Raft Slalom

Raft Slalom
It is time for Durango’s local raft teams and brave amateurs to show what they have got. In this whitewater park slalom event, teams of four rafters will take on a technical course featuring 6 to 8 upstream and downstream gates, battling for the fastest adjusted time and a shot at the podium.

Teams will complete two timed runs, with the faster run counting toward final placement after penalties are assessed. No oar rigs are permitted. A pre-race course walk with the race coordinator will be held before competition begins to review the course, rules, and penalties. Once the slalom course is set, practice runs on the course will result in disqualification.

One bib will be provided per team at registration and must be worn by the paddler in the front left position. Teams are responsible for supplying their own raft. A 14-foot raft is recommended, though other raft sizes will be allowed.

All team members are required to wear a PFD, helmet, and appropriate river footwear. Each raft must also carry a throw bag. Additional shore and/or kayak safety will be on site.

Fastest time after penalty calculations wins.

Penalty Overview
A 5-second penalty will be assessed if any gate is touched by a paddler, paddle, raft, or other equipment. Repeated contact on the same gate is only penalized once.

A 50-second penalty will be assessed for:

• Crossing the finish line without all team members in the raft
• Negotiating any gate without all team members in the raft
• Passing through a gate upside down
• Failing to have each team member’s full head cross the gate line during an attempt
• Having a team member’s full head cross the gate line in the wrong direction
• Skipping a gate before negotiating a higher-numbered gate or finishing
• Intentionally displacing a pole to make gate negotiation possible

This event is equal parts boat control, teamwork, and clean execution under pressure. Bring your crew, paddle hard, and keep it tidy.