to the membership of the Team will be allowed.
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Crew pairings, within the nominated team members, may change.
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K1’s can race instead of K2’s.
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In each race, 3 boats, paddled by nominated team members must finish to qualify for the team event.
Junior team
Senior team
Between 3 and 8 paddlers
At least 3 boats from any class
All paddlers must be under 19
Between 3 and 8 paddlers
At least 3 boats from any class
It may include one or more junior crews
Prizes
The rules specify the prizes and any associated criteria, and are awarded at the end of each race. The series awards are presented after Race D prizegiving. The array of trophies and keepsakes create an amazing end to the Series and recognises all the many paddling hours put in by so many.
The following prizes will be awarded at each race :-
In each of the 15 main classes:
1st & 2nd (provided there are at least 5 starters in the class);
3rd (provided there are at least 10 starters in the class).
The following prizes will be awarded at the end of the series:-
In each of the 15 main classes:
1st ; 2nd (provided there are at least 5 starters in the class);
3rd (provided there are at least 10 starters in the class).
1st Senior Team
1st Junior Team
1st Schools team - presented by the Schools Canoeing Association
Other prizes for Junior/Ladies/Mixed crews will be presented at the organisers discretion (many classes include a Junior category and Series C1 and C2 ladies subcategory.
The following Waterside Series trophies need special mention as they have been donated to the Club for special reasons: They will be awarded at the end of the Series.
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Services Trophy - For the fasted crew (in any class) representing a Uniformed Service
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Keith Donkin Cup - For the fastest K1 Veteran Master (male or female) donated in memory of Keith by his family
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Junior Ladies K2 Trophy presented by Kimbolton School - For the fastest K2 Junior Ladies
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School Teams Trophy presented by the Schools Canoeing Association - For the fastest team in the Junior Team Event representing a school.
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John Baggs Trophy presented by Bedford School - For the fastest Junior C2 presented by Bedford school
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Lyn McLaren Trophy - For the fastest Mixed Junior K2 crew presented by Newbury Canoe Club.
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SKB Award - For the fastest K2 Masters presented by J & U Treadgold
5; RACE DAY
All races finish at the Waterside Centre (TBC) in Newbury, where changing facilities and showers may by available.
Check-In
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All crews must check in to Race Control before the start of each race to obtain their race number and sign the attendance sheets with associated emergency contacts for the day.
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Competitors & Support Crews must familiarise themselves with the Safety Briefing Presentation at Check In.
Race Numbers
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Race numbers are re-allocated for each race, please return your number after the race, and collect a new one before the next race. All competitors will receive lunch when they return their race number at the finish.
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Numbers must be mounted vertically on the boat; suitable mounting brackets must be provided by the competitors.
Races A & C Split race window for Check-in/Start.
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• You will be given details of your assigned start window in advance of race day. This will be set in accordance with your Hasler division level and and information provided at registration and will continue throughout the series,
If you should have to retire from any race, please make every effort to inform a Race Official.
6; RACE SPECIFICS
The Waterside Series consists of four Sunday time trials, starting 8 weeks before Easter
Each race is spaced at fortnightly intervals and becomes progressively increasing in length from 13.5 miles to 34 miles.
Start
End
RACE A
13.5 miles
21 portages
23rd February
Great Bedwyn
SN8 3PD
Finds.devotion.tarnished
Newbury
RG14 1DS
Spit.tune.priced
Timings-
Split Start
Race control opens
8.00-11.30
Fast crews not to check-in until after 10.45
Schools/Slow
9.30-10.30
Fast
11.00-12.00
11.00 - 14.15
Start
End
RACE B
17.5 miles
19 portages
9th March
Newbury
RG14 1DS
Spit.tune.priced
Aldermarston
Intruded.camper.blazers
Turning point is west of A340 road bridge at Aldermarston Wharf
Newbury
RG14 1DS
Spit.tune.priced
Timings
Race control opens
9.00 - 11.15
10.00-12.00
13.00 - 14.30
Start
End
RACE C
23 miles
35 portages
23rd March
Pewsey
SN9 5NT
Drives.mailings.yours
Newbury
RG14 1DS
Spit.tune.priced
Timings-
Split Start
Race control opens
8.00-11.00
Fast crews not to check-in until 10.00
Schools/Slow
9.00-9.45
Fast
10.15 - 11.30
12.30 - 14.30
Notes
Do not arrive in Pewsey before 9.45
No car parking at Pewsey Wharf, please park opposite at St Francis School (no Cars without canoes).
