Paddle Sports Rules
Chapter 1: Athlete
Article 1: Application of this chapter.
Female-Male
Age Group Breakdowns
Junior Age Group 12 and under
Junior Age Group 13-14
Age Group Ages 15-18
Age Group Ages 19-40
Age Group Ages 41-59
Masters Age Group Ages 60+
Athlete’s age on the first day of May shall determine the division of the competitor for the current year
AAU Membership. All participants must be a member of the AAU in order to participate in any AAU licensed Event. Athletes must present membership cards at registration.
Membership Requirements.
Membership in the AAU is a privilege granted by the AAU. It is not a right.
The AAU at its sole discretion reserves the right to accept or reject applicants for membership.
Chapter 2: Equipment
Article 2: Application of this chapter.
This chapter applies to all self-propelled paddle craft
Article 3: Board Classes Defined
3.01 One Class SUP Board is the 12’6 (BIC wing, Oxbow). It is paddled, standing, for the duration of the race.
3.02 One Class SUP Board Inflatable is defined as a 12’6 or under inflatable board with a minimum width of 27 inches
3.03 14’ SUP class is defined as any board equal to or less than 14’ feet with a water displacing hull. It is paddled while standing for the duration of the race.
3.04 12’6 SUP class is defined as any board equal to or less than 12’6’ feet with a water displacing hull. It is paddled while standing for the duration of the race.
3.05 Prone is defined as any board equal or less than 14’ feet that is maneuvered in a prone or kneeling position without a paddle.
3.06 SUP paddle is defined as a single blade paddle
Chapter 3: Paddle Sports Events
Article 4: Entry Fees
4.01 Entry fees must be paid in order to receive an official paddle craft finish time.
4.02 Entry fees should not be more than $100 per competitor, per race.
4.03 Entry fees will not be refunded due to disqualification or withdrawal from the event.
Article 5: Safety
5.01 Safety protocol and plans shall be in place prior to the event
(a) alternate foul weather courses if geographically possible;
(b) at least one EMS team on standby at or near the event site;
(c) at least one safety vessel for every 40 paddlers in any race;
(d) at least one safety vessel or lifeguard for every 20 paddlers in a beach course with waves of 1 meter (3 ft) or more;
(e) compliance with local coast guard laws;
(f) communication systems between all race personnel.
5.02 Vessel operators shall:
(a) be qualified to operate a vessel under local laws;
(b) understand all safety procedures
(c) ensure the safety of competitors on the racecourse at all times;
(d) monitor the weather and report any changes
5.03 All Stand Up Paddle competitors in paddle craft events must wear a leash regardless of local marine laws. For ocean races, race director reserves the right to require leashes for Prone competitors, regardless of local marine laws.
5.04 A Life Jacket will be required based on the local marine laws. Age groups under 18 are required to have Life Jackets inflatable belt or suspender. Jr age groups are required to wear non-inflatable Life Jackets. Race director reserves the right to require Life Jackets for ALL competitors, regardless of local marine laws.
5.05 A paddler who is distressed should wave their hands or paddle in a back-and-forth motion above their heads.
5.06 Competitors who see another paddler in distress should assist the paddler and help to gain the attention of the closest safety personnel. Competitors' time can be adjusted if time is lost.
*Life/safety always takes precedence over competition
Article 6: Race Meeting
6.01 Race meeting is mandatory for all Paddle Sport events and shall:
(a) be conducted by the Head Race Director;
(b) explain race courses, start/finish sequences;
(c) dictate an update on race weather, tides and winds;
(d) explain safety protocol;
(e) take place at least 30 minutes, and not more than 1 hour before race start time.
Article 7: Race Courses
7.01 All Paddle Sports events must adhere to following racecourse rules
7.02 Paddle Sports 1.5K Course:
(a) is defined as a racecourse that is 1.5K long;
(b) must have the first buoy turn at least 30 meters from the start line when
(c) must have the last buoy turn no less than 30 meters from the finish
7.03 Paddle Sports 5K Course:
(a) is defined as a racecourse that is 5 km long;
(b) must have the first buoy turn at least 30 meter from the start line
(c) must have the last buoy turn no less than 30 meter from the finish
7.04 Paddle Sports 10K Course:
(a) is defined as a racecourse that is 10 km long;
(c) must have the first buoy turn at least 30 meter from the start line
(d) must have the last buoy turn no less than 30 meter from the finish
7.05 Nationals, distances are 1.5K, 5K, 10K local and regional races may adjust these distances to best match their local conditions.
7.06 Courses should be free of extreme shallows, rocks and whitewater
Article 8: Race Start
8.01 Shall use a single horn blast or starter gun.
8.02 Shall work in a best effort to sound the start signal from the middle of the start line. 8.03 Shall provide a safe and controlled means for beginning a race.
