International Paddlers:
How to enter the Fish River Canoe marathon
We welcome international paddlers to experience the legendary Fish River Canoe Marathon! To participate, please follow the steps below to ensure your entry is properly processed and approved under PaddleSport SA regulations.
Please take note of Steps 2 & 3 – international paddlers may apply for a grading exemption due to the nature of the Fish River Marathon.
Step 1: Register on PaddleSport SA and Purchase a Licence
Before you can enter the race, you must create a profile on the PaddleSport SA system and purchase a temporary licence
This can be done at via the link https://paddler.paddlesportsa.com/
REGISTER A PROFILE
- Access paddler portal via the link https://paddler.paddlesportsa.com/
- Click on the button REGISTER and you will be taken to a second screen
- Complete the required information (your password must show three green bars to be accepted)
- Please do not be overly concerned about the box that refers to “race”. It is a requirement of our government reporting and is not a PSA requirement. You may tick whatever you deem appropriate.
- Press Register
- You have now registered a profile on the PSA online system.
- You will receive a system generated email confirming that you have created a profile.
- Go back to the same portal paddler.paddlesportsa.com
- Click on the button LOGIN
- Enter your passport number and your password created during the REGISTER process
- In the top right corner of the screen is a MENU option.
- Click on MENU and navigate to BUY/RENEW LICENCE
- Licence type: Choose SENIOR INTERNATIONAL FOREIGN
- Union: Choose INTERNATIONAL
- Club: Choose INTERNATIONAL
- Indemnity: Tick the box to accept the declaration
- Click on PAY NOW
- You will be taken to a second screen where you can complete your credit card details and click on PAY NOW
- There is a fee of R200 (around €10) to register on the system
- You will then receive a system generated email confirming your licence purchase and that it has been sent to the International Administrator for activation (this usually takes approximately 24 hours).
- Once that process is complete you will be able to enter the event and in the case of the Fish River Marathon, apply for a river grading.
Step 2: Apply for River Grading Exemption
South African river races are graded for safety, and the Fish River requires an A-grade status. International paddlers may apply for a grading exemption based on their previous river experience.
To apply:
- Download the Grade Exemption Application Form
- Print it, fill in all details requested and email it to: herman.marais49@gmail.com
Step 3: Await Approval
Once your form is reviewed and approved:
- Your A-grade exemption will be updated on your PaddleSport SA profile
- Once approved, you will then be eligible to officially enter the Fish River Canoe Marathon
Step 4: Enter an Event
- All South African events are reflected on the system.
- The entry process is now simple.
- Go back to the same portal paddler.paddlesportsa.com
- Click on ENTER A RACE
- Choose the race you wish to enter and complete the process
If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to us. We look forward to having you on the river!