Start
End
RACE D
34 miles
35 portages
6th April
Devizes
SN10 1EB
Trombone.return.only
Newbury
RG14 1DS
Spit.tune.priced
Timings
Race control opens
6.00-8.15
7.00 - 8.30
12.30 - 14.30
7; Support/crew
Parking and accessibility for Drivers
• Parkway to Newbury Wharf is now Buses & Taxis only, cameras are used to enforce this - use A339.
• Car parking is available in Newbury Wharf carparks & Faraday Road, but are now subject to charging on Sunday’s.
• The road bridge crossing may be controlled by marshals to reduce numbers.
• Pewsey – Parking at the school will be restricted to vehicles with Canoes/Kayaks, All other vehicles need to park elsewhere. Paddlers can park at the nearby Industrial Site approx.. ¼ mile on the left to the South (towards Pewsey).
7a; ETIQUETTE
Core principle
No paddler is more or less important than any other.
The future of the Waterside Series depends upon both support crews and paddlers behaving in a responsible manner and respecting road users, pedestrians and those that live in the small villages and on the water along the route. It cannot be emphasised enough how critical it is that support crews and paddlers respect those that live and work along the Kennet and Avon canal route of the Waterside Series.
SUPPORT CREW ETIQUETTE
Please see Section 7 for the Rules for Support Crews.
Cars
• Do everything possible to limit the number of vehicles that support each crew. 1 vehicle per crew is all that is normally needed.
• Know your crews speed and time your arrival for parking up.
• Do not block driveways and access at any time
• Do not restrict other road users in any way
• Do as you are instructed by the Waterside Marshals
• Do not park in restricted (coned or otherwise signed) areas
• Park on the road, not anywhere that may damage local vegetation or greenery.
• Follow the highway code and at all times and comply with UK law
Local Community
• Remember we are just visiting!
• Respect those that live on or near the canal and along the minor roads you use during the race.
• Behave towards the local community as you would expect to be treated at or near your home
• Be polite and considerate
• Allow those going about their daily business to travel along the roads and towpaths.
• Respect the shared space and those inhabiting or using the canal waters such as boat houses and fisherman.
• We do not accept any rude behaviour towards the public, regardless of situation.
On the Towpath
Remember these are serious races for many competitors
• Try to limit the numbers of support crew that are present on or alongside the portages where competitors are running with boats. You only need 1 person to feed 1 paddler..
• Know your crews speed and time your arrival at feeding stations etc.
• Feeding/fuelling of crews can be done as they portage but if your crew stops, move off the main portage route
• Unless the towpath is very wide do not run alongside your crew. This could block the space available for an overtaking crew.
• Always be aware and mindful of what is going on around you.
• Do not stand on the main towpath at portages
• Never get between any crew’s boat and the water at a portage.
• Do not bring pets with you to the water’s side whilst supporting your crew.
• If other crews appear to be in difficulty ask if they need help
• Take all litter and personal items with you.
Supporting your crew
• Know your crew’s speed and plan your support and route accordingly.
• Limit your support provisions to a basket, tray, carrier or just bottles. If you put them down ensure they are well out of the way of anybody passing, including the public.
• Feeders should wait near the get in away from the canal. Ensure you can see other crews coming so as not to get in their way. Only step forward when your crew actually arrives. Feed, then move back out of the way.
• You may need to adapt to where you crew gets out/in and so need to find the system that works best for you to adapt. You can feed your crew as they run/jog or as they get in. You
• If your crew must rest or feed out of the water then stand out of the way. Keep the noise down.
