TINCUP Down River Kayak Sprint
A COLD WET BURN
If you’re not first, you’re last in this classic Gore Creek sprint that pits boaters against each other and the almighty clock.
SATURDAY, JUNE 10
9:00 AM
IMPORTANT: Registration for this event closes Friday, June 9 at 6:00 PM.
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Event Overview
SATURDAY, JUNE 10
9:00 AM
Make sure to cram carbs before the race – you’ll need them for the 4 mile Class II-III paddle back to the Covered Bridge in Mountain House Gear Town! With a rally race format, kayakers drop at timed intervals so you’ll be racing against the clock, and if you’re really rockin’ you may be able to catch someone!
BOAT DROP INFO:
Athletes will only need to show up to the morning meeting with their paddle, PFD, and other personal gear. Boats can be dropped at the Vail Village Parking Structure the morning of the race beginning at 6:30 AM.
Times

SATURDAY, JUNE 10
9:00 AM
Rules
CATEGORIES:
Open – (Men / Women)
Youth – 17 & Under – (Boys / Girls)
Long Boat Division – (Men / Women)
EQUIPMENT:
- Open Boat Division – Men & Women: Boats may not exceed 9’ in length. All boats will be measured at the start of the race.
- Youth Boat Division – Boys & Girls: Boats may not exceed 9’ in length. All boats will be measured at the start of the race.
- Long Boat Division – Men & Women: Boats may not exceed 12’5” in length. All boats will be measured at the start of the race.
- Whitewater-specific plastic kayaks only. Sit-on-tops are allowed, but only if they are robust whitewater models worthy of the conditions.
- No after-production modifications of the exterior length, dimensions, or hull shapes of boats allowed.
The following boats will NOT be permitted:
- Motors or mechanical assisted drive boats
- Inflatable kayaks
- Sea kayaks
- Foot rudders
- If in doubt about your boat, ask Race Directors at least 24 hours in advance of the competition.
- Hand paddlers are allowed
required gear:
- PFD
- Helmet
- Protective footwear
- A dry-top, paddling jacket or wetsuit
- Equipment will be reviewed at check-in. The race director has the right to refuse any non-conforming equipment (i.e. bicycle helmets, nylon spray skirts, etc.).
- Athletes must wear their competitor bib outside their PFD at all times.
- Event organizers and whitewater rescue teams are not responsible for equipment rescue and/or equipment removal from the GoPro Mountain Games whitewater courses should athletes lose their equipment during practice or competition.
FORMAT & RULES:
- Athletes must arrive at the put-in no less than 45 minutes before their race start time to go through a gear check, attend mandatory safety meeting, receive start times, and pick up their competition bib.
- Paddlers who lose their equipment and require a rescue of any kind and/or appear to be excessively falling and swimming will be pulled from the course by the safety team. Paddlers who lose their gear and exit the river will receive a DNF.
- If a paddler is being overtaken by another “faster” paddler from behind, they must yield to the faster/overtaking paddler in a safe and respectful manner. This will not affect a penalty or DQ unless the paddler being overtaken uses blocking or any kind of unsportsmanlike conduct.
- The race is run in time trial format.
- Final race rules and format will be available during the safety meeting.
- Athletes are encouraged to use reef safe sunscreen during all competitions.
lOCATION:
The race start is in East Vail at the end of Aspen Lane. There is no parking available, so athletes may be dropped off or take the shuttles provided by Lakota Guides and Timberline Guides starting at 6:30 AM on Saturday from the top of the Vail Village Parking Structure. Please allow plenty of time to check in and attend the mandatory safety meeting.
Please respect the Aspen Lane neighborhood and use the supplied porta johns at the put-in area.
DIRECTIONS TO PUT-IN:
From Vail Village: head east on South Frontage Road about three (3) miles. Turn right on Aspen Lane. This road is located right before you go under the highway. Put-in is located at the end of Aspen Lane, at the “T” intersection of Booth Creek Lane.
Price & Prizes
PRICE
EARLY BIRD PRICING // February 1 – April 5, 2023
$40
REGISTRATION PRICING // April 6 – May 31, 2023
$45
EVENT PRICING // June 1 – June 9, 2023
$55
PAYOUT
Total PRIZE Purse: $6,000
MEN – Open
1st – $750
2nd – $500
3rd – $250
WOMEN – Open
1st – $750
2nd – $500
3rd – $250
MEN – Longboat
1st – $750
2nd – $500
3rd – $250
WOMEN – Longboat
1st – $750
2nd – $500
3rd – $250
PRIZES
Prizes to be determined.
