THIS IS NOT YOUR TYPICAL PADDLE RACE FORMAT!!!
SOME OF THIS INFORMATION MAY CHANGE
THE RACE DAY AND TIME IS SET and will not change
If you want to paddle in some of the most beautiful spring fed crystal clear waters in Florida, this is the weekend to do it!
The 2nd Annual Wacky Weeki Wachee Time Trials will be held Sat. Aug 5, 2017. This is a 5.5 Mile “Prediction Time” race. The course is designed to start at one location and finish at another. There are no age, board or gender divisions. You simply guesstimate how much time it will take you to paddle 5.5 miles down current on the beautiful 70 degree, crystal-clear fresh water of the Weeki Wachee River, one the most scenic waterways in Florida.
Go fast or go slow, but whoever finishes paddling closest to their predicted time is the winner! During registration you will be asked to determine your predicted time. This field cannot be left blank. You will only have 1 chance to change your predicted time, at the Pre-Race Social packet pick up. Check the location below.
AWARDS
The racer who is closest to their “predicted” time (+/-) is the winner. In the event of a tie breaker the fastest time wins.
The following results will be recognized:
Top 10 Predicted time places
Fastest Female & Fastest Male
Worst Prediction
Best Costume - This river is famous for mermaid and manatee sightings!
Registration page
https://www.webscorer.com/register?raceid=100042
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
Friday, August 4, 2017 –
5 - 8pm
Freezer Tiki Bar
5590 S Boulevard Drive
Homosassa, FL
Race Packet Pickup and Meet and Greet.
Last chance to register for the race and predict your time
https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Freezer/497426656936992
Saturday, August 5, 2017 -
6am – Gate OPENS at race start
Boating in Florida
Weeki Wachee Springs State Park (WWSSP)
6131 Commercial Way
Spring Hill, FL
http://weekiwachee.com/
6:30 – 7am Race check in at Boating in Florida at WWSSP.,Even if you were at the Pre-Race Social, YOU MUST CHECK IN. This is to confirm the actual number of racers who enter the water. You will receive a MAP in your race bag. Please use it.
7:10 – Pre Race Safety Briefing by Boating in Florida Safety Coordinator – MANDATORY!
ALL RACERS must have a PFD, preferably a waist PFD but one strapped to the board is acceptable. Leashes are not mandatory and could be a safety hazard. ONLY coil leashes that don’t drag will be allowed.
7:20 – Race Director Briefing – you will receive direction for launch and timing procedures.
7:30 – Time Trials will begin at the launch, make sure you have your number visible to receive the most accurate time. Racers will be released 3 to 4 at time from the ramp. Once on the water, you will be given the go. Do not crowd the ramp or launch before called. Your safety is our biggest concern.
8am – All racers must be on their way. If you are late or unable to launch, for any reason, you will not be able to participate. No exceptions.
9:30 – Shuttle services from Rogers Park will begin to return paddlers back to Weeki Wachi Springs State Park, Once you return to WWSSP, please retrieve your vehicle and return to Rodgers Park to collect your board. This time of year is peak season and parking can be very crowded. Please be considerate of Boating in Florida operations as they launch several hundred people a day into this spring.
We anticipate all participants to be off the water by 10:30. If you have not reached Rogers Park by 10:30, you will be eliminated from the trials and water safety will perform a relay search until you have been located and the sweep boat will assist you.
5pm – Awards at
The Monkey Bar
Homosassa, FL.
Awards are later in the day in case you would like to paddle more on the Weeki Wachi River. It's incredibly scenic and beautiful!
7pm - Sunset paddle on the Homosassa River.
Homassa Public Boat Launch
5287 S Cherokee Way
Homosassa, FL
We will paddle past Monkey Island and up to Homosassa Springs Wildlife Park, approximatley a 5 mile round trip. Yes!!! There are monkeys on the island!
http://www.homosassaflorida.com/tag/monkey-island
Sunday, August 6
9:00am - 2 pm Meet for an amazing paddle!
Chassahowitzka River Campground
8600 W Miss Maggie Drive, Chassohowitzka.
http://chassahowitzkaflorida.com/
We are gonna paddle the "Chaz!" There is no launch fee but there is a small parking fee. Bring snorkeling equipment for cave diving as we explore the various springs and creeks along the Chaz. After our paddle we will regroup for a late lunch at a local waterside restaurant.
Times and locations are subject to change at the Race Director’s discretion. Wacky Weeki Wachee Facebook will post any changes and updates.
THINGS TO KNOW ON RACE DAY!
UNLOADING & LOADING AREA
Upon arrival at Boating in Florida please unload your gear in the “Unloading Zone” and move your vehicle immediately to a designated parking space.
