faq

It is a paddling race through the Panama Canal that starts at the Atlantic entrance to the Canal, travels southward to the Pacific entrance, and covers a 41 mile route over 3 days. The first day is from the Cristobal Yacht Club to the Gatun Locks (7 miles); the second day is from the Gatun Locks to Gamboa (21 miles) and the third day is from Gamboa to Diablo at the Pacific entrance (13 miles).

What do I have to do to participate in the Ocean to Ocean Cayuco Race?

First of all, you have to be a registered member of the Balboa Paddle Club, and you can do that by filling out the application for membership, and sending your
annual fee of $25. Additionally there is a race fee of $15 per paddler for the Ocean to Ocean race. After that, you will need a Cayuco to race in. The fee for racing in the three other races that form part of the Cayuco Cup Championship Series is $10 per paddler.

How do I get a Cayucos to race in if I don’t own one?

For those that live in Panama, the Balboa Paddle Club hold a drawing every November of the Cayucos available for the next year’s race. The winner of the drawing has the right to use that Cayuco. If they choose not to, then the Cayuco passes on to the next person on the list drawn for that Cayuco. The winning crew is required to attend the Safety Clinic, pay their membership fee and make a $100 refundable deposit before they can receive their Cayuco. In the event that the Cayuco or its trailer is returned damaged, then the deposit is forfeited. All the repairs needed for the Cayuco when it is first given out are the responsibility of the crew that will use it in the race. This may include costs such as fixing cracks in the Cayuco, adjusting or installing seats, painting the Cayuco, trailer repairs and your paddles. If you don’t live in Panama, see question 4 below.

What if I don’t win a Cayuco in the raffle?

The other option is to join a crew that needs another paddler, or to rent a Cayuco that may be available from a private owner. The rental fee is something you will have to negotiate with the owner.

If you are in the Open category, you may order a fiberglass Cayuco to be built through the Balboa Paddle Club. You can speak to the Club officials that night regarding this issue.

How do I get a Cayuco if I don’t live in Panama?

The Balboa Paddle Club has set aside a certain number of Cayucos for international paddlers. They are given out on a first come, first serve basis. To participate, the international crew has to pay $220 per paddler, payable in 3 installments. The first payment is your guarantee of reserving a cayuco. The Paddle Club has taken the hassle out of arranging much of the logistics involved in participating by assuring the visiting crew of the movement of their Cayuco and crew to and from the various starts and finishes of the race. This fee is to defray the cost involved with the maintenance of the Cayuco, transportation, as well as other benefits provided. To get your name on the list, send us an email at creba@cayucorace.org, informing us of your intention to participate in the race. Many international paddlers from previous years have been extremely satisfied with this service we offer, and have returned to race on several occasions.

You mentioned the Open category. Is the race divided into categories?

Yes, there are two general categories, Youth and Open. The Youth is for those who are 14-21 years old. The Open is for those 22 and over. In the Youth, there are sub-divisions: Male, Female and Coed. We award trophies for the first four places in each category. Every participant who completes the race will receive a commemorative patch
that is only given to paddlers in the race.

Is the Open category sub-divided, such as Master’s and Senior-Master’s?

Not at this moment. It is a possibility in the future, but as of this moment it has not been done.

What are the benefits I get for the international paddler fee?

You will receive:

Membership in the Balboa Paddle Club.
All membership and race inscription fees paid.
Airport pickup upon arrival.
All transportation during the race to and from the race starts and finishes. (You will not need a rental car for the 3 days of the race.)
Use of Cayuco and all trailering.
Dinner on Friday, breakfast and President’s dinner on Saturday (some of you got lucky and caught a free lunch on Sat., a tribute to the generosity of your hosts), and lunch on Sunday of the race weekend.
Great hotel rates at the Country Inn and Suites along the banks of the Canal, that last year included breakfast for Friday and Sunday mornings, and any other day you stayed there. Last year’s rate was $65 for 2 double beds (plus $5 each for the third and fourth in same room) and $75 for junior suites, plus $5 each for 3rd and 4^th persons.
Discount group rate for the Hotel Meliá Panama Canal for Friday night in the Atlantic side of Panama. Last year was $80 for 2 in the same room plus $25 for the third, maximum 3. That may go up about $5 per person.
No better way to transit the Panama Canal and see a beautiful country, as well as the latest hot tourist destination in the world. (Only our tourists get to paddle through the canal and have the others watch them.)
Awards presentation party.
A well organized race, great competition, and a wonderful paddling experience.
We are working on group rates on airline tickets.