8.04 Shall not give an unfair advantage with wind, current, waves or other external factors on the start line.
8.05 Shall start according to the published race time and format.
8.06 Shall start within 5 minutes of the published race start time.
8.07 Shall bring the competitors to the start line no greater than 10 minutes and no less than one minute before the start.
8.08 Alternative race starts may be made in the case of unique geography, race formats or conditions. when geography and conditions allow.
8.09 False Start:
Competitors must not make any forward racing strokes once called to the line and before the start. If an athlete attempts to start before the start signal he/she has made a false start. Before the new start, the Starter must identify the offending athlete(s) making the false start and give everybody in the race a warning. In the case of a second false start by an athlete, he/she will be disqualified (DSQ) from the race and must leave the starting area and the course immediately.
8.10 Re-Start:
If there is outside interference or any other unforeseen circumstances, the Starter may recall all competitors with two long horn blasts. The Starter will begin a new starting sequence once all competitors are behind the start line.
Article 9: Drafting
9.01 Is permitted only within paddle craft class and gender.
9.02 A paddler will be deemed drafting when within 1 meter of the tail, or sides of another competitor or any paddle craft on the racecourse for more than 10 seconds.
9.03 If the boundaries of a race course do not allow competitors to get outside of the drafting zone then no drafting rules will apply at that time.
9.04 A competitor must make an effort to exit the drafting zone immediately when boundaries allow. Examples of natural boundaries include rocks, canals, submerged objects, bridges and vessels.
9.05 Competitors will be disqualified for drafting any paddle craft on the racecourse that is not in the same class or gender. IE: Powerboats
Article 10: Paddling on the Course
10.01 A competitor will not be disqualified for touching a turn buoy, unless, in the opinion of the Course Umpires, an advantage has been gained. This may include picking up and moving the mark with hands or a paddle.
10.02 A competitor will be disqualified if they round a buoy or gate in the wrong direction.
10.03 Competitors may deviate from the course, providing they make all of the marks and do not impede other competitors.
10.05 SUP Competitors that take more than five consecutive paddle strokes from their knees may be disqualified depending on conditions
Article 11: Finish
11.01 A competitor has finished a race when their bow has crossed the line on a Water Finish or when the first part of their body crosses the line on a Beach Finish.
11.02 Competitors must be on/in their paddle craft for at least three seconds with paddle in hand in order to receive a complete Water Finish.
11.03 Competitors must have their paddle in hand and in control to be given a complete Beach Finish. Prone paddlers must cross the finish line.
11.04 Competitors without a paddle or not in control must re-cross the Finish
correctly before receiving an official placing and time.
11.05 The Finish Line judge will notify any competitors of infractions as soon as they occur.
11.06 Competitors must clear the finish line area as soon as they cross the line.
11.07 It is the responsibility of the Race Director to designate paddle craft caddy’s who will clear
the finishers paddle craft from the finish line area. If no caddy is available it is the responsibility of the competitor to remove their paddle craft
Article 12: After The Race
12.01 Competitors must leave the course and finish area immediately after they complete their race and must not impede any competitors.
Article 13: Disqualifications
13.01 Any competitor who attempts to win a race by any other than appropriate means, or who does not follow racing regulations, may be disqualified from the event.
13.02 Any competitor who behaves in an excessively aggressive way through their conduct or speech towards the competition officials, other competitors, sponsors or spectators, may be disqualified from the event.
13.03 A competitor shall not receive external assistance during a race from another competitor or non-competitor. A competitor providing the external assistance may also be disqualified from the race.
13.04 Any competitor that displays unsportsmanlike conduct before, during or after an event may be disqualified.
13.05 Unsportsmanlike conduct includes:
(a) physical harm, or threat of physical harm, using any part of the body, paddle or paddle craft
(b) using the paddle craft, paddle or body in order to block a competitor from
forward progress, turning, drafting, starting or finishing;
(c) yelling at the start in order to create a false start;
(d) purposely impeding the ability of a competitor to paddle, turn,
dismount, start, finish or run.
Article 14: Competitor Classification
14.01 The Paddle Sport paddle craft Class must use the same paddle craft class size for all races in an event.
14.02 The Paddle Sports Age Group Class Competitor’ is any athlete that competes in the Paddle Sports event within their age bracket
Article 15: Awards and Recognition
15.01 Paddlers will have the opportunity to earn an award/recognition regardless of the size of the category for an event.
15.02 Racers may earn first, second, or third place AAU ribbons. Ribbons will be made available for every event to simplify awards and make it possible to recognize the diverse group of paddlers that attend events.