• Do not stop and eat/chat once the boat is in the water as this may block the portage space for other paddlers.
• If supporting on a mountain bike, it is advised you dismount to feed your paddler and put your bike away from the path. Leaning over a bike to feed in a boat may block the towpath for other users and might result in an injury to you, your paddler or others.
• Never support with a dog.
PADDLERS ETIQUETTE
Fundamentals
• Canoeing is a non-contact sport.
• Paddlers must race in a fair manner at all times.
• It is the duty of overtaking craft to do so safely, respectfully and responsibly.
• If you see any crew in safety related difficulties it is your absolute duty to help them.
On the water
Always follow the ’River Rules’ unless overtaking: Keep to the right !
This especially applies to Waterside B as crews pass each other going in opposite directions as they head back.
Know your boat and be realistic about your boat handling skills.
• Act and steer accordingly to the route ahead.
• Where possible, steer a straight line and don’t zig‐zag across the canal. If asked, please move across to allow crews to pass. If you are having difficulties then politely advise the others of this.
• All crews should have checked their boat and ensured it has a working rudder.
• If your rudder has broken and is causing you to crash into other boats then you should leave the race.
• All crews should avoid paddling alongside other crews and chatting,
This may distract your attention to what is going in around you.
This limits the space available for overtaking crews.
• If you are going to approach a portage, low or narrow bridge at the same time as slower paddlers, the faster paddlers are likely to have the better skill set to adapt. Don’t expect slower crews to be able to get out of your way.
• Crews should talk to each other to ensure each knows what the other will do.
Water community
• Respect other users of the canal at all times. You must not presume priority.
• Respect that the water is the home for many people and also the natural habitat. You are just passing through.
• Avoid crashing against canal boats
• Keep noise and shouting down to a minimum.
• Negotiate your path with any upcoming local fishers
• Do not paddle through their fishing lines.
• Thank them for their cooperation. This will put them in good stead for remaining paddlers.
• Hold your line to the right to assist other water users coming the opposite direction.
Overtaking
• Slower crews should expect to be overtaken so ensure to keep well to the right to allow space.
• If overtaking, it is your responsibility to overtake safely, responsibly and respectfully.
• Be courteous to slower paddlers
• Call out politely as you approach slower paddlers to ensure they know you are coming and your intentions.
• There will be times when there are 2 or 3 or more boats across the canal. On these occasions, the fast boats must not barge through.
• Consider that skill levels vary so be patient and allow time for the slower paddlers to respond and make room for you to pass safely.
• Appreciate that your wash might cause them problems.
Portaging
• Be aware of surrounding boats aside and behind of you that you will have to navigate the portage with.
• Talk to those around you.
• If two boats approach at the same time, the one behind might say “you go short, we’ll go long”.
• Do not clamber over another crews boat
• Once at the bank, as quickly as you can, get out, get the boat out and move away. Do not linger with the boat in the water or with the boat left on the waterside ‐ you are blocking others from getting out.
• Keep your paddles close to the boat. Do not leave them across the towpath. They could get trodden on and broken or trip someone up.
• If you need a rest before walking/running to the other end, then do so in an out of the way position.
• When running or walking the portage, NEVER stop on a road. Get across the road to allow the traffic to flow.
• When you get to the other end, reverse the getting out process. Put the boat in and get in it as quickly as you can and then move away.
• Respect the directions and word of the marshals. You may like to thank them for helping the race run smoothly for you.
Feeding
• Please avoid putting your boat in, getting in and then sitting there having food and drink.
• If you are stopping for a rest, food or drink before getting in then make sure your boat, paddles and support crew are not obstructing anyone. Do this away from the canal edge.
• You may feed on the run but ensure this does not obstruct anybody else.
• If you do accidently find yourself in someone’s way it is safest for everyone if you stand still and allow the fast people to go round you rather than make a sudden movement that may cause a clash.
• All paddlers should make every effort to avoid contact with other boats, paddles, paddlers and support crew..