Conditions at this time of the year in Hong Kong are great for paddling. The North East monsoon – the prevailing wind at that time of the year in this part of the world - should provide for some excellent down-wind paddling conditions. If the prevailing winds blow, the proposed race course should consist of mainly down-wind paddling. If “normal” conditions prevail, we would expect a steady NE wind and waist/chest high swell through the down-wind sections. Water temperatures will be around 23 degrees Celsius, with air temperature between 18 and 27 degrees. Though last year was unseasonably cold – just during that weekend – so bring something warm to paddle in just in case.

Race start: Clearwater bay beach, Clearwater bay, Kowloon, 10am Saturday November 27. Race Finish: Stanley Main beach, Hong Kong Island. Transport for skis and paddlers from the Stanley Sea School (also the race finish) to the race start will be provided. Details will be confirmed in due course and at Race Registration.

The use of leg leashes and PFD’s will be compulsory.

A diagram of the proposed race course is set out below:

Safety information

As seen on the map above the Dragon Run tracks a course that runs due SE changing to SW changing to W and finally a heading of NW. The geography of HK as a cluster of Islands greatly affects wind patterns and as such it is very difficult to fully predict and describe the conditions that paddlers will face, making this a technical course to paddle.

November brings some of Hong Kong’s best weather and also paddling conditions, the predominant N to NE winds will make the extended SW leg an exciting and fast run. But also this time of year can bring our most rapid changes in weather. Winter Monsoon winds and rapidly changing swell patterns can bring cold and technically challenging conditions.

Safety rules

1. All paddlers MUST attend the safety briefing delivered as part of registration.
2. All paddlers MUST wear a ‘vest’ design Personal Flotation Device (PFD) with inherent buoyancy, manually inflating devices are not allowed.
3. 3All paddlers MUST have a whistle attached to their PFD.
4. All paddlers MUST wear the race ‘bib’ given out at registration.
5. All paddlers MUST wear a leg leash, attached to both themselves and their surf ski or outrigger canoe, throughout the race.
6. Paddlers starting the race without a leg-leash attached, wearing their PFD and ‘bib’ will be DISQUALIFIED and notified at the end of the race.
7. Paddlers who pull-out of the race before the finish and are not escorted or removed by a safety boat MUST contact the Dragon Run safety officer on +852 63324028 or report their withdrawal in person to the race officials at the HK Sea School in Stanley. Failure to do this may result in the Maritime Rescue Control Center being requested to search for them.

Recommendations

1. All paddlers are recommended to carry a mobile phone or VHF radio in a secure ‘dry-bag’. A contact phone number will be issued during the race briefing and paddlers are able to make VHF distress calls via Channel 16 or call up the Dragon Run safety team via a call sign to be issued during the race briefing.
2. All paddlers are recommended to dress appropriately for the race conditions and remember that cold wind is likely. Extended exposure to these conditions and/or extended immersion in cold water can lead to hypothermia.