Upon completion of the course, there will be a designated and secured area to store your board while you shuttle back 11 minutes to the start to retrieve your vehicle. You are responsible for your paddle, PFD, leash and other personal property.
The launch and return fee is included in your entry fee. This is a service being provided by Boating in Florida. It is your choice to use the return service. You will be assisted out of the water by Boating in Florida crew members when you reach Rogers Park. Please proceed to the Kayak ramp just past the finish line (the end of the floating dock) where your time will officially end. No refunds can be given if you choose not to utilize this service.
TIMING DEVICES
Visible timing devices will not be permitted. In other words, yes you can use your GPS, Exercise App or other technology, however, it must be hidden and not used as a reference during the race. This is an old fashioned "Time Trial" to determine how well you can calculate your finish time while factoring in all the environmental influences.
CONDITIONS
There is a constant 5mph flow out of the launch area at all times. Over 1 million gallons of water flow out of the head spring daily. Much of the river is under natural canopy. The river's depth averages from one foot to four feet. There are many twists and turns in the river so keep on the lookout for turtles, manatees, various aquatic birds, and the occasional otter.
There are many hidden hazards underwater; downed trees, limbs and sand bars could be around every corner. Your safety is our greatest concern. In the event you run into trouble, SNG Crew Members will be scattered along the course to assist you. There will also be a sweep boat that will follow the last racers.
Course map coming soon!
COOLERS, REFRESHMENTS, WATER
You are welcome to bring your own coolers stocked with your refreshments of choice. Boating in Florida offers drinks and snacks at reasonable prices at their refreshment stands. As a reminder, this is a State Park, there will be no tolerance for THE CONSUMPTION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ALCOHOL within the state park. Save it for later! Water and Gatorade will be provided at Rogers Park for the finishers.
WHERE TO STAY
We are keeping all the activities for the weekend between Weeki Wachi and Homosassa. Lots of cool hotels and campsites in this area. However they are filling up fast as this is scallop season. We have been unable to reserve a block of rooms at any particular hotel to accommodate a large group so you are on your own for lodging. If you feel comfortable, please post on the event page where you are staying and if there are additional openings. It may be helpful to others who are looking for accommodations.
If you have been wanting to paddle in the best natural spring locations in Florida, this is it! Come for some or all of the weekend activities. Bring the family. You will be glad you did!
SOME OF THIS INFORMATION MAY CHANGE
THE RACE DAY AND TIME IS SET and will not change
If you want to paddle in some of the most beautiful spring fed crystal clear waters in Florida, this is the weekend to do it!
The 2nd Annual Wacky Weeki Wachee Time Trials will be held Sat. Aug 5, 2017. This is a 5.5 Mile “Prediction Time” race. The course is designed to start at one location and finish at another. There are no age, board or gender divisions. You simply guesstimate how much time it will take you to paddle 5.5 miles down current on the beautiful 70 degree, crystal-clear fresh water of the Weeki Wachee River, one the most scenic waterways in Florida.
Go fast or go slow, but whoever finishes paddling closest to their predicted time is the winner! During registration you will be asked to determine your predicted time. This field cannot be left blank. You will only have 1 chance to change your predicted time, at the Pre-Race Social packet pick up. Check the location below.
AWARDS
The racer who is closest to their “predicted” time (+/-) is the winner. In the event of a tie breaker the fastest time wins.
The following results will be recognized:
Top 10 Predicted time places
Fastest Female & Fastest Male
Worst Prediction
Best Costume - This river is famous for mermaid and manatee sightings!
Registration page
https://www.webscorer.com/register?raceid=100042
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
Friday, August 4, 2017 –
5 - 8pm
Freezer Tiki Bar
5590 S Boulevard Drive
Homosassa, FL
Race Packet Pickup and Meet and Greet.
Last chance to register for the race and predict your time
https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Freezer/497426656936992
Saturday, August 5, 2017 -
6am – Gate OPENS at race start
Boating in Florida
Weeki Wachee Springs State Park (WWSSP)
6131 Commercial Way
Spring Hill, FL
http://weekiwachee.com/
6:30 – 7am Race check in at Boating in Florida at WWSSP.,Even if you were at the Pre-Race Social, YOU MUST CHECK IN. This is to confirm the actual number of racers who enter the water. You will receive a MAP in your race bag. Please use it.
7:10 – Pre Race Safety Briefing by Boating in Florida Safety Coordinator – MANDATORY!
ALL RACERS must have a PFD, preferably a waist PFD but one strapped to the board is acceptable. Leashes are not mandatory and could be a safety hazard. ONLY coil leashes that don’t drag will be allowed.
