Equipment

This event is a challenge, teams need to be well prepared, please study carefully.

Leash Wearing
Over the last 5 years we have mandated the wearing of Quick Release Leashes, however this year we are now banning the use of leashes all together including quick release leashes.
This decision has not been taken lightly and we realise that this may cause some backlash as in general we are all taught to use leashes whenever we paddle, the easy thing for us to do would be to continue as we have, but after significant discussions and reviewing of risks we have come to the conclusion that for the TRENT100, its safer to ban the use of leashes. Please continue reading so you can understand how we reached this conclusion.
We have consulted a number of experts and governing bodies for advice. We are not alone,  a number of SUP river events in the U.S (e.g Californian River Quest) have now also banned the wearing of any type of leash.
 
Why do we normally wear a leash whilst paddling?
  • Your board is a flotation device, if you fall off then you can retrieve your board to help keep you afloat.
  • Your board may have safety / survival gear on it, so you want to be able to access this in an emergency.
  • A leash can help you to get your board out or in at portages (incorrect use of a leash).
What problems does leash wearing cause on a river?
  • It is recognised that a leash should be worn for all types of paddling, with the use of a quick release belt for moving water applications.
  • Being tethered to your board can lead to entanglement in river debris such as trees, which are abundant on the TRENT100.
  • Entanglement is extremely dangerous in moving water, due to the forces of the water flow and can lead to drowning.
Doesn’t a quick release leash solve this problem?
  • We believe that it is very difficult in an emergency situation for paddlers to locate a quick release toggle, which can often get hidden or confused by PFD’s, and hydration packs. We have tested this before with random paddlers and its not been easy for them to locate their release toggles effectively without physically looking for it.
The solution.
  • All paddlers must wear a PFD at all times, so the need to rely on your board for floatation is a non issue.
  • We will ask paddlers to keep a mobile phone and safety blanket on their person so you can still access if you are separated from your board.
  • The TRENT100 is a team event, we also have over 250 paddlers on the water, so the retrieval of a board is going to be easy.
  • The River Trent is a relatively small river, making getting back to dry land quite easy without a board.
  • We suggest carrying a small piece of rope with a karabiner attached to help you at portages, our marshals will also be carrying these.

     

    To be clear, the TRENT100 team do not endorse paddling leash free at any other time, these findings apply specifically to the TRENT100 event only.
Mandatory Equipment

In ADDITION to clothing worn by teams at the start, the following SERVICEABLE equipment must be carried.  Teams will not be allowed to start without these items and if used must be replaced.

This ADDITIONAL kit, even if vacuum sealed, will be inspected at the Start and may be checked at the Finish or at any point along the course. A time allowance will be given should everything be in order.

MANDATORY EQUIPMENT Qty Required
PFD (must not be inflatable) per paddler
Survival bag/blanket (on person) per paddler
Mobile phone (on person) per paddler
Appropriate footwear per paddler
Spare dry clothes per paddler
Throw line (on person if possible) 2 per team
River Knife (on person) 2 per team
Supplied route map 2 per team
Waterproof first-aid kit 1 per team
Recommended

The following items are recommended and will enhance you enjoyment and chances of finishing the TRENT100.

Hydration pack or similar Hand sanitiser gel / wipes Sunglasses
Camping equipment Spare fin Towel
Chairs or Lazy Beds for midway point Spare paddle Spare clothes
Food (very few food stops available) Sunscreen  Rope for portages
Insect repellent GPS watch

Emergency kit, if used, must be replaced as soon as possible, at the latest at the next checkpoint. Checkpoints are at approximately 10 kilometer intervals. Crews may not continue past them without replacing missing kit.