All teams should consider carefully which division they will enter and how many team members they will need in relation to their abilities. The race consists of three legs on the first and third days and two legs on the second day (except Beginners). Teams with only four members requires that two of the team's paddlers must complete two legs on the first and third days. While experienced and well conditioned teams normally have no problems completing this, less proficient teams may find this very tiring and may lose significant time on the water. For this reason, less experienced teams should consider having five or six paddlers when entering the Novice classes. Contact the Race Director or Event Chairman, if you should have any questions about the division you wish to enter.
Teams are for participants with little or no canoe racing experience. Beginner team members may not have raced previously in the White River Canoe Race and may only enter this class one year only. Beginning teams will race only the first, fourth and eighth legs of the race. This division may be suitable for younger team members or inexperienced teams with only four team members that had originally planned to race a Novice division. Four person Novice teams with no paddling experience should consider entering the Beginner classes with two two-person teams. Beginner teams are not eligible for the Overall Traveling Trophy in their respective class since they do not paddle the entire race.
| Division | # of Paddlers | Age Range | Gender Configuration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boys Aluminum Beginners | 2-3 | 14-21 | All Males |
| Coed Aluminum Beginners | 2-3 | 14-21 | 1 Female Required for All Legs |
| Girls Aluminum Beginners | 2-3 | 14-21 | All Females |
Teams may be teams participating for the first time in the White River Canoe Race or teams (or team members) which have not placed (3rd place or higher) in any division at the race in previous years. Novice teams are encouraged to do their best as they are eligible for the Aluminum Overall Traveling Trophy in their class (Girl's, Boy's, and Coed) which will be awarded to the team with the lowest accumulative time for the race.
| Division | Paddlers | Age Range | Configuration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boys Aluminum Novice | 4-6 | 14-21 | All Males |
| Coed Aluminum Novice | 4-6 | 14-21 | 1 Female Required for All Legs |
| Girls Aluminum Novice | 4-6 | 14-21 | All Females |
Teams are typically teams that have a high level of proficiency in a canoe and perhaps have either raced in the White River Canoe Race before or competed in other canoeing events. Normally, the top tier of this division consists of teams that train extensively for this race.
| Division | Paddlers | Age Range | Configuration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boys Aluminum Advanced | 4-6 | 14-21 | All Males |
| Coed Aluminum Advanced | 4-6 | 14-21 | 1 Female Required for All Legs |
| Girls Aluminum Advanced | 4-6 | 14-21 | All Females |
Are normally the most competitive and proficient paddlers in the race. Normally, these paddlers have raced aluminum divisions in previous years and have moved up to Cruising canoes as their abilities improved. These paddlers train extensively and attend many races throughout the year. Canoe design must conform to USCA Standard Cruising Specifications such as Sawyer, Jensen, Diller, etc. Beaver Canoes may be used in this class. No "Pro" boats are allowed.
| Division | Paddlers | Age Range | Configuration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Open Cruisers | 4-6 | 14-21 | Mixed |
| Coed Cruisers | 4-6 | 14-21 | 1 Female Required for All Legs |
| Girls Cruisers | 4-6 | 14-21 | All Females |
Are normally the most competitive and proficient paddlers in the race. Normally, these paddlers have raced aluminum divisions in previous years and have moved up to Cruising canoes as their abilities improved. These paddlers train extensively and attend many races throughout the year.
| Division | Paddlers | Age Range | Configuration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Old Times's Aluminum | 2-6 | 21+ | Mixed |
| Old Times's Cruisers | 2-6 | 21+ | Mixed |
It is recommended that all paddlers use a recreational style Kayak 12 feet or longer. Shorter Kayaks can be used but will compete with the longer Kayaks. Coast Guard Approved Life Jacket, Water Shoes with Heel Strap, Whistle, 1-liter water bottle (each paddler), 1-safety paddle. Safety equipment required by all Kayakers will be similar to safety equipment required for all Canoe Divisions.
All Single and Double Kayaks will race 3 legs total. This year there will be no Beginner or Advanced class for the Kayak Division; all Kayaks will race in the Novice class. All kayaks will enter the water on Day 1 at Cottar and paddle to Buffalo City where they will time out. Day 2 Kayaks will enter the water at Calico Rock and paddle to Allison. Day 3 Kayaks will enter the water at lock 2 and paddle to Batesville.Kayaks will be paddling the same race course as the Canoe Beginner Aluminum Division during the White River Canoe Race. Awards: 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place Fastest overall K1 Male or Female and 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Place Fastest overall K2 Mixed
| Division | Paddlers | Age Range | Configuration |
|---|---|---|---|
| K1 Male | 1 | 14-21 | Only Males |
| K1 Female | 1 | 14-21 | Only Females |
| K2 Mixed | 2 | 14-21 | Mixed |