Winter Series
The Winter Series is a well-established series of marathon canoe races held over the winter months. The series aims to provide a satisfying competition to serious marathon racers while at the same time encouraging new racers, paddle-ability paddlers, and those in craft not designed for flatwater racing. The races are often attended by some of the best paddlers in the region.
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The classes are organised by age, sex and boat type over three different distances. An outline of the classes and distances can be seen below; for complete details, please read the Rules (see below). A particular feature of the Winter Series are the individual class trophies awarded for performance across the series: commemorative engraved glasses for the top three performers and perpetual trophies for the class winners. For past results and trophy winners see WS results page.
There is also competition between the participating clubs, with a league and trophies for the top three clubs at the end of the series and also a separate trophy (the Dick Grieves Trophy) based on the performance of novice juniors only).
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In 2024-25 the series is set to return to its traditional number of six races, with the long-standing events hosted by Chelmsford CC, Bishops Stortford CC, Cambridge CC and Leighton Buzzard CC having been joined last season by Maidstone CC and now - after an absence of 6 years - the welcome return of a race hosted by Barking and Dagenham CC.
Race dates 2024/25
Race 1: Bishops Stortford - 3 November 2024 - RACE DETAILS
Race 2: Maidstone - 17 November 2024
Race 3: Cambridge - 1 December 2024
Race 4: Barking - 15 December 2024
Race 5: Chelmsford - 12 January 2025
Race 6: Leighton Buzzard - 26 January 2025
A poster of race dates & classes can be downloaded.
Races may be re-scheduled in the event of bad weather.
Series awards: To qualify for an individual series trophy, paddlers/crews must have competed in at least three races, and their final score will be the sum of all their results across the series, bar one race (i.e. best 5 results, where it is a 6-race series).
Race 2: Maidstone - 17 November 2024
Race 3: Cambridge - 1 December 2024
Race 4: Barking - 15 December 2024
Race 5: Chelmsford - 12 January 2025
Race 6: Leighton Buzzard - 26 January 2025
A poster of race dates & classes can be downloaded.
Races may be re-scheduled in the event of bad weather.
Series awards: To qualify for an individual series trophy, paddlers/crews must have competed in at least three races, and their final score will be the sum of all their results across the series, bar one race (i.e. best 5 results, where it is a 6-race series).
Urgent Announcements
Last-minute changes are always possible due to adverse weather etc. Where possible we will try to email the team leaders of the expected clubs. Announcements or status bulletins regarding upcoming races (if any) will also appear here.
There are currently no announcements.
Classes
Classes may be grouped together for starting purposes at the discretion of the Race Organiser (this will not affect positions/points/medals). The start order may not necessarily follow the class numbering, but will be set by the Race Organiser after considering the standard of the participants.
Starts & Results
A GoogleDrive URL (available on a QR code at races) will be used to publish
- A provisional list of pre-entered competitors
- A provisional start order (as soon as supplied by the Race Organiser)
- Incomplete provisional results, as they accumulate. The final complete set will also be printed and displayed.
Rules
As a Group A event, the Winter Series is subject to the same marathon rules as other MRC races, particularly those around race behaviour and safety (see the Racing Handbook). However, the structure of the races is very different to the Hasler Series, so we strongly advise everyone to read the specific rules that apply to the Winter Series that can be found here: Winter Series Rules 2024/25. The rules include explanations of the different classes, the definition of boat types, and the points system used to produce race and series results.
The key changes for 2024/25 will be:
In particular, all participants should familiarise themselves with the rules for portage assistance in Winter Series races.
It is expected that competitors on the 3-4 mile course are likely to require assistance at portages. Paddlers on the longer courses who require assistance should inform the race organiser prior to the day of the race. Wherever paddlers are receiving assistance the following rules must be followed:
The key changes for 2024/25 will be:
- The SuperVet classes introduced last season are staying and will now have perpetual trophies.
- There will be a new K1 class on the shortest course (Class 40 - "Open K1") which can be entered by anyone of Div 7 standard or below who does not feel up to doing a longer course. Medals and points will be given as normal, but there will be no series trophies.
- In K1/K2, there will now be a "First HyperVet" award for the first paddler (or crew) aged 70+
- SUPs can now enter the two C1 classes.
- Slalom boats can now enter the GP classes.
- Buoyancy aids will be compulsory for everyone taking part in an u16 race, even if the child concerned has passed their 16th birthday since the start of the series.
- Clubs can arrange to make a single advance payment by internet banking on behalf of their team if they wish.
- Team leaders should identify themselves at check-in on the day.
- Perpetual trophies must be returned at the first race of the following season.
In particular, all participants should familiarise themselves with the rules for portage assistance in Winter Series races.
It is expected that competitors on the 3-4 mile course are likely to require assistance at portages. Paddlers on the longer courses who require assistance should inform the race organiser prior to the day of the race. Wherever paddlers are receiving assistance the following rules must be followed:
- Helpers must walk only, and where possible should carry the rear end of the craft.
- If un-assisted paddlers overtake, assisted craft must give way.
- Additional rules regarding assistance may be set by each Race Organiser for their venue.
Safety & Responsibility
Competitors are reminded that Canoeing/Kayaking is by its nature an unpredictable sport and therefore inherently involves an element of risk. Participants (and those with parental/legal responsibility for u18s) should be aware of and accept these risks, and be responsible for their own action and involvement. As with all river activities, there is a small risk of Weil’s disease.
Paddle UK Marathon Racing Committee general safety rules apply (see Racing Rules page F5), including
Buoyancy Aids: Due to the season, in addition to the requirement for all competitors in Division 7 and below to wear buoyancy aids, the FRA also requires that buoyancy aids are worn by all paddlers aged under 16 or participating in u16 classes, regardless of standard.
