Tay Descent 2012 - General Information

A very warm welcome to prospective Tay Descent participants

The Tay Descent this year will be run very much as last year;

Two Starts

-Long Course:, 23 miles from Dunkeld to Perth
-Short Course:, 7 miles from Stanley Mills to Perth

For safety and eligibility information, see here.

Check-in
Check-in for bibs etc. will be at Perth Concert Hall, 3 pm to 8 pm on Friday 26 October and at Perth water-ski club on Saturday morning, 7.30 am to 10 am. (Information and advice on the race available only on the Friday night)

Talk about River Tay
Free talk on Friday night at Perth Concert Hall on the River Tay - its highlights and its tricky bits…

Sit-on Kayaks
Sit-on kayak entries will be accepted for the Long as well as the Short course this year, although strict equipment and clothing criteria will apply

Dates
Entries open 1 June 2012 and close on 30 September.


Facilities
Changing, toilets and food and hot drinks available at Dunkeld; changing, toilets and drinks available at Stanley Mills.

Paddle 2012
Paddle 2012, The Scottish Canoe and Kayak Show takes place at Bells Sports Centre, Perth all weekend. There is free entry for all Tay Descent participants and some free refreshments for participants at Bells on the Saturday afternoon, after the paddle.

Ceilidh & Prize Giving
Free Scottish Ceilidh for participants (while tickets last…) on Saturday evening at Bells Centre, from 7.30 pm to 11.30 pm Tay Descent prize-giving at 8.30 pm at the Ceilidh.

Important Safety Information

GUIDEBOOKS TO THE TAY

There are three guidebooks detailing this section of the Tay;

‘Scottish Canoe Touring’
‘Scottish Canoe Classics’
‘Scottish Whitewater’ (Stanley stretch only)

All available from the SCA shop

SAFETY – BOATS, EQUIPMENT, CLOTHING

Please note all details below carefully

The River Tay carries the greatest amount of water of any British river.  In autumn and winter it can be extremely fast, with several major whitewater sections on the stretch between Campsie Linn and Thistlebrig rapid.  If you did not take part in 201the 2010 event, check out the video on the SCA site

We have reviewed the rules and guidance around safety and equipment based on last year’s event.  It is vital that you are competent to paddle the river at this time of year.  Anyone identified as not meeting the standards set out in terms of equipment and clothing will not be allowed to take part.  Don’t put yourself in this situation.  If you have queries about equipment please e-mail us to check first.

The absolute minimum paddling standard required is equivalent to BCU 3 Star alongside the additional criteria stated below.  If in doubt, please consult a BCU 3 Star Provider(s)

Additional Criteria - participants should be prepared to:

• Make appropriate adaptations according to both the craft being used on the day and the River Tay environment
• Competently paddle Grade 2-3 water, including rapids with large waves, boils, whirlpools and aggressive eddy lines
• Self-rescue in case of emergency, i.e. get themselves and craft out of the water
• Go to the aid of any other person in difficulty on the water *(only in situations where there is no substantial additional risk to personal safety)
• Accept the advice & guidance of official sweepers and other event rescue volunteers & officials.

Participants must wear suitable clothing and use equipment complying with the Tay Descent 2012 Rules

Guiding Principles                                                                                 
Moving water experience is essential for this event, as the factor that often surprises people when they first encounter River Tay, is the sheer size and power of the river.
It is essential that participants realise the inherent risk in water sports and especially on moving water.  While the organising committee can take steps to reduce risk as far as reasonably practicable, this is an environment where it is impossible to control all the variables.  By entering this event, participants understand and agree that they do so entirely at their own risk.

PADDLING THE TAY

In addition to the above, you are strongly advised to paddle the relevant sections of the River Tay beforehand.

You may wish to consider using the services of an SCA Approved Paddlesport Provider or an appropriately BCU qualified river leader or coach.