OUC Ice Floe Race

Frequently Asked Questions & Answers

Q: Could the Ice Floe Race be cancelled?

If so, for what reasons, and how and when would everybody be notified?

A: Yes, the race could be cancelled at either one of the following two dates and times:

  1. The race could be cancelled on March 5th at 17:00 hours if the on-site report at that time indicates “insufficient water” or “river frozen solid” conditions and if nothing in the weather forecast suggests that anything will change for the better.
  2. Either of the Co-Chairs of OUC Ice Floe Race will immediately communicate the on-site report and the appropriate GO! or NO GO! decision via e-mail to the following individuals:
  3. all members of the OUC Ice Floe Race organizing team
  4. all volunteer members
  5. all Media, Charitable, EMS, and other organizations
  6. all Team Captains*

*Team Captains must then immediately communicate the GO! or NO GO! decision to their respective Team Members via phone, e-mail, in-person, website, or other means.

  • This will give all Ice Floe Race participants, volunteers, media, and other stakeholders sufficient notice to make other plans, cancel accommodations without penalty, etc.
  • In the event of a Race-Day-Minus-Four cancellation by the OUC, all Race participants will be refunded their registration fees, less the cost of the crest, which will be sent to you anyways.
  1. The race could also be cancelled on Race Day at ~11:00 hrs. for the following reasons:
  • If the flow rate of the river is deemed to be excessively fast, and therefore unsafe, for participants.
  • If weather or other environmental conditions are deemed to be unsafe for participants.
  • If any safety-related measures (Safety Primes, Safety Boat, First Aid, etc) are unavailable or cannot be deployed.
  • Any decision to cancel on Race Day will be made by the OUC Ice Floe Race Co- Chair in consultation with all Team Captains, and all Safety Officials (Boat & Land).
  • The decision will be communicated to everyone at the Starting Line by the OUC Ice Floe Race Co- Chair
  • In the event of a Race-Day cancellation, REFUNDS of any registration monies will apply minus the fixed costs like the IFR crest which you will have received.

Q: When do Ice Floe Race Teams have to prepare for "no ice” conditions?

A:Immediately. OUC cannot guarantee ice conditions, therefore all teams are responsible for making their own contingency plans for “no ice” conditions. Examples of successful contingency plans used in the past include: lashed-together inflated inner tubes, inflatable air mattresses, rafts, etc. Be creative, but remember thateverything that goes into the river must come out of the river!

Q: What can Team Captains do if they do not have enough participants to make up the minimum number (8) required on Race Day?

A: Team Captains should identify shortages at the registration desk upon arrival. Every effort will be made to match up teams to make a full roster.

Q: Where do we change?

A:Change by your vehicle by the side of the road or the tent at the start line.

Q: Where are the closest washroom facilities?

A: Portable washroom facilities will be placed at the starting and finishing lines. The only other closest washroom facilities are at Tim Hortons on 1527 Water Street (by car: about five minutes from the Finish Line and 10 minutes from the Starting Line).

Q: Can we wear a dry suit?

A: Yes you can, but this is a race, and you will perspire. Wear the appropriate clothing under your dry suitYou may be more comfortable in a wet suit.

Q: Do I need to be a certified diver in order to race?

A: Yes. You must provide proof of certification to your Team Captain prior to the race.

Q: Do I need to be an OUC member in order to race?

A: No. Non OUC members will pay $40 or $45 depending on when your team has registered.

Q: Do I need to wear full scuba gear (tank, regs, mask, boots, weight belt,etc.?)

A: No, you do not. However youmustweara BC (mandatory), hood, gloves, boots, full wet suit and fins. A tuque for your head is also a great idea, and sunglasses if it's a sunny day! DO NOT BRING tanks, regulators, or weight belts!

Q: How far is it from the Starting Line to the Finish Line?

A: Assuming the course is completely open and not frozen, the distance from Starting Line to Finish Line is about 1.8 miles (2.9 kilometres), which works out to about 60 minutes in the water, give or take 15 minutes.

Q: What if there are changes to our team on Race Day, with more, less or different members than indicated when we pre-registered?

A: OUC will try to accommodate such changes on Race Day, subject to the following conditions:

  • That the changes do not cause the team to go below the minimum (8) or above the maximum (16) limits of racers.
  • That any additions to the team beyond the number paid for at pre-registration be paid for in cash in exact change, between 10:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. at the Registration Desk at the Starting Line.
  • That the Registration Desk Volunteers have the capacity to process the changes.
  • That no refunds will be issued.

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