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Click here to read Event Rules. Note that due to changes in NSW Maritime Regulations, ALL paddlers and participants must wear a PFD (personal floatation device) when on the water. This includes surf skis and other sit on top craft. Strapping your PFD to your boat is no longer sufficient - you must be wearing it.
Lifestart Kayak for Kids is a paddling event open to anyone, whether they are experienced paddlers or complete beginners, whether they are adults or children. We want the experience to be as enjoyable as possible for the participants and the safety of participants is paramount.
The kayaks provided to participating teams are ToyBoy Voyager III kayaks that are very sturdy and almost impossible to overturn. It is highly unlikely that a participant would fall out of one of these kayaks, provided they were paddling responsibly. Even if a participant did fall out, their life vest (Personal Flotation Device) would keep them afloat for the short time it would take for the other paddlers in the boat to provide assistance.
The entire Kayak for Kids course is monitored by a water safety network to cover any potential hazard on the course. This network is made up of organizations such as Manly Kayak Centre, Manly Sailability, Manly 16ft Sailing Club, paddlers from PaddleNSW, the Australian Volunteer Coast Guard Association, the Royal Volunteer Coastal Patrol and Surf Life Saving Clubs. These volunteers monitor the course in a range of motorized craft and kayaks.
The goal of this safety network is to monitor the progress of the race which includes also indicating the direction for paddlers to follow and keep them away from potentially hazardous points if the weather conditions require it. Finally, they will warn paddlers of other boat traffic, especially ferries and large crafts. Organisers are also in contact with NSW Maritime Authority and will monitor the safety conditions on the Harbour leading up to the event and on the day.
AROC Sport is covered by its own Public Liability Insurance. This does not cover personal injury or ambulance for competitors. We recommend you get your own personal accident and ambulance insurance.
Joining PaddleNSW (the State - paddling organisation) may be a cost effective way of gaining personal injury insurance. PaddleNSW is assisting with safety at the event and they have two membership options available to paddlers. Single event membership will provide coverage for the Lifestart Kayak for Kids event and will cost $10 per paddler. If you decide to become a full member then you will receive full insurance cover and entry to other PaddleNSW events. It will cost $45 for adults and $30 for juniors. Children under 12 are free if their parents are members. Go to PaddleNSW website www.paddlensw.org.au for more information and email admin@paddlensw.org.au if you would like to talk over your membership options.
Each person participating in the event will be required to sign an indemnity form. Please print it off and bring it with you to registration.
Indemnity Form for solo paddlers <download PDF>
Indemnity Form for team paddlers <download PDF>
Registration will take place at Blues Point Reserve, North Sydney. Only the first paddlers in the relay teams need to come to Blues Point Reserve to register. Other paddlers swapping in later on can complete registration at their respective Transition Area (please allow enough time to do so).
Registration will be by boat number. We will send out your boat number closer to the event date.
Bring-Your-Own Boat
At registration you will need to sign the indemnity form sign-in sheet (please read the indemnity form prior to this to save time on the day).
You will receive a numbered bib which must be worn on top of all clothing/PFD. You must return your bib at the end of the event. Any unreturned bib will be charged $50.
You will also receive a sticker with your boat number to stick on your boat.
Your race number will also be marked on your left calf with a marker.
You must then go through scrutineering to determine/confirm what category your boat will be part of.
All paddlers must wear a Type II Personal Flotation Device (PFD) or life jacket at all times while on the water.
Teams Challenge
At registration the people paddling the first leg of the event will need to sign the indemnity form sign-in sheet (please read the indemnity form prior to this to save time on the day). Team members paddling other legs will be required to sign the indemnity form sign-in sheet at the transition area at the start of each leg. NOTE: NOT ALL PADDLERS INA RELAY TEAM HAVE TO COME TO REGISTRATION AT BLUES POINT, ONLY THE PEOPLE PADDLIG THE FIRST LEG.
Any last minute team changes can also be notified at registration or at the start of the relevant leg. To expedite the registration process though, we ask you to please update your team's details online as much as possible one week at least prior to the event.
