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.
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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Traditionally consisting of six races, the series reduced to four races after Covid, hosted by Chelmsford CC, Bishops Stortford CC, Cambridge CC and Leighton Buzzard CC - but returned to five events in 2023-24 with a brand new race at Maidstone CC.
Race dates 2023/24
Race 1: Bishops Stortford - 5 November 2023 (11:30 start) - results
Race 2: Maidstone - 26 November 2023 - results
Race 2: Cambridge - 3 December 2023 - results
Race 3: Leighton Buzzard - 14 January 2024 (11:15 start) - results
Race 4: Chelmsford - 28 January 2024 (11:00 & 12:00 starts)- results
A poster of race dates & classes can be downloaded.
Races may be re-scheduled in the event of bad weather.
Urgent announcements: last-minute changes are possible due to adverse weather etc. Where possible we will try to email the registered team leaders. Status bulletins (if any) will also appear on the page for the particular race on this website.
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.
Race 2: Maidstone - 26 November 2023 - results
Race 2: Cambridge - 3 December 2023 - results
Race 3: Leighton Buzzard - 14 January 2024 (11:15 start) - results
Race 4: Chelmsford - 28 January 2024 (11:00 & 12:00 starts)- results
A poster of race dates & classes can be downloaded.
Races may be re-scheduled in the event of bad weather.
Urgent announcements: last-minute changes are possible due to adverse weather etc. Where possible we will try to email the registered team leaders. Status bulletins (if any) will also appear on the page for the particular race on this website.
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.
Classes
The class numbers do not reflect the start order. The start order will be set by the Race Organiser after considering the standard of the participants. Classes may be grouped together for starting purposes at the discretion of the Race Organiser (this will not affect positions/points/medals).
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. 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: Rules 2023/24. 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 2023/24 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 2023/24 will be:
- The series is now being run as a Group A event, as described in the Racing Handbook page F4.
- Pre-entries will be made using the MRC online entry system. All competitors must therefore have current personal BC membership, or a Club Associate membership issued by their club, or must purchase Competition Event Insurance ("Day Ticket")
- If paddlers are already registered to a club for marathon racing (in Haslers etc), that is the one they must race for in the WS.
- If the paddlers in a crew boat belong to different clubs, each paddlers' points will now be counted separately towards the scores of their respective clubs.
- The classes have been re-structured. In some cases the distance to be paddled has changed.
- New male and female SuperVet (50+) classes have been created on the 5-mile course, but SuperVets may still choose to paddle as Vets on the longer course if they wish. As the SuperVet classes are experimental, there will be no perpetual trophy for these classes this year (though 1st/2nd/3rd will still be awarded)
- Because of the number of extra classes, silver and bronze medals will only be awarded in classes where a threshold of craft are participating - this limitation will not apply to u12s, u14s or u16s classes.
- Where entries are low at any race, class starts may be amalgamated with a similar class, but this will not affect points or medals received.
- As a Group A event, results are notified to the MRC rankings officer and promotions may be made.
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 Handbook 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 additionally 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 Handbook 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 additionally 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 or whether they will do it for the whole team en bloc.
Fee: £5 per seat for Juniors, £10 for Seniors. There are no late fees and entries can be made on the day - HOWEVER, as it takes time to verify your Paddle UK membership we may have to refuse entry if you do not bring the necessary evidence with you.
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 a paid 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 PUK Competition Event Insurance ("Day Ticket") from PUK (here: https://paddleuk.org.uk/purchase-sem/) and provide proof that they have done so.
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 or whether they will do it for the whole team en bloc.
Fee: £5 per seat for Juniors, £10 for Seniors. There are no late fees and entries can be made on the day - HOWEVER, as it takes time to verify your Paddle UK membership we may have to refuse entry if you do not bring the necessary evidence with you.
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 a paid 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 PUK Competition Event Insurance ("Day Ticket") from PUK (here: https://paddleuk.org.uk/purchase-sem/) and provide proof that they have done so.
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.