8th TALIFIT RACE 2026
Rules & Safety
Official race regulations, safety guidelines, and conduct rules for all TALIFIT Race participants.
General Rules
Règlement général- Registered paddlers only. Check-in wristband and race number are mandatory at start and finish.
- All paddlers must attend the mandatory briefing before their event.
- The organization reserves the right to modify, postpone, or cancel any event due to weather or safety conditions.
- By registering, paddlers accept all rules and regulations of the TALIFIT Race.
Safety & Equipment
Sécurité & matériel- All paddlers must be able to swim 50 meters unaided.
- PFDs (life jackets) are recommended for all and mandatory for U10 and U13 categories.
- PFDs may be made mandatory by the race director based on weather/sea conditions.
- V6 canoes must carry a bailer. Leash recommended for V1.
- Paddlers must wear their assigned race bib at all times during competition.
Starts, Course & Finish
Départs · Parcours · Arrivées- Beach start for sprints. Water start for marathons.
- Paddlers must follow the marked race course at all times.
- Cutting buoys or course markers results in disqualification.
- Finish is validated when the bow of the canoe crosses the finish line.
Conduct & Right of Way
Comportement · Priorités- Drafting (wash-riding) is prohibited in sprint events.
- In marathon events, drafting is allowed but intentional obstruction is not.
- Overtaking canoe must pass cleanly without contact.
- Any unsportsmanlike conduct may result in disqualification.
- The canoe on the inside line has right of way at turning buoys.
Escort & Safety Boats
Bateaux d'escorte & sécurité- Safety boats patrol all race courses during competition.
- V1 marathon events (8km, 18km) require escort boats — organized by TALIFIT.
- Escort boats must maintain safe distance from competing canoes.
- Paddlers in distress must signal the nearest safety boat immediately.
Cut-offs
Barrières horaires- Time limits apply to marathon and long-distance events.
- 18km Aito: 3-hour cut-off.
- 14km Challenge: 2.5-hour cut-off.
- 8km Marathon: 1.5-hour cut-off.
- Paddlers not finishing within cut-off are recorded as DNF.
Protests & Penalties
Réclamations & pénalités- Protests must be filed within 30 minutes of the event finish.
- Written protest form available at the race office.
- A protest committee will review and decide within 2 hours.
- Penalties range from time additions to disqualification.
Environment
Environnement- No littering in the lagoon or on the beach. Zero waste policy.
- Use reef-safe sunscreen only — protect the coral.
- Respect marine wildlife. Do not disturb rays, sharks, or coral.
- All waste must be disposed of in designated bins.
Waivers & Medical
Waivers & médical- All paddlers must sign a liability waiver at check-in.
- Minors require parental consent form AND medical certificate.
- Medical certificates must be presented at check-in for all minors.
- First aid station available at Matira Beach race site throughout the event.
Questions About the Rules?
Contact our race office for any clarification on regulations, safety, or equipment requirements.
