Frequently Asked Questions
What is 'marathon canoe racing'?
Do I need to be a NYMCRA member to enter a canoe/kayak race?
Do NYMCRA events include kayak races too?
In the canoe division is the recreation class the same as the stock class?
Q: What is 'marathon
canoe racing'?
A: A terrific explanation of the sport has been pulled together by
Rebecca Barton of Michigan and published in the July 10th issue of
Outdoor Athlete. Here is the link to her article
Up a Creek...With a Carbon Fiber Paddle by Rebecca Barton
Q: Do I need to be a NYMCRA member to
enter a canoe/kayak race?
A: No. Canoe and kayak races are put on by local race directors all
across the state. All canoe and kayak races we know of, whether on
NYMCRA's annual calendar or not, are open to anyone. The class you
enter should be in line with your paddling experience and level of
training. We encourage you to enter a race and experience the
feeling. You will likely be surprised at how many people are out
there with interest and ability similar to yours. You'll also get an
opportunity to find out where and when others in your area get
together for training. Attend your first race as a spectator or jump
right in, enter and give it a try. If you would like to become a
NYMCRA member or if you would like to renew your membership
click here.
Q.
Do NYMCRA events include kayak races too?
A: YES! The kayak classes are separated into 'Touring' and
'Unlimited' divisions. Each of those are K1, i.e. solo kayak. Each
division has 4 sub-classes - men under 50, men 50 and over, women
under 50 and women 50 and over To see a diagram of all the NYMCRA
classes click
here. To see the specifications for Touring Kayaks and Unlimited
Kayaks
click here.
Q: Please explain the NYMCRA points
series of races. What is the series for? Do I need to be a member to
enter a points race?
A: The point series of races are designated from select race
location across NY state and the surrounding region. The choice of
race venues designated as points races is influenced by NYMCRA's
desire to place some points races nearby to a wide number of NYMCRA
members and to utilize attractive, varied & competitive race
courses. The series provides a method for competitors to keep track
of their performance over the entire racing season. Few people can
attend all the races on the NYMCRA calendar so the points series can
provide a convenient 'must do' list. The series tally is updated and
posted to the website after each points race. NYMCRA membership is
not needed to enter a race designated as a NYMCRA points race but
membership is required to be awarded points based on your finish
position. Points are accumulated within one racing season. A minimum
number of completed races is required to be a contender for the
annual awards presented to the leaders of each points class. Awards
are presented at the annual NYMCRA banquet held in late
October/early November. To see the current list of NYMCRA Point
Series races
click here.
Q:
In the canoe divisions what are the differences between
recreation class, stock class, amateur class and pro class? Is it only the kind
of boat they use?
A: The differences are more than just the kind of boat. There are
three characteristics that distinguish each class from the other -
the competitor's frequency of training, the type of boat used and
the length of the race course. Competitor's frequency of training is
typically least in the recreation class, about equal in the stock
and amateur classes and most in the pro class. Boat type in the
recreation class is typically any type of mass production boat, in
the stock class it is a predefined set of mass produced boats, in
the amateur class and the pro class it is either a 4" x 32" (aka
'USCA Amateur boat') or a 3" x 27" (aka 'Pro Boat'). For more
information about boat type please refer to the
Boat
Specification page. The race course length for recreational
races is typically 3 to 6 miles, for stock, amateur and pro races
the length is typically 10 to 15 miles with some events at 35 or 70
miles in a single day, and 90 miles over 3 days. For a list of all
the NYMCRA races along with a description of the event provided by
the event's race director click
here.
By the way, the 3"x27" and 4"x32" designations refer to waterline x minimum boat width. In other words a 3"x27" has a 27" minimum width at the 3" waterline. These boat types are commonly referred to as three-by-twenty seven and four-by-thirty two respectively. Specifications for these boats are maintained by USCA, United States Canoe Association. You can see their specification details at USCA Competition Rules.
Q:
In the canoe division is the recreation class the same as the stock
class?
A: No, they are different as described
above. Because the recreation class has a relatively short race
course length it is ideal for novice competitors to try their skill,
experience the fun of the competition and learn about what can go
right and go wrong at the start, when wake riding, at the buoy
turn(s) and at the finish. The stock class is generally more
competitive and always a longer distance then the recreation class.
The same boat designs are often used in both the recreation and
stock classes.
Q:
I've been running for years and playing racquet ball. Lately I've
been feeling the effects of all the impact. Is paddling low impact
and also aerobic?
A: Paddling is a wonderful alternative to any sport that involves
repetitive, high impact. Paddling is low impact, involves your
entire body and can be very aerobic. In addition to the efforts
required to propel your boat at top speed and in the desired
direction many races have portages which most competitors run.
Portages range in length from 100 yards - perhaps around a dam, to
nearly a mile - perhaps from one lake to another and all the while
with a 20 to 40 lb canoe on your shoulder. Yes, canoe racing is
aerobic! Canoe racing also involves learning the skill of drafting.
It is similar in concept to auto racing drafting but, drafting in
canoe racing is done by way of waves in the water instead of auto
racing's drafting due to air flow. Canoe and kayak racing has all
the aerobic conditioning you could want but none of the repetitive
impact of running. Canoe and kayak racing don't have much in common
with racquet ball. Canoe and kayak racers never get hit in the face
with a rubber ball and never get waffle face.