7:20 – Race Director Briefing – you will receive direction for launch and timing procedures.
7:30 – Time Trials will begin at the launch, make sure you have your number visible to receive the most accurate time. Racers will be released 3 to 4 at time from the ramp. Once on the water, you will be given the go. Do not crowd the ramp or launch before called. Your safety is our biggest concern.
8am – All racers must be on their way. If you are late or unable to launch, for any reason, you will not be able to participate. No exceptions.
9:30 – Shuttle services from Rogers Park will begin to return paddlers back to Weeki Wachi Springs State Park, Once you return to WWSSP, please retrieve your vehicle and return to Rodgers Park to collect your board. This time of year is peak season and parking can be very crowded. Please be considerate of Boating in Florida operations as they launch several hundred people a day into this spring.
We anticipate all participants to be off the water by 10:30. If you have not reached Rogers Park by 10:30, you will be eliminated from the trials and water safety will perform a relay search until you have been located and the sweep boat will assist you.
5pm – Awards at
The Monkey Bar
Homosassa, FL.
Awards are later in the day in case you would like to paddle more on the Weeki Wachi River. It's incredibly scenic and beautiful!
7pm - Sunset paddle on the Homosassa River.
Homassa Public Boat Launch
5287 S Cherokee Way
Homosassa, FL
We will paddle past Monkey Island and up to Homosassa Springs Wildlife Park, approximatley a 5 mile round trip. Yes!!! There are monkeys on the island!
http://www.homosassaflorida.com/tag/monkey-island
Sunday, August 6
9:00am - 2 pm Meet for an amazing paddle!
Chassahowitzka River Campground
8600 W Miss Maggie Drive, Chassohowitzka.
http://chassahowitzkaflorida.com/
We are gonna paddle the "Chaz!" There is no launch fee but there is a small parking fee. Bring snorkeling equipment for cave diving as we explore the various springs and creeks along the Chaz. After our paddle we will regroup for a late lunch at a local waterside restaurant.
Times and locations are subject to change at the Race Director’s discretion. Wacky Weeki Wachee Facebook will post any changes and updates.
THINGS TO KNOW ON RACE DAY!
UNLOADING & LOADING AREA
Upon arrival at Boating in Florida please unload your gear in the “Unloading Zone” and move your vehicle immediately to a designated parking space.
Upon completion of the course, there will be a designated and secured area to store your board while you shuttle back 11 minutes to the start to retrieve your vehicle. You are responsible for your paddle, PFD, leash and other personal property.
The launch and return fee is included in your entry fee. This is a service being provided by Boating in Florida. It is your choice to use the return service. You will be assisted out of the water by Boating in Florida crew members when you reach Rogers Park. Please proceed to the Kayak ramp just past the finish line (the end of the floating dock) where your time will officially end. No refunds can be given if you choose not to utilize this service.
TIMING DEVICES
Visible timing devices will not be permitted. In other words, yes you can use your GPS, Exercise App or other technology, however, it must be hidden and not used as a reference during the race. This is an old fashioned "Time Trial" to determine how well you can calculate your finish time while factoring in all the environmental influences.
CONDITIONS
There is a constant 5mph flow out of the launch area at all times. Over 1 million gallons of water flow out of the head spring daily. Much of the river is under natural canopy. The river's depth averages from one foot to four feet. There are many twists and turns in the river so keep on the lookout for turtles, manatees, various aquatic birds, and the occasional otter.
There are many hidden hazards underwater; downed trees, limbs and sand bars could be around every corner. Your safety is our greatest concern. In the event you run into trouble, SNG Crew Members will be scattered along the course to assist you. There will also be a sweep boat that will follow the last racers.
Course map coming soon!
COOLERS, REFRESHMENTS, WATER
You are welcome to bring your own coolers stocked with your refreshments of choice. Boating in Florida offers drinks and snacks at reasonable prices at their refreshment stands. As a reminder, this is a State Park, there will be no tolerance for THE CONSUMPTION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ALCOHOL within the state park. Save it for later! Water and Gatorade will be provided at Rogers Park for the finishers.
WHERE TO STAY
We are keeping all the activities for the weekend between Weeki Wachi and Homosassa. Lots of cool hotels and campsites in this area. However they are filling up fast as this is scallop season. We have been unable to reserve a block of rooms at any particular hotel to accommodate a large group so you are on your own for lodging. If you feel comfortable, please post on the event page where you are staying and if there are additional openings. It may be helpful to others who are looking for accommodations.
If you have been wanting to paddle in the best natural spring locations in Florida, this is it! Come for some or all of the weekend activities. Bring the family. You will be glad you did!