Race rules and safety
Races follow Turkish Canoe Federation rules and are run by official judges. The season's technical guide is sent to team captains before race day.
Crew
- Each crew has 12 paddlers, 1 drummer and 1 steerer.
- In company crews, paddlers are employees of the organisation. Empty seats can be filled with the organiser's approval.
- Crew changes on race day are reported to the officials' desk.
- A company can enter several crews, numbered (e.g. Eker 1, Eker 2).
Racing
- The course is 200 metres and each crew races in its own lane.
- Crews race heats against the clock, then are seeded by time into semi-finals and A, B and C finals.
- The start is given on the judge's command. A false start earns a warning, a second one disqualification.
- Times are taken by stopwatch and camera. Crews may appeal to the jury.
- A crew that leaves its lane and impedes another boat may have its time cancelled.
Safety
- Everyone in the boat wears a life jacket. A boat does not start until all jackets are fastened.
- A safety boat follows the races and a first-aid team is on site.
- Every participant signs a health declaration and attends the safety briefing.
- Alcohol is not allowed before or during racing.
- If wind or weather affects safety, the judges may delay or shorten the programme.
Equipment
- Boats, paddles, drums and life jackets are provided.
- Wear sportswear that can get wet and non-slip shoes.
- Race shirts with your logo come with the full-day package.
This page gives the general framework. The binding technical guide for each season is sent to captains after registration.
Glossary
- Lane
- The buoyed strip each boat races in.
- Heat
- The first round, raced against the clock.
- Semi-final
- Races between crews matched on heat times.
- A, B, C finals
- Final groups by time. The A final is for the fastest crews.
- Time
- How long a crew takes to cover 200 metres (minutes:seconds.hundredths).
- Stroke rate
- Strokes per minute, set by the drummer.
- Steerer
- The person at the back who holds the line.
- Jury
- The officials who start races, confirm times and hear appeals.
- Life jacket
- Compulsory buoyancy aid for everyone in the boat.
Book your place for 2027
The 6th Bursa Dragon Cup is on 5 June 2027. Registration is open, so book now to get the early-entry advantages.