Shark Island Paddlers annual Tingira Challenge race is a highlight on the paddling calendar each year where we look forward to hosting our community of paddlers and competitors from across the city.
Race details
- Starts from Tingira Reserve (corner of Vickery Avenue and New South Head Road), Rose Bay
- Course lengths – Short Course – 8 and Long Course – 15k
- Racing starts – From 7:50am
- Race Briefing – briefing time starts from 07:30 am
- Paddler Check – in from 7am
- Safety Equipment – All paddlers must wear a Level 50 Lifejacket and have a leg leash (will be decided on the day if required to be worn). All SUPs must wear a leg leash.
It is recommended every paddler also carries a mobile phone and/or waterproof VHF (5/1 Watt) marine radio - Minimum safety requirements – PFD (life jacket) and a Leg Leash as per race rules. This will be checked prior to race start and at the finish line. Failure to have the required minimum safety equipment will lead to disqualification (DSQ)
- Parking is available at no charge in the Lyne Park car park (adjacent to the Tennis Courts) or alternately on New South Head Road.
Do not park in front of the Sailing Club or opposite on Vickery Ave - Race Categories – Ocean Racing Surf Skis(singles + doubles), OC1s. Other classes are potentially avail if min qty met
- Presentation – There will be a presentation ceremony for both the Tingira Challenge and the Sydney Tri Series (of which this race is the third and final event).
- Prizes – TBA
- Race Registration via Webscorer
Race Course & Map
- Start off Tingira Reserve
- Turn at first Mark, “Shark Island”, buoy located 25m from the White Lighthouse to the North of Shark Island. KEEP BUOY ON YOUR RIGHT
- Proceed to Mark 2, “Steele Point”, located 50m NW of Steele Pt. KEEP BUOY ON YOUR RIGHT
- Proceed to Mark 3, “Bottle and Glass”, located 50m NE of Bottle & Glass Pt. KEEP BUOY ON YOUR RIGHT
- Proceed to Mark 4, “Village Point”, located 50m NE of Bottle & Glass Pt. 70m due North of Village Point.
This is a turning mark, and if there are TWO buoys placed, make a 90 degree turn at each to head on the return leg.
If only one buoy placed, TURN SAFELY CLOCKWISE and maintain 10-20m separation from outbound leg of the course. KEEP BUOY/S ON YOUR RIGHT. - Return via “Bottle and Glass” and “Steele Point”. KEEP BUOYS ON YOUR RIGHT and stay well clear of the rocks.
- Short Course: head straight to finish line
Long Course: round Mark 5, this is a turning mark,
TURN SAFELY CLOCKWISE KEEP BUOY ON YOUR RIGHT. - Proceed straight to Mark 2, “Steele Point”, not to Shark Island as in the first lap. KEEP BUOY ON YOUR RIGHT
- Repeat course from Mark 2 as listed above.
Long Course
Short Course
Race start / finish procedures
- The start line will be off Tingira Reserve.
- 10 MINUTE WARNING (3 short blasts of air horn): Paddlers complete warm-up and return to the beach, marshalling 10m behind the start line. Marshalls will call padders through the entry gate (two teardrop flags located on the beach) to check equipment and boat numbers. This will happen one start wave at a time: If you are not starting in the first wave, please wait until the wave ahead of you has started their race and await a signal from the marshals before approaching the entry gates for check-in.
- 1 MINUTE WARNING (verbal given by Race Director over loud-hailer). Paddlers line up on the start line as directed by race marshals.
- START: one blast of the air horn.
- Starts commence in the following waves:
- Long Course (Intermediate): 0750
- Long Course (Competitive) 0755
- Short Course: 0800
- All paddlers must stand next to their own craft. Both feet must be on sand.
- Doubles and OCs start 10m in front of single craft in their selected start wave.
- Doubles can have one paddler sit in their craft.
- Sea kayakers with spray skirts can sit in their craft.
- Sit on-top kayakers must stand next to their craft.
- Stand up paddlers can stand on or stand next to their own craft.
- You must pass through the finish line flags to have a time recorded.
ANY PADDLER JUMPING THE START WILL HAVE TWO (2) MINUTES ADDED TO THEIR TIME
Paddler Safety Briefing
- All paddlers must be able to swim a minimum 50m unaided in open water.
- All paddlers, no matter what craft used, must wear a Level 50 or 50S non- inflatable life jacket that conforms with Australian standards.
- Ski paddlers must be able to remount their craft without assistance.
- One paddler of every Ski or SUP must wear a paddle leash or leg leash.
- Paddle leashes and leg leash together are not permitted for Ski paddlers.
- All kayak paddlers must use a paddle leash and are advised to wear a skirt.
- Kayaks must have sealed compartments or additional buoyancy material fitted.
- Equipment will be visually checked at the start and again as paddlers cross the finish line.
- Non-compliance with the above will lead to instant disqualification from the race.
- All competitors MUST GIVE WAY to commercial vessels.
- Moored boats are on the course. Do not paddle through moored boats. Any craft paddling through moored boats to gain an advantage will be subject to a time penalty. The only exception to this rule is after passing back through the start line when proceeding to the finish flags located on the beach.