Thank you for your commitment to OABI Detroit 2017!! Below are some details to remember while you are preparing for your day at Belle Isle Beach!

All vehicles entering Belle Isle must be registered as part of the Michigan DNR passport program. For details on the passport program please visit here: http://www.michigan.gov/dnr/0,4570,7-153-10365_55798---,00.html

Pre-Race Packet Pick up: Friday, August 11, 2017 from 5-7pm at:

Checker Bar

124 Cadillac Sq, Detroit, MI

See us there and Bell's will buy your first beer!

Race Date: Saturday, August 12, 2017

Race Location

1 Riverbank Dr

Detroit, MI 48207

Race Map

Parking Map

The teal highlighted area is the race site. The yellow areas represent the free parking lots for the event. The yellow lines indicate the free curbside parking for the event.

Important Race Details

Registration Process

It is strongly encouraged that you register for the race at the Friday evening pre-party hosted by Bell's. The Saturday morning registration should only be considered for absolute necessary cases as we cannot guarantee that you will be through the registration process in time for the start of the race.

Start Line

After the pre-race meeting, athletes can make their way to the water. All racers will access the water via the beach and will be launched in waves. You are advised to have your gear in order to facilitate quick and seamless entry. The race launch scenarios will be as follow:

7 Mile OABI Detroit Kayak, Surfski, Outrigger Canoe and Other (M&W)

7 Mile OABI Detroit SUP (M&W)

2.5 Mile Rec Race Kayak

2.5 Mile Rec Race SUP

Finish Line

The OABI Detroit course ends at Belle Isle Beach. When you pass under the MacArthur Bridge you have approximately 1 mile left to finish. The timekeeper may ask you to confirm your bib#, division and name, so please assist upon request.

At finish line you can safely exit your vessel. There will be vessel caddies to assist you with your vessel after you exit the water. In order to record your time for the race you must cross the finish line with your paddle. Your vessel will be set in a designated area on the beach by the caddies.

Please also take part in the racer hospitality tent, an experience reserved exclusively for race finishers. Take advantage of this time to recap the race, relax, hydrate, enjoy snacks and beverages provided by the OABI Detroit team. You’ve earned it!!

Awards

The OABI Detroit award ceremony will take place at the finish line. Podium ceremonies and awards will begin at 3:15 PM. The Black Blades will be picked up at the finish line by the winners of the Men’s and Women’s SUP, Men’s and Women’s Kayak, and Men’s and Women’s Surfski. Participation medals will be awarded to those who finish the race, in order to assure you receive yours we strongly encourage purchasing a pre-sale ticket and registering early.

Forecasted Conditions

Water Temp: Water temps on the Detroit River will likely be in the high 70s the day of the race.
Air Temp: Historical average air temperatures in mid August range from the mid 70’s to the mid 80s.
Current: The current of the Detroit River is approximately 3 mph at Belle Isle. It flows south.
Boat Traffic: Recreational boat traffic will be limited to no wake and regulated by the USCG. The race is in an international shipping channel so a friendly freighter may stroll by the day of the race. If so...ENJOY THE RIDE!!

Equipment

Board Storage

Vessel storage is up to the participant. There will be designated areas on the site to keep your vessel out of harm’s way during the beach party. If you are staying at the Downtown Courtyard by Marriot a meeting room has been designated for overnight vessel storage. OABI is not responsible for theft or damage to your vessel on or off site.

Lifejacket

All racers are required to have in possession a US Coast Guard approved lifejacket. It is suggested that you wear the lifejacket but it is not required.

Leash

Paddler’s must be tethered to their SUP’s. All vessels are encouraged to consider a lanyard.

Water

Each racer will be responsible for supplying water during the race. There are no mid-race hydration stations.

Whistles

Participants should bring a marine whistle as required in the Great Lakes.

Other items to consider to maximize your experience:

-Water (NO COOLERS ALLOWED)

-Coast Guard approved PFD (you will not be allowed to paddle without this)

-surf leash for SUPs (required)

-a whistle (Required in the Great Lakes)

-waterproof camera

-dry bag for any sensitive items

-wetsuit if cold weather is expected

-sunglasses

-sunscreen

-active wear

-rain gear (weather dependent)

-beach towel

-beach chairs

Additional Race Details Can be found Here

Hotel and Lodging

Courtyard Detroit Downtown

313-227- 7700

333 E Jefferson Ave, Detroit, MI 48226

Distance from Event: 2 miles

Parking: Attended Garage (Clear Height 8’)

Cost: Mention OABI Detroit for the preferred rate of $125.00-129.00/Night. Reservation must be made by July 20, 2017.

Board Storage accommodations have been made at the hotel. Be sure to ask at reservation!

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