Race rules

YOU MUST HAVE A WAIVER

* NO LOOSE PETS AT FINISH LINE
* NO GLASS AT FINISH LINE
* WE allow any FLOATABLE DEVICE in the race.
*IT CAN NOT HAVE A MOTOR!
* TANDEM IS FINE
* LIFE JACKETS REQUIRED , CELL PHONE REQUIRED
* KAYAKS ARE BEST CHOICE
* WE DO NOT ADVISE INNER TUBES!

RULES AND REGS!

Great Castell Llano River Race Safety Policies
1. All participants must adhere to the safety guidelines presented.
2. All watercraft must be human powered canoe or kayaks. Boat weight capacity cannot be exceeded.
Watercraft must be in good condition and free of any deformities or tears. All participants must have
a designated seat in the watercraft.
3. Participants must prepare for the total trip time to include carrying enough water and food for the
duration of the event. Touring class approximate paddling time is 4 to 8 hours.
4. Participants must be at least 10 years old and have prior paddling experience to participate in the
race. Participants under the age of 18 that attend race events must be accompanied by a parent or
guardian and are the sole responsibility of the parent or guardian.
5. Participants must wear a properly fitted U.S. Coast Guard approved flotation device at all time while
on the river. Life jackets must be inherently buoyant and cannot be an inflatable devise.
6. No alcohol or mind altering drug use allowed prior to or during the race. Absolutely no alcohol
allowed to be carried on a watercraft.
7. Sorry, no pets allowed on the river.
8. All participants must sign a Medical and Emergency Contact information sheet and a Waiver of
Claims and Release of Liability form. Parents must sign for children under the age of 18.
9. All participants must respect private property along the river as well as be respectful of property and
policies at our campsites. Except for portages over river obstructions, boats must remain on the Llano
river. Please do not trespass on private property
10. Stand Up Paddleboards and Outrigger canoes are not allowed.
11. Any participant not on the water by 8:45 AM for the Tourist class or 9:15 AM for the Pro class will be
disqualified from the event.
12. Boat checks will be conducted as kayaks are loaded onto the river. Paddlers that are missing gear
will be required to obtain the gear prior to entry on the water.
13. Violations of these policies can result in the participant being removed from the event without refund.

What to Bring on the Water:
1. Paddle for each participant, extra paddle with each craft suggested.
PFD—every participant must have a Coast Guard approved personal flotation device at all
times while on the river (no ifs, ands, buts or “gee, it’s really hot!”)
2. Water—At least three quarts per person per day is recommended. Bring sufficient water for the day’s
paddle for everyone in your boat. Also consider bringing electrolyte packs or powdered sports drink
mix to add to your water to avoid dehydration. Drinking water is not available along the route.
3. Every canoe should have two lines, a bow line and a stern line 8-10 feet each in length secured in
such a way that they are readily accessible, but cannot come loose accidentally. Loose rope
increases the risk of entanglement in the event of capsize. Kayaks should have grab loops at both
bow and stern.
4. An extra throw rope in case of emergencies should be stored safely in each boat.
5. Attach a whistle to your life vest or body to signal for help in case of emergency.
6. First Aid Kit—while boats will be on the river with basic first aid supplies, each vessel should bring a
first aid kit stored inside a waterproof covering.
7. A repair kit—each vessel should be able to make their own repairs (duct tape, sealant, waterproof
tape and other materials are recommended)
8. Rain Gear—Be prepared to get wet and potentially cold. Every participant should have access to a
lightweight jacket or cover, rain jacket and rain pants in a waterproof covering.
9. Change of Clothes—Be prepared to take an unexpected swim. Every participant should have access
to a dry change of clothes kept in a waterproof covering
10. Appropriate footwear that will protect your feet from unseen underwater hazards and permit you to
walk comfortably on land when launching and taking out and in the event that you must exit the
course.
11. Sunscreen—Sunburn might be the trip’s biggest hazard.
12. Food—There is no access to food on this route bring plenty of snacks and beverages.
13. Dry Bag or Ziploc—Bring a waterproof bag to protect items you don’t want to get wet, including your
lunch, cell phone, or extra clothes.

River obstacles:
Strainers—Strainers are branches, trees or vegetation partially or totally submerged in the river’s
current often found along the river’s edge. These hazards allow only water to pass through freely. The
current will pull anything else down, plastering it into place, similar to the action of a kitchen colander.
It is best to approach submerged trees or logs along the river bank from the downstream side to avoid
having the current pin your boat against the obstacle or flipped by the force of the water. You should
also avoid grabbing on to low hanging branches of partially submerged vegetation as this action can
often cause your boat to capsize. To avoid a multi-boat pile up, leave enough room between boats to
allow each boat to safely navigate around these obstacles.
Weather—Strong thunderstorms and high winds are not uncommon on summer afternoons in Texas.
In the event of inclement weather that includes the risk of lightning, paddle to shore, secure your boat
and find cover under a dense stand of small trees. Avoid open areas, especially open areas with
solitary trees, and avoid gathering in large groups. By dispersing yourselves over a large area, you
reduce the risk of lightning striking numerous individuals at one time. Squatting, with your feet on a
pfd or seat cushion, is a good idea when in the midst of a thunderstorm (while on solid ground—not in
your boat!).
Sun and Heat—Hats and appropriate sun screen are recommended. If you get too hot, the river
comes with built in air conditioning. You should carry plenty of water to avoid dehydration. Sports
drinks with electrolytes are also recommended. Prepare by drinking lots of fluids in the days leading
up to the class.
Clothing - please wear non-cotton quick drying clothes. We recommend long pants and long sleeve
shirts to avoid sunburn and protect against poison ivy.
Water Temperature—the combination of cold water and a cold afternoon thunderstorm raises the risk of
dangerous changes in body temperature. Be prepared with rain gear and layered clothing that stays
warm even when wet (avoid cotton).
Trash— Wearing proper footwear and exercising caution can prevent unnecessary injuries. Participants
should wear sandals or shoes that provide adequate protection from broken bottles, rusted appliance
parts and tin cans and anything else you might find at your local landfill. Please make sure to secure all
items to your boat to ensure that we are not adding trash to the river.
Other Considerations
What do I do if I capsize? On slow moving water, stay with your boat and swim it to shore or shallow
water where you can dump the water and right your vessel. It floats even when full with water and can
support you if you become tired. Make sure your belongings are secured to your boat to keep from losing
them in the event of capsize. Other boats should be around to assist in recovering any belongings and
help you right your boat. In fast-moving water or rapids, get away and upstream from your canoe or kayak
until you reach slower moving water. Float on your back, feet downstream. Don't try to stand in fastmoving
water. Do not attempt to stand up until you can touch bottom with your hand and you are in still
water.
Be safe and enjoy your paddle!