2013 Paddle Derby


Since our first Derby back in ‘82, we’ve introduced many people to paddlesport racing. For many years it was just a canoe competition, then we added kayaks (some of our fastest competitors) and two years ago standup paddleboards. Our 10-race series gives you the opportunity to develop your skills by competing against the best local paddlers each week. We encourage recreational canoers, kayakers and standup paddleboarders to enter our short course - just for the fun of it!

Canoes still make up the majority of boats on our starting line, but because of the growing popularity of kayaks and standup paddleboards, the traditional old Hoigaard's "Canoe Derby" changed its name last year to the "Paddle Derby". We have a new identity. We're not just for canoes anymore! Haven't been for quite awhile. 

What is it?
Our paddle derby is a series of ten races with divisions for recreational paddlers and experienced  racers. Enter just to have a good time or to hone your competitive skills. You can enter as few as one race or as many as ten. Compete in the same division for at least five races and earn points towards championship standings.

Continuing in 2013 - Standup Paddleboards
In response to the growing popularity of stand-up paddleboards, we have a division for SUP's with single-bladed paddles. They will follow the same course as Recreational Canoes and Kayaks. Join in the fun!

When?
Races are ten Thursday evenings in 2013 (We skip July 4):
May 30
June 6, 13, 20, 27
July 11, 18, 25
August 1, 8

Registration is from 5:45 to 6:30 p.m.
Races start at 6:45 p.m.

Speed Up Registration!
Often we have long lines at the registration table. As we get closer to race time we will have registration paperwork here that you can print and fill out ahead of time.  You only fill these out once each year.

Where?
Races start and end just west of Thomas Beach on Lake Calhoun in Minneapolis. (At Upton Av. S. and West Calhoun Blvd., in the southwest corner of Lake Calhoun.) 

The race course travels from Lake Calhoun to Lake of the Isles and (for skilled paddlers) to Cedar Lake and back, with several buoy turns.

         Course by Division


Derby Division
Follow buoys 1-2-3-4-2-1
When paddling from buoy 3 to 4 go between the islands.

Racing, C-1 and Race Kayak Divisions
Follow buoys 1-2-3-4-3-2-1
When paddling from buoy 3 to 4 (or reverse) go between the islands.

Training Solo Division
Follow buoys 1-2-5-2-1
When paddling back from buoy 3 to 2 go between the islands.


Recreational Canoe, Recreational Kayak
and Stand-Up Paddleboard Divisions

Follow buoys 1-2-5-2-1
Paddle counter-clockwise around the island (5).


Sponsored by



Divisions

DERBY: 6 miles; 17’ to 18 1/2’ canoes, excluding USCA Cruisers and pro boats. Men, women, mixed.

RACING: 7 miles; USCA Cruisers & pro boats. Men, women, mixed.

C-1: 7 miles; solo canoes. Men, women.

TRAINING SOLO:
4 1/2 miles; solo canoes. Men, women.

RACE KAYAK:
7 miles; solo kayaks. Men, women.

RECREATIONAL TANDEM: 3 miles; 18’ maximum canoes. Men, women, mixed.

RECREATIONAL KAYAK: 3 miles; solo kayaks. Men, women.

STAND-UP PADDLEBOARD: 3 miles; paddleboard with single-bladed paddle.

Equipment

Canoes, kayaks and paddleboards as described above. Single-bladed paddles in canoes and paddleboards, double-bladed paddles in kayaks. U.S. Coast Guard approved life jackets are required on all boats.

Hoigaard's brings a trailer of canoes and kayaks to Thomas Beach each week, available for anyone who wants to paddle the Paddle Derby. Availability is on a first-come-first-served basis.

Awards
Paddle Derby T-shirts are awarded to everyone finishing a race. (One shirt for the series per person.) Ribbons are awarded to the top teams each Thursday. Points for the final championship are awarded on an individual, not team basis. Championship awards at the end of the series go to the top individuals in each division - determined by the accumulated score of your 5 best races in that division. You must compete 5 times in one division to qualify.

 

2013 Special Derby Events

    • PADDLER’S POTLUCKS - 6/27 and 8/8.  Always a good time! Hoigaard's brings the grill,  you bring a dish to share.
    • HOW Nite at the Paddle Derby - Will be announced.  Hoigaard's Outdoor Women will be paddling in their own division on this night. (Don't be surprised if they paddle to Tin Fish for a snack!) Contact Linda Lemke for information at lindal@hoigaards.com.
    • Barton Challenge Qualifing Race - Will be announced. By completing a course in a regional Qualifying Race, paddlers aged 9 to 17 become eligible to compete at the USCA Nationals for the Barton Cup final within the C1 Junior and K1 Junior Marathon Championship races.

Entry Fees

Recreational Divisions: $10/race
Recreational Tandem Canoe
Recreational Kayak:
Stand-Up Paddleboard
Race Divisions:
$15/race
Race Canoe
Race Kayak
Derby
C-1
Training Solo
    
A non-transferable season pass can be purchased for the Race Divisions on two dates: 5.30.13 for $120.00 or 6.6.13 for $105.00. This amounts to two free weeks of racing!

Storm Rules
Race cancellation occurs if there is an official National Weather Service Storm Warning (not Watch) which specifically includes the Twin Cities area and coincides with the times when we would usually be on the water. Sustained wind speeds of 20 mph or more will postpone or cancel a race. If lightning or a severe wind storm occurs during a race, head to shore and consider the race cancelled. All paddlers that start a race must check in at the finish line before leaving.

 

Date: Time:
5.30.2013 Registration: 5:45pm, Race: 6:45pm
6.6.2013 Registration: 5:45pm, Race: 6:45pm
6.13.2013 Registration: 5:45pm, Race: 6:45pm
6.20.2013 Registration: 5:45pm, Race: 6:45pm
6.27.2013 Registration: 5:45pm, Race: 6:45pm
7.11.2013 Registration: 5:45pm, Race: 6:45pm
7.18.2013 Registration: 5:45pm, Race: 6:45pm
7.25.2013 Registration: 5:45pm, Race: 6:45pm
8.1.2013 Registration: 5:45pm, Race: 6:45pm
8.8.2013 Registration: 5:45pm, Race: 6:45pm


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