At the start registration, Teams Challengers will receive a race bibs for each of the members in the first leg. These race bibs must be worn over the top of your PFD. You will need to change over your race bibs when you change paddlers at a transition area.
For Teams Challenge entries you will also be issued with one 2 or 3-person kayak, PFDs (personal flotation devices or "life jackets") and paddles. Your team is responsible for this equipment during the event (whether you choose to use it or not) and all items must be returned at the finish of the event. Any non-returned equipment will be charged to your team captain. Any member of the team may choose to use their own life jacket/PFD and/or paddle. Teams Challenge participants must use the kayaks provided. All paddlers must wear a PFD.
Bring-Your-Own Boat and Teams of 3
Bring-Your-Own Boat participants (ie. singles and doubles) and teams of 3 (NOT SWAPPING PADDLERS) need to ensure they call out their race number and that their race number is checked off by race officials as they pass through each transition area. Bring-Your-Own Boat paddlers and Teams of 3must pass between the shore and the buoy at the transition area, but do not need to get out of their boat. Make sure an official has checked your race number off.
Relay Teams of 4-12
At the transition areas, team members swapping over must first check-in with officials and sign the indemnity form sign-in sheet. Teams must bring their boat to shore and change over within the designated area.
Maps of the Transition Areas can be found on The Course page.
Transition Areas will open at the following times:
| Transition Area | Registration opens | First teams arrive |
| TA1 - Little Sirius Cove, Mosman Bay | 8:30AM | 9:30AM |
| TA2 - Clifton Gardens, Chowder Bay | 9:00AM | 10:00AM |
| TA3 - Balmoral Beach (Southern end) | 9:30AM | 10:20AM |
Please note that the Spit Bridge will be open for boats (and thus temporarily closed to car traffic) at 8.30AM, 10AM and 11.30AM.
The table below gives an estimate of the time between each Transition Area. For a more detailed table showing speeds and distances <click here>
| Boat Type | Start Time | Arrival at TA1 | Arrival at TA2 | Arrival at TA3 | Arrival at Finish |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Event provided 3 person boat (fast) | 9:00 |
9:31 | 10:06 | 10:40 | 11:10 |
| Event provided 3 person boat (slow) | 9:00 |
9:56 | 10:58 | 11:59 | 12:52 |
| Touring boat or canoe (fast) | 9:25 | 9:50 | 10:18 | 10:45 | 11:09 |
| Touring boat or canoe (slow) | 9:25 | 10:12 | 11:05 | 11:57 | 12:42 |
| Single sea kayak or surf ski (fast) | 9:25 | 9:46 | 10:09 | 10:32 | 10:52 |
| Single sea kayak or surf ski (slow) | 9:25 | 10:01 | 10:41 | 11:20 | 11:54 |
| Double sea kayak or surf ski (fast) | 9:25 | 9:41 | 9:59 | 10:17 | 10:33 |
| Double sea kayak or surf ski (slow) | 9:25 | 9:56 | 10:31 | 11:05 | 11:35 |
The finish line will be at Clontarf Beach. You will leave your kayak (and the AROC paddles for the Teams Challengers) on the beach and run/walk through the finish arch up the beach. Your finish time will be recorded at this point.
Team Challengers must return then their race bibs, PFDs and timing bands as instructed by the event officials. Bring-Your-Own Boat paddlers can leave their boats in the secured kayak area until they are ready to load them onto their car. They must return their race bibs in the appropriate bins.
Everyone can then pick up their race goodies and help yourself to the complimentary checken kebabs, fruit and drink for participants and families. There will be some activities at the Event hub, including a jumping castle, face painters and wandering clowns, Fresh for Kids fruit costumed characters, a musician and more, so stick around to greet fellow participants and wait for the award presentation!
Dogs are allowed on a leesh at the finish are at Clontarf Reserve so bring the whole family. Note that dogs are not permitted on the beach area.
Note that Clontarf Reserve is an alcohol free area.
