Pacifico 8-Ball Kayak Sprint

SUNDAY, JUNE 11

1:00 PM

The Pacifico 8-Ball Kayak Sprint is a whitewater battle royale sprint to the finish. After a floating start at the Covered Bridge, as many as 10 kayakers will push, shove, and jostle their way through a 200-meter sprint in the narrow confines of Gore Creek. Along the way, boaters must avoid being knocked off by the 8-Ballers – loathsome kayakers in full body armor waiting patiently to attack the sprinters and slow them down throughout the course.

SUNDAY, JUNE 11

1:00 PM

CATEGORIES:

Open – Men
Open – Women

EQUIPMENT:

Boat Lengths:

• 9′ or smaller.
  • If in doubt about your boat, ask Race Directors at least 24 hours in advance of competition.   

required gear:

• PFD
• Helmet
• Protective footwear
• Dry-top, paddling jacket or wetsuit

Strongly recommended gear includes:

• Gloves
• Full-face helmets
• Elbow pads
• Chest and rib protection

FORMAT & RULES:

• Athletes must arrive at Whitewater HQ on the Gore Creek Promenade 45 minutes before race start to check in, attend race safety meeting and pick up their competition bib.
• The final number of heats will be determined the day of the race based on the total number of athletes registered.  
• Final race rules and format will be available during the safety meeting.    
• The race begins with competitors starting in a “reverse floating start” format at the Covered Bridge. When all of the competitors are as close as possible, the starter will blow a horn. Paddlers will then sprint 200 meters down Gore Creek to the “finish line” (in line with the upstream side of the International Bridge). As they paddle, boaters must avoid being pushed off course by the “8-Ball kayakers” who will be positioned along the course. The 8-Ball kayakers goal is to impede the forward progress of lead racing kayakers. 
• Both hands must remain on the athlete’s paddle at all times. No intentional grabbing, shoving, hitting or horseplay will be allowed. Unsportsmanlike conduct may result in disqualification.
• Top finishers will advance to the next round. Number of racers advancing will be determined by the number of athletes in each heat. Rounds will continue until a winner is determined.  
• Athletes are encouraged to use reef safe sunscreen during all competitions.

LOCATION:

Race start is located riverside below the Covered Bridge in Mountain House Gear Town and the finish location will be at the International Bridge.

PRICE

EARLY BIRD PRICING // February 1 – April 5, 2023
$35

REGISTRATION PRICING // April 6 – May 31, 2023
$40

EVENT PRICING // June 1 – June 10, 2023
$50

PAYOUT

total prize purse: $1,700

MEN
1st – $500
2nd – $250
3rd – $100

WOMEN
1st – $500
2nd – $250
3rd – $100

PRIZES

1st – YETI Rambler 36oz Bottle
2nd – YETI Yonder 1L Bottle
3rd – YETI Yonder .75ml Bottle

Prizes to be determined.

Race start: Riverside downstream of the Covered Bridge, Mountain House Gear Town.

Race finish: Upstream side of International Bridge, Mountain House Gear Town.