15.03 The Race Director may offer additional awards and/or award ceremonies at their own discretion.
Chapter 1: Athlete
Article 1: Application of this chapter.
Female-Male
Age Group Breakdowns
Junior Age Group 12 and under
Junior Age Group 13-14
Age Group Ages 15-18
Age Group Ages 19-40
Age Group Ages 41-59
Masters Age Group Ages 60+
Athlete’s age on the first day of May shall determine the division of the competitor for the current year
AAU Membership. All participants must be a member of the AAU in order to participate in any AAU licensed Event. Athletes must present membership cards at registration.
Membership Requirements.
Membership in the AAU is a privilege granted by the AAU. It is not a right.
The AAU at its sole discretion reserves the right to accept or reject applicants for membership.
Chapter 2: Equipment
Article 2: Application of this chapter.
This chapter applies to all self-propelled paddle craft
Article 3: Board Classes Defined
3.01 One Class SUP Board is the 12’6 (BIC wing, Oxbow). It is paddled, standing, for the duration of the race.
3.02 One Class SUP Board Inflatable is defined as a 12’6 or under inflatable board with a minimum width of 27 inches
3.03 14’ SUP class is defined as any board equal to or less than 14’ feet with a water displacing hull. It is paddled while standing for the duration of the race.
3.04 12’6 SUP class is defined as any board equal to or less than 12’6’ feet with a water displacing hull. It is paddled while standing for the duration of the race.
3.05 Prone is defined as any board equal or less than 14’ feet that is maneuvered in a prone or kneeling position without a paddle.
3.06 SUP paddle is defined as a single blade paddle
Chapter 3: Paddle Sports Events
Article 4: Entry Fees
4.01 Entry fees must be paid in order to receive an official paddle craft finish time.
4.02 Entry fees should not be more than $100 per competitor, per race.
4.03 Entry fees will not be refunded due to disqualification or withdrawal from the event.
Article 5: Safety
5.01 Safety protocol and plans shall be in place prior to the event
(a) alternate foul weather courses if geographically possible;
(b) at least one EMS team on standby at or near the event site;
(c) at least one safety vessel for every 40 paddlers in any race;
(d) at least one safety vessel or lifeguard for every 20 paddlers in a beach course with waves of 1 meter (3 ft) or more;
(e) compliance with local coast guard laws;
(f) communication systems between all race personnel.
5.02 Vessel operators shall:
(a) be qualified to operate a vessel under local laws;
(b) understand all safety procedures
(c) ensure the safety of competitors on the racecourse at all times;
(d) monitor the weather and report any changes
5.03 All Stand Up Paddle competitors in paddle craft events must wear a leash regardless of local marine laws. For ocean races, race director reserves the right to require leashes for Prone competitors, regardless of local marine laws.
5.04 A Life Jacket will be required based on the local marine laws. Age groups under 18 are required to have Life Jackets inflatable belt or suspender. Jr age groups are required to wear non-inflatable Life Jackets. Race director reserves the right to require Life Jackets for ALL competitors, regardless of local marine laws.
5.05 A paddler who is distressed should wave their hands or paddle in a back-and-forth motion above their heads.
5.06 Competitors who see another paddler in distress should assist the paddler and help to gain the attention of the closest safety personnel. Competitors' time can be adjusted if time is lost.
*Life/safety always takes precedence over competition
Article 6: Race Meeting
6.01 Race meeting is mandatory for all Paddle Sport events and shall:
(a) be conducted by the Head Race Director;
(b) explain race courses, start/finish sequences;
(c) dictate an update on race weather, tides and winds;
(d) explain safety protocol;
(e) take place at least 30 minutes, and not more than 1 hour before race start time.
Article 7: Race Courses
7.01 All Paddle Sports events must adhere to following racecourse rules
7.02 Paddle Sports 1.5K Course:
(a) is defined as a racecourse that is 1.5K long;
(b) must have the first buoy turn at least 30 meters from the start line when
(c) must have the last buoy turn no less than 30 meters from the finish
7.03 Paddle Sports 5K Course:
(a) is defined as a racecourse that is 5 km long;
(b) must have the first buoy turn at least 30 meter from the start line
(c) must have the last buoy turn no less than 30 meter from the finish
7.04 Paddle Sports 10K Course:
(a) is defined as a racecourse that is 10 km long;
(c) must have the first buoy turn at least 30 meter from the start line
(d) must have the last buoy turn no less than 30 meter from the finish
7.05 Nationals, distances are 1.5K, 5K, 10K local and regional races may adjust these distances to best match their local conditions.
7.06 Courses should be free of extreme shallows, rocks and whitewater
Article 8: Race Start
8.01 Shall use a single horn blast or starter gun.
8.02 Shall work in a best effort to sound the start signal from the middle of the start line. 8.03 Shall provide a safe and controlled means for beginning a race.
