Belgian Coast Race

Welcome to the third edition of the Belgian Coast Race.

The race has her homebase in Ostend, a beautiful town in the midst of our 67 km stretch of coastline.

Ostend is easy to reach by public transport (train) or car (highway E40, exit 4)

The 2023 race will be an open race for all nationalities, but will also serve as the Belgian national championships (for participants to the Belgian champs a canoe federation licence is required)

4 types of vessels can participate in this long distance race : SUP, Surfski , seakayak and OC1

ABOUT THE RACE

The race will take place on the 30th of September or the first of October, depending on the day with the best wind conditions 

Program.

To be decided, but aim for a 20km downwind if conditions allow

Start (Ostend/Zeebrugge)

(everybody passes boat control: boat, leash, number, communication device will be checked before the start) race bibs will be given when you pass boat control!

Start sequence is

• First seakayak and SUP ladies
• than oc, men SUP and women SS1
• and men SS1+ SS2

don't forget to put some dry gear in the cars 

Finish

Finish after 20Km downwind at the beach in Zeebrugge/Ostend  

Finish is between two beach flags on the shore ( short run)

After the finish, collect your craft and carry to parking

Tie your boat to the waiting trailers so put straps in your dry gear bag. Change to dryrobe or dryer gear to drive back

Shower options 

prize giving + meal afterwards

HOW TO PARTICIPATE

Inscriptions will open the 15th of august 2023

Price: 50 Euro Including 1 meal after the race

Are you supporting your athlete or do you just like to watch the race and join us for a meal during prizegiving?
for 20 € you can join the meal, please book, in advance.

What do I need to race

• A boat : bring a surfski, specski, OC1 , seakayak or Sup that is adapted to your ability as a paddler
  There are no length or weight limitations for surfski construction.
  Bring your own surfski or rent one
  for more info for a possible rental boat please contact the organizers. (only ss boats available)
• A paddle: all participants have to bring their own paddle
• A life jacket or PFD: All competitors shall wear a flotation device for their body weight approved by the race committee from before the start until after the finish of every event.
• A leash : (approved by the organisers) connecting the competitor to their craft. Must be worn (attached) from the turning point after the start until the final turning point before the finish.
• Communication device such as a (charged) cell phone or vhf radio.
  It’s strongly advised to install the safe TRX app on your phone and use it during the race
  an emergency number of the race committee will be given during the briefing. It is advised to put that as a contact in your phone
• Waterproof pouch for cellphones
• Clothing: adapted to the conditions on race day

Ocean Racing may involve participants in dangerous situations. It is a requirement that any competitor, seeing another in real danger shall render all assistance in his or her power. Failure to do so may involve disqualification. Time bonuses based on actual delays can be awarded to any competitor providing assistance to a fellow participant.

Responsibility : A competitor accepts the risks as a participant of the training for and participating in the Coast Race, disability and mortality in the worst case otherwise I will not participate in the Coast Race , the workouts in advance and / or other related activities. Finally, by competing I will not accuse organizing volunteers , employees , directors , sponsors , municipal , county and / or any legal entities and / or individuals associated with the Coast Race for any damage and / or loss in one of these activities . Participants that are assessed during the race by the lifeguards or race committee as not able enough or below the safety time will be removed of the race for their own safety