Steve Skinner

Canal
Kayak

Come and enjoy the only time in the year you are allowed to kayak on the iconic Meridian hydro canals which are closed to all watercraft the rest of the year. The stunning 20km kayak course starts at Lake Ruataniwha, goes past salmon farms along the hydro canals and finishes in Lake Benmore. The race is a showcase of the engineering work that put Twizel on the map. The course has two portages around the power stations.

Steve Skinner
Canal Kayak

Saturday 24th October
 

The emphasis is on a well organised, fun and safe event. Combine this race with the Dusky Trail MTB and the Pyramid Run and you have a weekend of genuine multisport.

The canal kayak is on Saturday morning, the registration and scrutineering is just before the race. Timing is pretty tight so please get there early so that we can get everyone processed. You will need to pass scrutineering before 7:30 am to be eligible to start the race and absolutely no-one will be allowed to begin after the main start at 8 am.

20 km
7:00 am
$60
for 18 up
Steve Skinner Canal Kayak
Canal Kayak Information

Tips & Resources

Canal Kayak rules

  • The compulsory briefing is … Compulsory
  • Follow the directions of the marshals and please show consideration for all race officials and fellow competitors.
  • Competitors may not receive any assistance of any form from supporters during the race. You must carry all food/drink you will require for the event.
  • The coastguard will do their best to look after your gear if you require assistance, but are under no obligation to do so.
  • If you are forced to withdraw from the race please inform the nearest race official.
  • Clothing for the paddle is up to you. Conditions on the day could easily be very hot, very cold and everything between. It is recommended that you carry the optional clothing suggested.
  • Footwear is required for the portage sections (over the dams).
  • Be didymo aware. All boats, paddles and PFDs must be clean and dry prior to the event.
  • If you are seen dropping rubbish you will be disqualified.
  • In extreme conditions the organisers and/or Meridian Energy reserve the right to cancel the event.
  • The canals are private property and may not be paddled at any other time outside of this event.

Safety on the water

The local Coastguard will provide support boats for competitors while on Lake Ruataniwha and Lake Benmore. There will be no safety boats in the canals. If you see a fellow competitor in strife please render assistance if you are able to safely do so. The lakes are open to the public so there will be other boaties using the lakes. Please be aware of them.

While we will endeavour to provide as safe a race as we can, please remember that YOU are ultimately responsible for YOUR own safety/decisions. Conditions on the water can be changeable. Please paddle a boat that you feel comfortable in. If conditions on the day are such that you would choose not to train in them, then please choose not to race in them!

If the predominant northwest wind is quite strong, we will consider starting the race where the Ohau River joins Lake Ruataniwha. This avoids having to paddle up into the wind and crossing the lake at the top. Competitors will then have the wind behind them going down the southern side of Lake Ruataniwha and can keep close to the shore in case they get into difficulties. Note that this option will cut about 4.4 km off the total distance.

If the weather is too bad, we reserve the right to cancel the event completely.

  • Compulsory Gear
    must be presented at scrutineering.
  • A kayak in floatable condition.
  • Two airbags for the rear of the kayak or fitted bulkheads. Airbags must be suitable for the kayak – no wine bladders!
  • PFD in good condition.
  • Suitable footwear for the portage sections.
  • Optional Gear
    not required for scrutineering but recommended.
  • Support Vehicles
    It is possible to follow most of the race in a vehicle and to be at the portages to watch your competitor. Please note that you cannot give your competitor any assistance during the race. Please be aware that the roads are busy during this weekend with holiday makers and fishermen.

Times

TimeDescription
7:00 am
Scrutineering and Registration
7:30 am
Race Briefing
8:00 am
Race Start

Age categories

CategoryAge
Open
18 – 39 years
Veteran
40 – 49 years
Classic
50+ years

Kayak categories

CategoryInformation
K1
Multisport
Includes single Sea Kayaks
K2
Includes double Sea Kayaks and Canadians

Social Hour and Prizegiving will be outside the MOW Bar in the Twizel Marketplace (town centre) from 5:00 pm.

Canal Kayak Information
Steve Skinner

Canal Kayak Course

The race starts with an almost complete circumnavigation of Lake Ruataniwha before entering the iconic canal system. Starting at the Eastern end of the lake competitors will paddle anticlockwise past the 2000m rowing course start to the feature known locally as Birdshit Island. Kayakers must pass on the inside of Birdshit Island (Keep Island on your left). Then head directly up to the head of the Lake to the ECAN buoy before crossing to the other side.

Follow your nose back down the lake to enter the Ohau B canal.  Keep your eyes peeled here for any stray salmon; you may be able to collect your dinner on the way past. Once you reach the Ohau B power station the fun begins. Exit the canal on the right hand side where indicated to begin the first portage past Ohau B to put back into canal again where indicated. It is required to wear something on your feet for the portages as they include sealed road and rough ground.

Same again at Ohau C but exit the canal on the left and follow the road past the power station. Enter the water again where indicated and paddle down the tail race into Lake Benmore and the finish at the boat ramp around the corner on your right.

Google Map of Course
Canal Kayak Course
Google Map of road access

Start and finish

Remembering

Steve Skinner

Steve Skinner, an enthusiastic local multisporter, hard working member of the organising committee and race director for the Canal Kayak, was tragically killed in an accident on 5th October 2015. As someone who had paddled the old Kayak marathon, Steve joined the committee in 2009 specifically with the idea of getting the kayak event back up and running. With a great deal of hard work, he was successful in achieving this in 2014 but sadly Steve is not around to see it develop further. The event has continued to be a great success, thanks to the vision and commitment of Steve.

We have renamed this event the Steve Skinner Canal Kayak in memory of his passion and hard work to get this event back into the weekend. Steve was an active member of our community and is greatly missed.

Rest in Peace Steve.

Remembering Steve Skinner

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