What are the start rules and start penalties?
Rule- KwaZulu-Natal
- Dusi Canoe Marathon
- Canoeing South Africa
- ICF marathon rules
- Ages 15+
- 2026
- Paddlers
Day 1 start procedure (rule 20, 2026 times):
| Time | What happens |
|---|---|
| 05:40 | A Batch to the start line |
| 05:55 | Fish eagle call |
| 05:57 | A Batch called to the starting lines |
| 05:58 | Under starter's orders |
| 06:00 | Start |
From the moment you are called up to the start line, you are under starter's orders. The starter may start as soon as the rows are straight. Seeded row paddlers get stickers showing their row and draw position.
Start penalties (rule 21):
- Line up behind the buoys or markers, leaving clear space in front of your nose. If your nose is past the line when the race starts, you get a 2-minute penalty.
- A false start is starting to run or paddle after "Ready" but before "Go". Trying to start before any instruction is an unfair start.
- First false or unfair start: warning. Second: 2-minute penalty. Third: disqualification. A disqualified paddler must leave the water and course immediately.
The other batches are allowed onto the water once the batch ahead has started, and are called up to a single line. On Day 3, the later batches start on the water from behind the start line.
Added 22 Oct 2026