Paddle Orienteering at Creve Coeur Lake
UPDATED 8/12/23 AT 6AM – QUITE THE STORM BUT IT SEEMS TO BE PASSING. WE ARE ON FOR TODAY UNLESS THE WEATHER DOES SOMETHING UNEXPECTED IN THE NEXT THREE HOURS. SEE YOU THERE!
It’s been many years since SLOC held an orienteering meet on the water and the wait is over. Join us on Saturday, August 12, 2023 at Creve Coeur Lake Park. Registration and starts begin at 9am, last starts occur at 12pm. Course closes at 1pm (UPDATED TIME – LARGER WINDOW OFFERED)
How does it work?
Paddle orienteering works just like a regular orienteering meet except you use a water craft of your choice to navigate your way around the course. Any non-motorized watercraft is permitted, including canoe, kayak, pack raft, stand up paddleboard, or whatever else you have in your personal livery.
Strategy
This meet will be a Score O format so you will receive your map at registration, plot your course, get your boat all ready to go, and set out. You will only have 60 minutes to obtain as many controls as you can. A one-point penalty will first commence at 60:00:01 and another for each additional minute. Don’t be late!
Watch your clue sheet closely as some of the farther controls are worth more points. The Score O format allows paddlers and navigators of all levels to enjoy the course at their pace. A non-competitive category will also be available. There is no time limit in the non-competitive category other than the course closing at 1pm.
Don’t have a boat – no problem.
Boats are not provided by SLOC but are available for rent at the Creve Coeur Lake Park boat rental kiosk. The race HQ/registration will be set up right next to the kiosk and they are expecting us and holding boats.
PLEASE PRE-REGISTER SO WE CAN TELL THE BOAT RENTAL COMPANY HOW MANY TO EXPECT! Those who pre-register are guaranteed a rental boat. Those who do not are first come, first serve along with the rest of those who are on the lake.
After you register and get your map, walk a few steps over to the kiosk and rent your boat. Start the meet when you have your boat and route ready.
Here is a link to the rentals, they rent canoes ($20), kayaks ($15), tandem kayaks ($20), and stand up paddle boards (SUP) ($15). https://crevecoeurlakerentals.net/pricing/
Divisions/Categories
In order to account for the different types of boats, talents, combos, and ages this event will feature the following divisions:
Solo kayak/canoe
Tandem kayak/canoe (includes 3 person)
Stand Up Paddle Board
Pack Raft
In addition, there will be three categories of competitors:
Juniors: Solo/All team members must be under 18 years old
Masters: Solo/All team members must be 55 years or over
Adult: Anything else (including combinations where one person is in another category)
Non-competitive: Any boat, any combination, no time limit, just be back by 12pm.
Safety
The standard SLOC waiver must be signed by every participant and for minors an adult must sign. EVERY PARTICIPANT MUST WEAR A COAST GUARD APPROVED TYPE III PERSONAL FLOTATION DEVICE (PFD). It is required TO BE WORN for the entire event, no matter what water craft you use, your skill level, or how hot it is, including when using a stand up paddle board. You MAY NOT just carry it or strap it to the water craft.
These are available through the rental company or provide your own. This rule will be enforced and if you break this rule while on the course you will eliminated from the results and may be barred from future SLOC events at the discretion of the SLOC Board. Those renting boats must sign all rental company agreements as directed.
The event will be cancelled if there is inclement weather and we will attempt to reschedule. We will use our website to announce this. Watch for updates if you see the weather is looking questionable that day.
Gear
The event will use e-punch. Anyone borrowing a SLOC e-punch will be responsible for it. If you lose the e-punch, you will owe a $30 replacement fee. We will have string and zip ties for extra security if you would like. It might be a good idea to bring a hat, sunscreen, and water as it will be hot.
Fees
The meet is free for SLOC members as part of your annual membership. The fee is $20 for those who are non-members and $10 for those under 18. The annual membership is still availible for only $50, that is 5 more meets before the year turns over, still the BEST DEAL in St. Louis outdoor sports!