Forth Bridges Raft Race

Question 1

Is the ability to swim mandatory?

Accepted Answer

No but particpants must be confident in seawater and have the ability to treadwater. Buoyancy aids are mandatory and will be provided by Edinburgh Watersports.

Question 2

Are wetsuits provided?

Accepted Answer

No. Participants should wear light clothing, for example, gym attire. Do not wear footwear that can trap water such as boots or wellies or loose sandals such as flip flops that might float away. Light training shoes or bare feet would be best. Bring a towel and warm outerwear for after each race.

Question 3

What safety measures will be in place for the raft race?

Accepted Answer

Edinburgh Watersports are an experienced provider of watersports and their trained staff will supervise and manage the raft race. Edinburgh Watersports will provide the mega Stand Up Paddleboards, short paddles, buoyancy aids and, for participants under 16 years of age, safety helmets. All participants must wear the buoyance aid provided. The paddleboards are stable craft designed to support up to 8 people. To improve stability, rafters will not be standing but will sit ot kneel. All rafters will receive a safety briefing from trained staff. A safety boat will be on the water during each race. The race will be in the sheltered waters of the marina not in open water.

Question 4

Will I get wet during the raft race?

Accepted Answer

Paddleboarding is an adventurous watersport. The mega Stand Up Paddleboards are stable craft but there is always the chance that a participant could slip off the paddle board into the water. To improve stability, rafters will not be standing but will sit ot kneel. All rafters must wear a buoyancy vest and light clothing and suitable footwear or bare feet. Rafters should be able to climb back on board but a safety boat will be nearby to go to the assistance of anyone in the water. Please bring a towel and warm outerwear for after the race.

Question 5

Are there changing facilities at Port Edgar?

Accepted Answer

Edinburgh Watersports has changing facilities but these are limited in size and facilities and will be busy so be prepared for a wait or a visit to the public toilets located nearby.

Question 6

If the weather is bad will the raft race still go ahead?

Accepted Answer

Safety is paramount and that will be the key factor should the weather be poor. If it is raining it is more likely the raft race will continue as planned - it is Scotland after all! Strong winds might be more challenging and Edinburgh Watersports will use their experience and judgement to decide whether to continue or not.

Question 7

Is parking available at Port Edgar?

Accepted Answer

Yes, a dedicated event parking area is located on the right as you enter the marina. Rotary stewards will direct you, so please follow their instructions and be mindful of other users. Please do not park in the normal paved parking area for patrons of Port Edgar unless disabled parking is required.

Question 8

Is there parking for disabled people at Port Edgar Marina?

Accepted Answer

Yes there is suitable parking in the paved area for patrons of Port Edgar. On arrival, please explain your needs to the Rotary stewards and they will direct you.

Question 9

Must I have eight rafters in my team?

Accepted Answer

A full team includes eight rafters, and we encourage all teams to aim for this team size. Teams with six or more rafters will be permitted to take part, but may be at a disadvantage when competing with full teams. The entry fee is the same for teams of six, seven or eight rafters.

Forth Bridges Raft Race

Rotary Club of South Queensferry

Forth Bridges Raft Race