8.04 Shall not give an unfair advantage with wind, current, waves or other external factors on the start line.
8.05 Shall start according to the published race time and format.
8.06 Shall start within 5 minutes of the published race start time.
8.07 Shall bring the competitors to the start line no greater than 10 minutes and no less than one minute before the start.
8.08 Alternative race starts may be made in the case of unique geography, race formats or conditions. when geography and conditions allow.
8.09 False Start:
Competitors must not make any forward racing strokes once called to the line and before the start. If an athlete attempts to start before the start signal he/she has made a false start. Before the new start, the Starter must identify the offending athlete(s) making the false start and give everybody in the race a warning. In the case of a second false start by an athlete, he/she will be disqualified (DSQ) from the race and must leave the starting area and the course immediately.
8.10 Re-Start:
If there is outside interference or any other unforeseen circumstances, the Starter may recall all competitors with two long horn blasts. The Starter will begin a new starting sequence once all competitors are behind the start line.
Article 9: Drafting
9.01 Is permitted only within paddle craft class and gender.
9.02 A paddler will be deemed drafting when within 1 meter of the tail, or sides of another competitor or any paddle craft on the racecourse for more than 10 seconds.
9.03 If the boundaries of a race course do not allow competitors to get outside of the drafting zone then no drafting rules will apply at that time.
9.04 A competitor must make an effort to exit the drafting zone immediately when boundaries allow. Examples of natural boundaries include rocks, canals, submerged objects, bridges and vessels.
9.05 Competitors will be disqualified for drafting any paddle craft on the racecourse that is not in the same class or gender. IE: Powerboats
Article 10: Paddling on the Course
10.01 A competitor will not be disqualified for touching a turn buoy, unless, in the opinion of the Course Umpires, an advantage has been gained. This may include picking up and moving the mark with hands or a paddle.
10.02 A competitor will be disqualified if they round a buoy or gate in the wrong direction.
10.03 Competitors may deviate from the course, providing they make all of the marks and do not impede other competitors.
10.05 SUP Competitors that take more than five consecutive paddle strokes from their knees may be disqualified depending on conditions
Article 11: Finish
11.01 A competitor has finished a race when their bow has crossed the line on a Water Finish or when the first part of their body crosses the line on a Beach Finish.
11.02 Competitors must be on/in their paddle craft for at least three seconds with paddle in hand in order to receive a complete Water Finish.
11.03 Competitors must have their paddle in hand and in control to be given a complete Beach Finish. Prone paddlers must cross the finish line.
11.04 Competitors without a paddle or not in control must re-cross the Finish
correctly before receiving an official placing and time.
11.05 The Finish Line judge will notify any competitors of infractions as soon as they occur.
11.06 Competitors must clear the finish line area as soon as they cross the line.
11.07 It is the responsibility of the Race Director to designate paddle craft caddy’s who will clear
the finishers paddle craft from the finish line area. If no caddy is available it is the responsibility of the competitor to remove their paddle craft
Article 12: After The Race
12.01 Competitors must leave the course and finish area immediately after they complete their race and must not impede any competitors.
Article 13: Disqualifications
13.01 Any competitor who attempts to win a race by any other than appropriate means, or who does not follow racing regulations, may be disqualified from the event.
13.02 Any competitor who behaves in an excessively aggressive way through their conduct or speech towards the competition officials, other competitors, sponsors or spectators, may be disqualified from the event.
13.03 A competitor shall not receive external assistance during a race from another competitor or non-competitor. A competitor providing the external assistance may also be disqualified from the race.
13.04 Any competitor that displays unsportsmanlike conduct before, during or after an event may be disqualified.
13.05 Unsportsmanlike conduct includes:
(a) physical harm, or threat of physical harm, using any part of the body, paddle or paddle craft
(b) using the paddle craft, paddle or body in order to block a competitor from
forward progress, turning, drafting, starting or finishing;
(c) yelling at the start in order to create a false start;
(d) purposely impeding the ability of a competitor to paddle, turn,
dismount, start, finish or run.
Article 14: Competitor Classification
14.01 The Paddle Sport paddle craft Class must use the same paddle craft class size for all races in an event.
14.02 The Paddle Sports Age Group Class Competitor’ is any athlete that competes in the Paddle Sports event within their age bracket
Article 15: Awards and Recognition
15.01 Paddlers will have the opportunity to earn an award/recognition regardless of the size of the category for an event.
15.02 Racers may earn first, second, or third place AAU ribbons. Ribbons will be made available for every event to simplify awards and make it possible to recognize the diverse group of paddlers that attend events.
15.03 The Race Director may offer additional awards and/or award ceremonies at their own discretion.
