Do I have to wear my life jacket & Helmet?
From Tim Cornish to Canoe SA mailing list - 1 January 2005

There are new CSA Safety Regulations related to Life Jackets and Helmets, which were approved recently and published in the SA Paddler Mag in the October 2004 issue.
The text of the new regulations from CSA Safety Chairman Steve Butler is set out below:

Please note that the following comes into effect in the new season (2005/2006):

Kayaking jackets

• The term 'Kayaking Jacket' (K.J.) be adopted.
• A waist tie using a quick release buckle or drawcord must feature on the K.J.
• The amount of flotation must provide 6kg uplift in water.
• Shape and design of the K.J. must allow freedom to twist and lean the torso.
• Head movement and visibility must not be impaired or obstructed by the K.J., particularly when swimming.
• The flotation must be evenly distributed front and back - it may also feature on the sides.
• Loose fitting unsecured K.J. will not be acceptable.
• Nothing that may fill with water, or snag onto trees or branches should hang from the K.J..
• The stitching, buckles and flotation must be in good working condition.
• K.J.'s appearing worn or aged may be rejected on these grounds.

Helmets

• Must protect the front of the head and temples.
• Must fit the head perfectly.
• The inside of the helmet must be lined with foam.
• The harness must be strong.
• Be made of polypropelene or polyethelene.
• Holes moulded into the helmet are for ventilation and not drainage as water should not get into a perfectly fitting helmet.

How and why are rivers graded?
CSA's grading system allows for three grades of river. The rivers are graded according to length and technical difficulty. Race participants may be required to have paddled a certain number of races at a specific grade, nationwide, to qualify for a particular event. This will ensure that only competent paddlers can enter specific events. The purpose is to ensure the maintenance of safety standards and avoid serious accidents. River gradings are indicated on the various Provincial event calendars. Check GCU's event calendar for local race gradings.

 
How do paddlers get rated?
A canoeist rating system is implemented to ensure safety and competence.
New paddlers are to required to first complete a flat water proficiency test. After completing 3 time trials, they can proceed to the river proficiency test. They are then C-rated and may enter C-grade races. After completing 3 C-grade races within the specified time (175% of the winners time) they are B-rated and eligible to enter B-grade races. After completing 3 B-grade races, the paddler is A-rated.
Contact your nearest canoe club for more information.

How do I know in which age group I compete?
Every paddler competes in his or her age category. In addition, the paddler may compete in one or more classes and thus win prizes in more than one class.

• Junior (J): Male and female canoeists who, during the calendar year, will be younger than 18 or will turn 18
• Senior (S): Male canoeists that will be 19 years or older in the calendar year but not 35
• Sub-Veteran (SV): Male canoeists that will be 35 years or older in the calendar year but not 40
• Veteran (V): Male canoeists that will be 40 years or older in the calendar year but not 45
• Sub-Master (SM): Male canoeists that will be 45 years or older in the calendar year but not 50
• Master (M): Male canoeists that will be 50 years or older in the calendar year but not 55
• Grand Master (GM): Male canoeists that will be 55 years or older in the calendar year but not 60
• Ladies (L): Female canoeists that will be older than 18 during the calendar year

What are the boat carrying regulations, and what are the laws with regards to transporting canoes?

Download the Traffic Laws Here