There may be additional safety requirements at events in response to local conditions or to comply with local rules - these will be detailed on the specific page for that race and/or in the briefing.
Team Leaders: While the ultimate responsibility for the decision to participate lies with the competitors or their parents/guardians, the FRA expects Team Leaders to consider the competency of their team members, including the safety and suitability of equipment and clothing, and to ensure that buoyancy aids are worn by all paddlers as required by the rules and and also wherever they deem necessary or have been advised by the Race Organiser. Team leaders should also satisfy themselves that their members are aware of proper race behaviour and the need for care in lifting and handling boats.
Paddle UK Marathon Racing Committee general safety rules apply (see Racing Rules page F5), including
- Paddlers must ensure that their boats have sufficient buoyancy to support the boat and crew in the event of capsizing. Boats may be checked and organisers may prevent entry if they are not satisfied.
- All competitors must be able to swim 50m in canoe clothing.
- Competitors must stop and help others in distress.
Buoyancy Aids: Due to the season, in addition to the requirement for all competitors in Division 7 and below to wear buoyancy aids, the FRA also requires that buoyancy aids are worn by all paddlers aged under 16 or participating in u16 classes, regardless of standard.
There may be additional safety requirements at events in response to local conditions or to comply with local rules - these will be detailed on the specific page for that race and/or in the briefing.
Team Leaders: While the ultimate responsibility for the decision to participate lies with the competitors or their parents/guardians, the FRA expects Team Leaders to consider the competency of their team members, including the safety and suitability of equipment and clothing, and to ensure that buoyancy aids are worn by all paddlers as required by the rules and and also wherever they deem necessary or have been advised by the Race Organiser. Team leaders should also satisfy themselves that their members are aware of proper race behaviour and the need for care in lifting and handling boats.
Registration & Booking In
Entries: Advance entries will be made through the same online race entry system used for Haslers:
https://entries.gbcanoemarathon.co.uk/entries. The deadline for this will usually be the Friday before the race. Entries can be made by Team Leaders or individuals - please check with your club which they prefer, and whether they want you to check in and pay at the desk on the day or whether they will do it for the whole team en bloc. Payments for seat fees are not taken through the online entry system.
Fee: £5 per seat for Juniors, £10 for Seniors. Payments are usually made as cash on the day, but Clubs can pay team entries electronically by special arrangement with the FRA Treasurer (in which case the club entry fee must be paid to the FRA bank account by the time that online entries close - midnight Friday). There are no late fees and entries can be made on the day - HOWEVER, because check-in is often hectic, and verifying Paddle UK memberships over the internet on the day takes time, we may have to refuse entry if paddlers do not bring the necessary physical evidence of membership with them.
Race numbers: Competitors will be issued with pre-numbered boards, which must be returned on the day to the designated collection point - there will be a fine of £5 for lost boards. Competitors who are not racing as part of a team from a PUK-affiliated club may be required to leave a returnable deposit when the boards are issued. Pins are provided. Please do NOT tape your board to the boat - sticky numbers will issued for GPs and any other boats which do not have number board holders.
Insurance: A Paddle UK membership number and expiry date must be given for every entry. For many paddlers this will be a Club Associate Number (all members of PUK-Affiliated clubs who do not have "On Water" PUK membership should be registered with PUK as Club Associates - speak to your club about how to do this if they have not registered you). Anyone else will need to purchase Single Event Membership from PUK. This can be done during the usual entry process - you will need to make an immediate direct payment to PUK.
https://entries.gbcanoemarathon.co.uk/entries. The deadline for this will usually be the Friday before the race. Entries can be made by Team Leaders or individuals - please check with your club which they prefer, and whether they want you to check in and pay at the desk on the day or whether they will do it for the whole team en bloc. Payments for seat fees are not taken through the online entry system.
Fee: £5 per seat for Juniors, £10 for Seniors. Payments are usually made as cash on the day, but Clubs can pay team entries electronically by special arrangement with the FRA Treasurer (in which case the club entry fee must be paid to the FRA bank account by the time that online entries close - midnight Friday). There are no late fees and entries can be made on the day - HOWEVER, because check-in is often hectic, and verifying Paddle UK memberships over the internet on the day takes time, we may have to refuse entry if paddlers do not bring the necessary physical evidence of membership with them.
Race numbers: Competitors will be issued with pre-numbered boards, which must be returned on the day to the designated collection point - there will be a fine of £5 for lost boards. Competitors who are not racing as part of a team from a PUK-affiliated club may be required to leave a returnable deposit when the boards are issued. Pins are provided. Please do NOT tape your board to the boat - sticky numbers will issued for GPs and any other boats which do not have number board holders.
Insurance: A Paddle UK membership number and expiry date must be given for every entry. For many paddlers this will be a Club Associate Number (all members of PUK-Affiliated clubs who do not have "On Water" PUK membership should be registered with PUK as Club Associates - speak to your club about how to do this if they have not registered you). Anyone else will need to purchase Single Event Membership from PUK. This can be done during the usual entry process - you will need to make an immediate direct payment to PUK.
The Winter Series welcomes Paddle-Ability competitors (those with disability/impairment or long-term disabling illness, whether physical, sensory, or intellectual). The online entry system does not collect this information - to be eligible for a "first Paddle-Ability" medal in each class, or to be allowed to "paddle down" to a more suitable age class, the team leader should contact [email protected] in advance of the first race of the series that the paddler will attend.
Privacy: The FRA take your privacy seriously. We will process competitors' details on the basis of our legitimate interest as the coordinators of this race series. Race results and reports will be published and will include names and age/gender/PaddleAbility classification. Photographs taken at events may be used in race reports and publicity for future events. You have the right to object to the processing of your information. Please contact the Secretary with any concerns. See the Privacy page for more details.
