Deep south downwind
DEEP SOUTH DOWNWIND
Race Information: The Deepsouth Downwind is one of the eight surfski races across NZ (including a virtual race) that is part of the Darcy Price Ocean Surfski Series. Points from 3 of a paddlers best races go towards the series results. In 2024, we are excited to announce the Deepsouth Downwind was selected as the NZ Ocean Surfski Nationals.
Start Time: To ensure the ultimate in wind conditions, consider this an all day event. The start time could be 7am or it could be 3pm and will be confirmed closer to the day. Registration must be on the day before the race.
Start Location: TBC - Conditions Dependent
Finish: TBC - Conditions Dependent
Registration:
Friday 6 December - 5pm - 7pm @ Altitude Brewing (Sugar Lane, Frankton)
Boat Checks and Compulsory Gear Checks are required for every competitor and happen at the start line.
Race Briefing:
Everyone must attend the race briefing which will take place before the race start - Location TBC
Start Waves:
Start waves will be allocated at registration
- Paddle times range from 1:40 - 3:00+ hours
- Paddlers can choose which ever wave they feel matches their ability best
Entry Fees:
Single Ski, W1, OC1:
$75 for SLMC Members, $90 for non-members (until 13 November)
$90 for SLMC Members, $120 for non-members (from 14 November)
Double Ski, W2, OC2:
$60pp = $120/boat (until 13 November)
$150/boat (from 14 November))
W6:
$40pp = $240/boat (until 13 November)
$300/boat (from 14 November)
PADDLERS MUST BE COMPETENT IN THEIR CHOSEN CRAFT AND BE ABLE TO RE-MOUNT/SELF RESCUE PROFICIENTLY.
DEEPSOUTH DOWNWIND OPEN TO:
SURF SKIS, WAKA AMA, OCEAN RACING SPECIFIC SUP
SATURDAY 7 December 2024
The Finish Line
The finish line for the Deep South Downwind will be confirmed when the course is announced.
Race End: When you have completed your epic down wind paddle and round the shore line towards the finish, head towards the SLMC flags on the beach, you will need to dismount your paddle craft and run to the time keepers to stop the clock. Once your race completion is recorded, collect your ski/waka/kayak/SUP from the beach to make way for other paddlers.
Vehicle Access: There will be easy vehicle access and heaps of parking at the finish line
Post race kai & beer: Immediately post-race, there will be a delicious pie and something cool and refreshing to drink. The finish line is a great place for a picnic, to rendezvous with supporters and to share some yarns about the race. Prize giving will be held at Altitude Brewing during the post race celebration.
Post paddle celebration & prizegiving: Join us for an evening of excellent beer and great food at Altitude Brewing, meet us at the Tap Room (Sugar Lane) from 7:30pm.
Entry Terms & Conditions
The Deepsouth Downwind is open to Surfskis, Waka Ama and Stand Up Paddleboards. All competitors must carry (or be wearing) all of the Compulsory Gear required for the event. Gear and boats will be scrutineered before the race. The race director and safety team reserve the right to select the race course best suited to the wind and water conditions.
ONLINE ENTRIES WILL CLOSE AT MIDDAY ON 6 DECEMBER 2024.
Race numbers will be allocated to entrants based on waves, numbers and will be handed out at registration the day before the race. Registration is held at Altitude Brewing, Sugar Lane, Frankton, from 5pm.
Terms & Conditions:
By entering the race, competitors agree that they understand that the Deepsouth Downwind is a demanding, physical event, that they have trained for the event and are not aware of any medical condition or impairment that will be detrimental to their health. All competitors must carry or be wearing all of the compulsory gear required for the event.
Cancellation: If the race is cancelled due to weather, or circumstances outside of the organiser's control, notification will be posted on the SLMC Facebook Page by 6am on the morning of the race, and an email sent to those who entered. The race organisers will make every effort to keep entrants informed about any potential circumstances relating to cancellation. There will be no refunds given.
Withdrawals - Withdrawals received prior to noon on 1 December 2024 will receive a 75% refund. There will be no refunds for withdrawals received after noon on the 1 of December due to costs incurred by the race. All refunds are less the credit card fees.
Force Majeure - In the event of an emergency or natural disaster, earthquake, and the race has to be cancelled, there will be no refunds.
Compulsory Gear
PFD
PFDs must be worn by all participants and may not be affixed to craft only. PFD must be NZS Type 406, and in good condition.
LEG LEASH
All competitors must wear a suitable leg-leash, affixing the participant to their craft
HI-VIS PADDLEWEAR
At least one item of hi-vis paddlewear must be worn by all paddlers
CONDITION SUITABLE PADDLEWEAR
Paddlers should dress for the conditions. Race officials will be on the lookout for inappropriately attired athletes. Lake Wakatipu water temperature is 11-13°C year round - make sure you will be warm enough.
Part of the Darcy Price NZ Ocean Surf Ski Series, the Deep South Downwind doubles as the NZ Ocean SurfSki Nationals in 2024. The race start location will be determined based on the wind conditions, with a spectacular Lake Whakatipu course taking in around 18km of dramatic downwind paddling.
Join us this summer for an epic weekend in the heart of adventure-junkie paradise.
Ocean Ski. Waka Ama. Ocean Racing SUP.
7 December 2024
CHARGED MOBILE PHONE IN WATERPROOF POUCH
Phone and pouch should be affixed to participants, not their craft
MARINE FLARE
Orange-smoke, red-handheld or parachute flares are all excellent for attracting attention during daylight hours, it is a requirement that flares are affixed to the paddler and not their craft
GPS TRACKING
All paddlers will need to download and use SafeTRX GPS tracking application to ensure the event director has visibility of them during the event
ADDITIONAL RECOMMENDED GEAR
WHISTLE:
Participants are advised to also carry a pea-less whistle afixed to their PFD to attract attention
PLB:
Personal locator beacon, competitors are recommended to carry one on their person
Travel & Accommodation
There are abundant accommodation options in Queenstown, you will find heaps of options on Booking.com and even more on AirB&B
Boat Transport:
SLMC is keen to assist in coordinating transport for boats, we will keep you posted as these plans are developed