Additional Information
The Gator Bait Waterfest Regatta is comprised of two open water races---one race is a 3 mile recreational boat race on the Reservoir, and the other is a competitive 9 mile open water race across the Reservoir and back. The Regatta benefits Rezonate. Participants will row, paddle or pedal small boats in the reservoir starting from Old Trace Park across the Reservoir and back.
The Regatta is open to all human-powered seaworthy craft using oars, paddles, and pedals. Boat classes include row boats of all kinds, rowing shells, outriggers, canoes, kayaks, surf skies, pedal crafts, stand up boards and paddleboards. The final classifications will be revealed at the Captain’s Meeting. Medals will be given to winners in their respective boat classes. Special prizes will be given to Fastest Male on the water, Fastest Female on the water, Fastest Kid on the water (under 16), Oldest Finisher, and Most Interesting Costume! Doubles or Multiple member teams may participate. All participants should be comfortable in their boats in windy conditions. We will have power boats on the course to monitor check points.
There will be no rain date; the event will go on unless conditions are considered too rough. In addition to the races, there will be a display of various kinds of racing kayaks with information on kayak racing and equipment. We will have boats available to rent for the race as well as several boats and instructors to teach people how to kayak and canoe.
Kayak Rental: Call South Coast Paddling at 228-872-2030 or e-mail at info@southcoastpaddling.com or make reservations by April 18, 2012.
Registration Information:
There are three ways to register:
o Online Registration Active.com ($5 discount)-- April 18, 2012 cutoff
o Register the day of the race- cash or check only
o Mail Ross Barnett Reservoir Foundation/ Waterfest 2012
Att: Susan McMullan
P.O. Box 2180
Ridgeland, MS 39158
Race Fee is $20.00 for ACA members, 25.00 for non-ACA members
Fee includes T shirt and Swag Bag
Day of the Race Information:
9:30 AM - 10:30 AM Registration Check-in
10:35 AM Captain’s Meeting
11:00 AM Start 3 mile and 9 mile Races with a Mass Start
1:35 PM Awards Ceremony
10:00 AM to 3PM Kayak Static Display (Display of racing kayaks and gear)
11:30 AM to 3PM Kayak and canoe lessons
1) All Racers must sign a waiver in person on the day of race. All Racers will be required to wear a Coastguard-approved life vest. The race numbers will be placed on the right side of the bow if practical; otherwise they will be pinned to the life vest.
2) Anyone who drops out of the race early should report to the Registration Table in person or call 601-376-7226.
3) Equipment will include life jacket and a whistle or noise maker.
4) Remember to bring fluids and energy food for the event!
5) Safety is of the utmost importance during the race and fellow competitors should always lend a helping hand to paddlers who are in trouble.
6) There will be free food and drinks available for all Registered Racers after the Race.
Race Class Information:
Note: race class will be divided by Gender and may be divided by Age Group depending on number of racers
3 mile race boat classes 9 mile race boat classes
-Tour Boat Under 12ft -Tour Boat 16 to 18ft
-Tour Boat 12 to 16ft -Fast Kayak 16- 19ft, beam > 20”
-Tour Boat 16 to 18ft -High Performance Kayak, beam < 20”
The following boats will be placed in the appropriate category the day of the race:
-K2 REC Boat -K2 Fast Kayak
-K2 HPK Kayak -C1 Solo REC Canoe
-C1 Solo Race Canoe -C2 REC Canoe
-C2 Race Canoe -K1 Pedal Craft
-K2 Pedal Craft -Row Boats, Dories
-Fixed Seat -Sliding Seat Touring
-Sliding Seat Racing -Stand up Paddle Board
-Paddle Board -Boats 3 or more
-Miscellaneous* -Miscellaneous *
