USCA Competition Rules 2010 (current for 2011 Nationals)
Extract: sections on Kayak Racing Class Specifications
Note: At this time
Recreational (Sect. I.1) is not a kayak racing class offered at
Nationals. While all solo kayaks meeting Recreation specs will qualify within the Sea Kayak class, they will not likely be
competitive in this (or any other) class, and though technically allowed would not be recommended. This note is not part of the official Competition Rules.
E. Downriver Kayak: (K1Dr M, K1Dr W)
International Canoe Federation rules for Wildwater K1 will prevail with the exception that the minimum
boat weight shall not apply. For reference the following is supplied:
1. Maximum Length: 4.5 meters (14 feet 9 3/16 inches).
2. No rudders permitted.
3. Kayaks can be completely decked and spray skirts used.
4. There must be adequate buoyancy to float the kayak horizontally when filled with water. Type of
buoyancy that is securely fastened or permanently built-in shall be at the discretion of the paddler.
5. Grab loops or toggles must be affixed to both bow and stern ends of the kayak, but may be taped down.
6. Wearing of helmets may be required by race sponsors if water conditions warrant.
7. Kayaks may be made of any material or combination of materials.
[Note: Specifications and rules for ICF Wildwater K1 may be downloaded using the following link: www.canoeicf.com/dms/icf/documents/Rules-and-Statutes/2011-Rules/ICF-Wildwater-Canoeing-Rules-2011/Wildwater%20Canoeing%20Rules%202011.pdf. The general link to access the ICF Wildwater rules can be found at: www.canoeicf.com/icf/Aboutoursport/Wildwater-Canoeing.html. This note is not part of the official Competition Rules.]
F. International Long Distance Kayak: (K1-ICF M, K1-ICF MMa, K1-ICF W, K1-ICF WMa)
International Canoe Federation (ICF) specifications for marathon K1 will prevail with the exception that the rule regarding the width and minimum boat weight shall not apply. For reference only, previous specifications are provided. (K2 deleted from USCA Nationals list in 1990).
Note: The K2-ICF is offered currently at USCA Nationals under an agreement with USACK. Specifications and rules for ICF marathon may be downloaded using the following link: www.canoeicf.com/dms/icf/documents/Disciplines/CAM/CAM-Rules-2011/Rules%202011.pdf . The general link to access the ICF Marathon rules can be found at: www.canoeicf.com/icf/Aboutoursport/Canoe-Marathon.html. [As of 2005 USCA delegates explicitly approved to allow overstern rudders, pedals, and swivel seats in ICF marathon kayaks. These are not restrictions in the 2005 version of the ICF Marathon rules.]
1. Maximum length K1: 520 cm (204.72 inches)
Maximum length K2: 650 cm (255.90 inches)
2. Sections and longitudinal lines of the hull of the kayak shall be convex and not interrupted.
3. Steering rudders are allowed. The maximum thickness of the rudder must not exceed 10 mm (0.39 in.)
in cases where the rudder forms an extension to the length of the kayak. Any rudder forming a
continuation of the length of a kayak is not to be included in the measurement of length.
4. There must be adequate buoyancy to float the kayak horizontally when filled with water. The type of
buoyancy securely fastened or permanently built-in shall be at the discretion of the paddler.
5. Kayaks may be completely decked and spray skirts used.
6. Paddles must be double bladed.
7. Kayaks may be made of any material or combination of materials.
I. Single Kayak, Sit-on-top or Surf ski
1. Recreational: any single kayak, sit-on-top or surf ski with a maximum overall length of 16' and a 4'' waterline beam of at least 22'' .*
2. Sea Kayak: any single kayak, sit-on-top or surf ski with a maximum overall length of 18' and a 4 ''
waterline beam of at least 8.5% of length, 40 pound minimum weight, bulkheads plus hatches fore and aft with the exception of pre-year 2000 models, in which case they may have airbags in lieu of hatches and bulkheads.*
Editorial note: The USCA Delegates voted at the 2011 Annual Meeting that surfskis would not be required to have hatches or bulkheads. The next edition of the Competition Rules will reflect this.
3. Touring: any single kayak, sit-on-top, surf ski with a maximum overall length of 20' and a 4 '' waterline beam of at least 18 ''. *
4. Unlimited: any single kayak, sit-on-top, or surf ski
* Additional rules for the above K1s
1. Flip up rudders not included in length.
2. No hull modifications.
3. Must have sufficient flotation to support a 25 pound weight in a boat full of water.
J. K2, Double Kayak, Sit-on-Top, Surf Ski: any double kayak, sit-on-top, or surf ski.**
** Additional rules for Double Kayak
1. Must have sufficient flotation to support a 25 pound weight in a boat full of water.
K. Solo Outrigger & Kayaks for Adaptive Paddling (Sprint) Events at USCA National Championships
[wording referring only to OC1 not reproduced here . . . ] ... stabilizing floats may be added to OC1 and K1, to be effective in 2010. More specifications and rules will be provided as they are developed.
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