KAYAK SPECIFICATION / REQUIREMENTS

We have had problems with athletes not reading the kayak specifications / requirement prior to arrival at the race!! For this reason, we ask that you review the following and certify that you understand.

DO NOT SHOW UP AT BIG HURT WITH A KAYAK SHORTER THAN 13 FEET! Don't do it, you will not be allowed to race.

EVEN IF YOU ARE NOT THE KAYAKER FOR YOUR TEAM, please review and make sure that your kayaker understands these equipment specifications and rules -

You or your team will not be allowed to race if your equipment doesn't meet the specifications.

NOTE: WE NO LONGER ALLOW PADDLEBOARDS IN BIG HURT.

Kayak Equipment, Skill, and Safety Rules:

To maintain high standards for fairness and safety in this race, all boats must pass the safety inspection on race day.  All racers must comply with the following safety rules or be subject to disqualification:

1. All kayaks (in all divisions) must meet a minimum length of 13 feet (not including rudders or handles). Inflatable kayaks are not allowed. Sit-on-top kayaks do qualify if they meet the length/width ratio and are over 13 feet long.

2. All kayaks (in all divisions) must have watertight bulkheads and watertight hatches or secure, positive flotation in both ends of their boat.

3. All Team Division kayaks must be wider than .094 times the overall length of the boat (in inches). For example, an 18’ kayak must be equal to or greater than 20.3” wide to qualify (.094 x 18 ft x 12 inches/ft = 20.3 inches). Iron Division can use any length/width kayak so long as it meets the minimum 13' length. 

4. All paddlers must wear a standard U.S. Coast Guard approved TYPE III vest-style inherently buoyant Life Jacket (PFD) *and* have a whistle. Your PFD must be worn properly fastened on your body at all times during the race.  All inflatable PFD’s, whether Type III approved or not, are prohibited.

5. All racers MUST be capable of performing some form of remount or self-rescue (e.g., paddle float self-rescue, cowboy remount, Kayak roll, etc.).

6. All kayaks must be paddled by one person using a double-bladed paddle as the sole means of propulsion.

7. We recommend the use of spray skirts for sit-inside sea kayaks, but only if you are skilled in how to do a wet exit while wearing a spray skirt. Following boat manufactures recommendations is suggested.

8. All outrigger canoes must be paddled by one person using a single-bladed paddle.

9. All surf skis require a paddle leash attached to the boat OR a boat leash attached to the paddler.

10. SUP’s are not allowed.

11. MP3, iPods or similar music/audio systems are are prohibited while racing.

12. The following boats are not allowed in any division: a) “whitewater” river boats; b) Olympic “Downriver” racing boats; c) Olympic K-1 flatwater “racing” boats; d) any 2-person or double kayak

I UNDERSTAND and AGREE to the terms set forth above for my participation in the BIG HURT.

Just making sure you read that part about NO KAYAKS SHORTER THAN 13 FEET!

I certify that I did read that and will remember and understand I myself or my team will not be allowed to participate if our kayak doesn't meet the requirements as stated on the website.

Indemnification/Hold Harmless Waiver

I, THE UNDERSIGNED, ACKNOWLEDGE THAT BY SIGNING THIS DOCUMENT, I AM RELEASING THE STATE OF WASHINGTON TO INCLUDE THE DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES AND THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION, ITS OFFICERS, EMPLOYEES, AGENTS AND CONTRACTORS, CLALLAM COUNTY, THE CITY OF PORT ANGELES, AND PENINSULA ADVENTURE SPORTS (“RELEASEES”) FROM LIABILITY. THIS RELEASE IS A CONTRACT WITH LEGAL CONSEQUENCES. I HAVE READ IT CAREFULLY BEFORE SIGNING.

In consideration of my being allowed to participate in the BIG HURT on the Foothills Trail System and roads, city, county, and state roads, and city and county parks, I freely agree that: Mountain biking, kayaking, road biking, and running can be dangerous and pose a risk of injury or even death. I fully assume the risks associated with my participation in this event including but not limited to: hazards from improper technique, accidents, or illness in remote locations without medical facilities, actions of other participants, equipment failure, inadequate safety measures, THE RELEASEES’ OWN NEGLIGENCE, weather conditions, and the risk of any personal or bodily injury, disability or death.

For myself and my heirs, executors, administrators, legal representatives, assignees, and successors in interest, I HEREBY WAIVE, RELEASE, DISCHARGE, HOLD HARMLESS, AND PROMISE TO INDEMNIFY AND NOT TO SUE the Releasees from any and all claims of any kind and character, including claims arising from the Releasees own negligence, and from any and all damages directly or indirectly arising out of, or incident to, my participation in the BIG HURT event or transit to and from the area. A “claim” as used in this contract means any financial loss, claim, suit, action, damage, cost, demand or expense, including but not limited to attorneys’ fees, attributable to bodily injury, disability, sickness, disease, or death, or injury to or destruction of tangible property including loss of use resulting there from. Should I or my successors assert a claim in breach of this agreement, the asserting party shall be liable for the expenses (including legal fees) incurred by each Releasee in its defense, unless the Releasee is finally adjudged liable on such claim for willful or wanton negligence. If any term or provision of this agreement is found to be invalid, that shall not affect the other terms and provisions, which shall remain binding and enforceable.

I UNDERSTAND and AGREE to the terms set forth above for my participation in the BIG HURT.

Parent or Guardian waiver for MINORS (under 18 years old)

The undersigned parent and natural guardian or legal guardian does hereby represent he/she is, in fact, acting is such capacity and agrees to save, hold harmless, and indemnify each and all of the Releasees referred to above from all liability, loss, cost claim, or damage whatsoever which may be imposed upon said Releasees because of any defect in or lack of such capacity to so act and release such Releasees on behalf of the minor and the parents or legal guardian.

PHOTO WAIVER

I understand that I may be photographed or filmed.  I agree to allow my likeness and/or voice to appear in any Big Hurt or Peninsula Adventure Sports promotions (including advertisements) without compensation or further notice.

I UNDERSTAND and AGREE to the terms set forth above for my participation in the BIG HURT.