Epic Bay Ocean Race
Saturday May 18th Epic Bay 2024
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Folder - Ocean Surfski (SH) - Please credit @oceansurfski Click here
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Hosted by Exmouth Beach Rescue Club, Queen’s Drive, Exmouth EX8 2AY
Parking: Foxholes car park, Queens Drive EX8 2DF
Many thanks to everyone who help to make Epic Bay such a success, including:
- East Devon County Council
- Exmouth Beach Rescue Club
- SLSGB
- Sussex Classic Ocean Race
- Kirton Kayaks
- VOTWO
- GD Media
- Numerous volunteers
- Baby sitters, dog sitters, wags and habs, partners, grandparents, and other willing (or otherwise) supporters
Race information for 2024
Welcome to the 7th Epic Bay Ocean Racing (surfski) event, run by Epic Kayaks UK and Exmouth Beach Rescue, under SLSGB.
This race is a non-profit event, organised for the surfski community. This race is specifically designed to suit all levels of paddlers, from first time racers (who may wish to complete 1, 2 or 3 laps) through to those trialling for the GB Ocean Racing Team.
This Ocean Race is the second GB Team Assessment race of the season.
Surfers Against Sewage Big Paddle Out
Our ocean is under threat. Water companies are forcing our rivers and seas into a critical state by continuing to dump a toxic chemical cocktail of untreated sewage straight into our waterways. And for far too long, regulators and government have let them get away with it. Not only are they destroying ecosystems, they are putting human health at risk. And we're sick of it.
2024 is the year to turn our rage into change! It’s time to turn the tide. Join us for a Big Paddle Out prior to the race, to prove how many of us care about our water.
Timings
Saturday 18 May 2024
10:00 Registration Opens - bring safety kit to registration
13:00 Race Brief
13:15 Big Paddle Out
13:50 Race Marshall
14:00 Start
17:00 Prizegiving
Entry Requirements:
To enter Competitors must:
- be a current Member (Direct or Club) of SLSGB see slsgb.org.uk
- agree to the Race Declaration when completing the Entry Form
- carry the requisite safety equipment (see below)
SLSGB Membership - why?
Annual SLSGB membership is £25, either Direct or affiliated to a particular Club. There is no option for day membership.
Epic Bay is kindly hosted by Exmouth Beach Rescue Club, which is an SLS Club. They provide the safety cover including the IRBs (safety boats) and crew. We affiliate with SLSGB as they have the best processes, experience, knowledge and equipment. If we were to independently insure and contract safety cover your entry price would double. The events covered by your SLSGB membership includes Rhoose, Epic Bay and the Sussex Classic.
Race Brief - all competitors must read this prior to entering.
Click here for pdf 2024 Race Brief
Up to date Information
Race information will be updated on this webpage, on Epic Kayaks UK facebook page and on the Info Only Epic Bay 23 Whatsapp Group join here
GB Ocean Racing Team Assessment Race
For those wishing to be assessed for the GB OR Team you must refer to the British Canoeing Ocean Racing Selection Policy and complete the Athlete Registration Form . The Appeals process is here.
Classes:
Minimum age 16 on the day of the event (younger competitors will be considered on receipt of an email from an established Ocean Racing Coach to jim@epic-kayaks.co.uk).
Men or Women for each Class (except Doubles):
- Under 18* - 17 or under on the 1st Jan 2024
- Under 23* - Must be 22 or under on the 1st Jan 2024
- Open 23-34*
- Para*
- Masters 35-54 - Must be 35 on the 1st Jan 2024 (Non-Assessment)
- Veterans 55+ - Must be 55 on the 1st Jan 2024 (Non-Assessment)
- Open Doubles for any combination of paddlers wish to enter (Non-Assessment).
*If you are wishing to use this event as a GB Assessment Race you MUST enter either U18,U23, Open or Para, and complete the BC Athlete Registration form prior to racing.
The Course
The course will be 3 laps of a triangular course, total of approx. 10 miles. The start and finish will be on the beach in front of Exmouth Beach Rescue Club.
Paddlers new to racing may choose to do less than 3 laps.
Link to see live progress of the race see Votwo Geotracks - to follow.
GPS Event Tracking and Bibs
All competitors will wear a GPS tracker provided by (the fantastic) Ben at votwo.co.uk for competitor safety, and for friends and family to follow all the race action 'LIVE' on the day.
All competitors will hand in their tracker and race bib immediately at the end of the race. Do NOT cut or change your race bib, it is worn over your PFD.
To follow the action go to : Geotracks Live Link
Refunds
If you are unable to attend please contact Epic UK as soon as possible.
On the day if you choose not to start the race you need to inform Registration.
Annabel 07768630388
Your entry fee will be refunded, less £10 admin fee. This is to ensure you make your own decision to race or not to race, depending on the conditions and your preparedness on the day - safety first. There's always another race.
Min Safety Equipment
Items will be checked at Registration. No equipment, no race.
- Seaworthy surfski suitable for the conditions (checked on start line)
- Whistle
- Leg leash. You are responsible for ensuring it is securely attached to your leg and craft.
- Body PFD that complies to ICF standards.
- Means of communication - either VHF radio or mobile phone, charged and in working condition in waterproof pouch securely fitted to the paddler/PFD.
- Race bib, number facing forward (issued at Registration).
- Tracker (fitted at registration)
- Boat number sticker
Race Conditions:
This is an Ocean Surfski Race dependent on the weather, there is no plan B race. We will be reviewing the race conditions in the 5 days prior to the event, and an update will be provided, on social media and the website. If necessary a final call by the event team will be made 48 hours prior to the start of the race.
For Terms and Conditions please read here.
Prize Results
Thanks to Vaikobi and Epic Kayaks UK for donating prizes. For a prize to be awarded in each class there must be:
- 1st - 3+ competitors on the start line for that class
- 2nd – 5+ in the class
- 3rd – 10+ in the class
For classes with less than 3 competitors will default into the next class.
Entry Process:
To enter you will need your current SLSGB membership number (or affiliated SLS membership). If you enter a false or out of date number you risk not being entered and may lose your entry fee.
- Read the Race Brief.
- Complete the Entry Form
- Agree to the Race Declaration
- Make the payment (link in the Entry Form)
Entry Fee:
Epic Bay - Prices for 2024
Single Surfski - £36.50 Double Surfski (per Boat) - £56.50
(made up of £30 or £50 race ticket / £6.50 GPS tracking / Car Parking payable local on the day) Bank Fee's ( Bank Fee charges will be added at checkout + 4%)
(£10 admin fee will be non refundable should the race be cancelled because of the weather. This fee is required for us to book event safety cover in advance).
Entries open 5 April 2024
Course Safety
Safety will be provided by Exmouth Beach Rescue Club, under SLSGB regulations. The Race Organiser and Safety Manager retain final decisions on safety and have the right to remove anyone from the race deemed unsafe.
All race staff are volunteers and your cooperation is appreciated.
Contact
Jim Taylor-Ross 07813845890
Annabel Taylor-Ross 07768630388
sales@epic-kayaks.co.uk
Entry Form For Epic Bay 2024
Results will be found here at the end of the race.
Come to Devon for the Weekend?
Recommended Campsite: Prattshayes Campsite
Cafes: Fortes at Foxholes, Krispies Fish & Chips, Rockfish
Bar: Mickeys Beach
Epic Bay 22
For all 2022 results please click here
For all 2023 results click here
GB Team Assessment races and ICF World Champs 2024:
- Rhoose Ski Race - Barry, S Wales
- Fishguard Bay Ocean Race - Fishguard, Wales
- Celtic Classic, Carbis Bay, St Ives, Cornwall