Parking at Transition Area 1 - Sirius Cove is very limited within the reserve. You may have to walk from the surrounding streets.
Parking at Transition Area 2 - Clifton Gardens will be busy if a nice day. It is also quite expensive. You can park up on the streets before you enter the Reserve area and take the pathway down the hill.
Parking at Transition Area 3 - Balmoral Beach. There is a large parking area here but again there are also lots of people if it is a nice day. It is pay parking.
Transport
Event Mini Bus:
The event mini bus is designed to assist the relay teams. There will be 2 mini buses driving from the finish at Clontarf Reserve to the start and from the finish to each of the TAs. This means you can car pool with your team to the finish, leave your car there and then get taken to your relevant leg start. The mini busses will then go to each of the TAs to pick up paddlers that have finished their leg and take them to the finish to meet the rest of their team. See below for the schedule. This is a free service. If you would like further information please email Pino Foti.
Departure Time |
Departure Location |
Arrival Location |
6:30am |
Clontarf Reserve (Finish) |
Blues Point (Start) |
8:00am |
Clontarf Reserve (Finish) |
Little Sirius Cove (TA1) |
8:45am |
Clontarf Reserve (Finish) |
Clifton Gardens (TA2) |
9:30am |
Clontarf Reserve (Finish) |
Balmoral Beach, Southern End (TA3) |
From 10am |
Little Sirius Cove (TA2) |
Clontarf Reserve (Finish) |
From 10:30 |
Clifton Gardens (TA3) |
Clontarf Reserve (Finish) |
From 11:00 |
Balmoral Beach, Southern End (TA3) |
Clontarf Reserve (Finish) |
To download the mini bus schedule <click here>.
Private Transport:
If you are a solo/double bring-your-own boat paddler, have a support crew drop you and your boat at the start and then meet you at the finish.
If you are in a team of 3 you could consider an early morning car shuffle.
Support Crew
There will be plenty happening at the finish at Clontarf Reserve and we would love to have your support crew, friends and family join in the fun. All welcome. If you are meeting your support crew / family friends, please let them know where you are finishing so they can find you!
For a google map showing the start, transition areas and finish <click here>.
If you would like to participate in the BYO boat category (ie single or double) but don't have a boat - don't worry! We have some options for you.
Manly Kayak Centre
www.manlyboathire.com.au
Located at Ocean World, Manly and Manly Wharf
Ph: 0412 622 662
email: sales@manlykayakcentre.com.au
ProKayaks
www.prokayaks.com.au
Located at Narrabeen Lake
Ph: 02 9970 7081
or send a message through their contact form on the website.
You can purchase the special edition Lifestart Kayak for Kids Rash Vest and the Lifestart Cap when you enter online.
Lifestart Kayak for Kids Rash Vest Children's Sizes = $30
(sizes 8, 10,12, 14)
Men's Sizes = $35
(sizes S, M, L, XL, 2XL)
Women's Sizes = $35
(sizes 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18)
Lifestart CapOne size fits All
$16.50
Bring drinking water or electrolytes to rehydrate while paddling to prevent heat exhaustion and dehydration.
Protect yourself from the sun: wear a hat, sun glasses and sunscreen. The sun is reflected on the water surface and more dangerous than on the beach even!
If you are prone to rashes -especially under the arms from the paddling motion-, bring some Vaseline or Body Glide along with you to prevent chaffing.
Wearing gloves can help prevent blisters if you are prone to them.
Wear clothes and shoes that can be wet: even if you don’t go in the water, spraying will happen! Leave your valuables with someone on shore, or make sure they are protected in waterproof bags (dry bags) or double Zip-Locks.
To minimise muscle pains, stretch before and after you paddle: your back will thank you for it!
Train, train, train: it’s not enough to be fit! Paddling uses very specific muscle groups that are seldom used in day-to-day life. The best way to train is to go out there and paddle! Do it in the morning before work as a workout, or make a family outing of it on weekends! Check out the training section for deals with kayak outfitters and training groups.
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