If you have suggestions, send them. You are free to get sponsors for your crew also to defray your costs. We encourage it.Paddles are extra, and run around $35. They are yours to keep after the race. Rules require paddles to be made here in Panama, as this event celebrates the indigenous form of transportation of the Indians.We award trophies up to 4th place in all categories: 21 and under Male, Female and Coed, as well as the Open (22 and over).By the way, check out Byron Wynn’s photos from last years race at Snapfish: http://www.snapfish.com/share/p=58281065651448090/l=19093563

How do I make my payment and reserve my Cayuco?

The first payment (1/3)) can be made anytime before January 7^th, after that, you run the risk of not securing a Cayuco. If you are 100% sure you want to compete, then do not wait for that date. The second payment is due on February 7^th and the third payment is due by March 1^st. The payment can be made by US check for the first 2 payments, but any payment made after February 7^th needs to be made by a wire transfer or Western Union. The details for those payments can be arranged by notifying us beforehand at creba@cayucorace.org. Additionally, any of the first two payments can also be made by wire transfer or Western Union. If you miss the January 7^th initial payment and still want to compete, do not hesitate to contact us, as there may still be a possibility of securing a Cayuco to race in.

What if I don’t have a full crew for all the seats (4) in the Cayuco?

We can arrange to have you paddle with another crew needing paddlers, and it may be either local or other international paddlers.

What is the Championship Cup Series?

The Championship Cup Series consists of the four races organized by the Balboa Paddle Club. They are: The Balboa Yacht Club Causeway Cup, the Hotel Meliá Panamá Canal Regata, the Gamboa Rainforest Resort Sprint Cup and the five legs of the Ocean to Ocean Cayuco Race. Depending on your crew’s finish in each race leg, your will receive points. There are total of eight legs. The crew with the most points at the end of Ocean to Ocean Cayuco Race will receive the Championship Cup Series trophy.

Can I race any other type of craft in the Cayuco race?

No. As of this moment, there are no plans to include any other type of paddle craft in the race.

How many Cayucos participate in the race?

In the 2003 race, our 50^th, we had a total of 71 Cayucos participate, with 38 in the Open category and 33 in the Youth category. Since 1999, the number of Cayucos has increased every year.

Are substitutes allowed if people are injured?

Yes, each crew is allowed “alternates,” usually one or two per crew, depending on the size of the crew.

How far in advance to international teams normally arrive?

Our local paddlers generally begin serious training in late December or early January. Outside teams can easily train in canoes or similar craft. However, Cayucos are different than most water craft so an outside team would want to familiarize itself with that type of paddling at least 3 days to a week prior to the race.

Do we need to bring buoyancy aids/lifejackets?

Yes, do bring lifejackets, vest type preferably, the flatter the better. Lifejackets do not have to be worn while paddling, but they do have to be on board and stowed away. Other safety equipment: If you have a whistle, bring that too. Also, water shoes or old sneakers are required when getting in and out of the Cayucos, due to the slippery conditions and the presence of barnacles that can cut your feet. Once in the Cayuco, you can remove them and throw them ashore to your support team if you prefer.

Where do I fly into to get to Panama?

The main airport serving Panama is the Tocumen International Airport (PTY). If you are flying on a US or EU passport, at this time you do not need a Visa nor a Tourist Card. If they are required, they can be bought upon arrival for $5 US. Check your country’s requirements beforehand. You do not need any vaccinations at this time either.

Do we need to arrange transport each day to the start and from the end of the race? Or is this laid out for us?

We will help you with transportation to and from the race. You may not all travel as one group, but we will get you where you need to be. Depending on how long before the race you arrive, you may want to have a practice session, let us know. Before the race, we suggest you use taxis to get you around to the practice. They are very cheap, and driving here is crazy, the land of no rules. Besides, a compact car starts at around $50.00 per day with insurance, and insurance is required, and they don’t accept the credit card insurance. Go figure. Regarding transportation from the airport, we will arrange to have you picked up; you will need to apprise us of your arrival date.

Is there an end of race party or anything that we need to plan for?

Yes, on the Sunday of the race, the race ends at around 2 PM, and the awards banquet starts at 7 PM. There will be a very nice meal served, at your expense. It should end by 10.