Boat Classes
Sound Rowers recognizes a variety of boat classifications. The categories below identifiy the most common participants in our races, but participants are not limited to this list - all human powered craft are welcome. Do note however, that some races may have constraints on either the size of the boat (for races with tight or congested turns), the suitability of craft to conditions (most races are NOT appropriate for flatwater or Olympic style sprint boats), or speed of craft (longer races may require an early start for slower craft, or not allow). Please check the individual race pages and with the individual race directors if you have any questions.
Awards are distributed to top finishes in class by gender. There are no special distinctions by age or weight.
Sound Rowers Rowing Classifications
Rowing classes are based on boat length. OW-I (19' and under), OW-II (19-21'); OW-III (over 21')
Sprint/Flatwater shells are based on number of rowers: (1x, 2x, 4x, 2-, 4+ or 4-, 8+); participation may be constrained by conditions. Positive floatation required.
| Open Water I (<19') | Open Water II (19-21') | Open Water III (>21') |
|---|
| Alden 16 | Alden Martin | Bay 24 |
| Alden Horizen 17 | Alden Star (20' 8") | Echo Rowing: Ace (24') |
| Echo Rowing: Echo (18') | Bay 21 (21' 3") | Little River Pro Am (25' 2") |
| Peinert Zephyr (19') | Drew Harrison Water Jogger (20' 3") | Maas 24 (24') |
| Wayland Marine: Merry Shell | Little River Cambridge (20' 11") | Maas Flyweight |
| Wayland Marine: Merry Wherry | Maas Aero (21' 3") | Owen Timeaus (24' 2") |
| Wayland Marine: Verry Merry | | Peinert Dolphin (24') |
| Wayland Marine: Sea Ranger | | |
Sound Rowers Traditional Rowing Craft Classifications
Fixed seat, gunwale mounted riggers: FS 1x, FS 2x, etc.
Sliding seat, gunwale mounted riggers: SS 1x, SS 2x, etc.
External riggers - placed in the OW categories above as based on length
Sound Rowers Canoe Classifications
Traditional single: C1, double: C2
Marathon Canoe: Marathon C1, Marathon C2
Outrigger: OC1, OC2, OC6
Flatwater Canoe: OFW C1, OFW C2, OFW C4; participation may be constrained by conditions. Positive floatation required.
Dragon Boat
Paddle Boards - SUP Classifications
Based on length. Stock (12'6" and under), 14'(12'6"-14') and UL (unlimited).
Paddle Boards - Prone Classifications
Based on length. Stock (12' and under), 14' (12-14') and UL (unlimited).
Stock and 14' allowed fixed fins only; UL allowed rudders.
Pedal Craft
Sound Rowers Kayak Classifications
Kayak classes are based on waterline length to width ratio.
Single kayaks: those boats with a L:W ratio less than 9.25:1 are in the Sea Kayak class (SK); between 9.25:1 to 10.99:1 are in the Fast Sea Kayak class (FSK); greater than 10.99:1 are in the High Performance Kayak class (HPK).
Double kayaks: those boats with a L:W ratio less than 10:1 are in the double Sea Kayak class (SK2); between 10:1 and 13:1 are in the double Fast Sea Kayak class (FSK2); greater than 13:1 are in the double High Performance class (HPK2).
Sprint/Olympic flat water boats are based on number of paddlers: K1, K2, K4. Participation may be constrained by conditions. Positive floatation required.
Below is a parial list of sea kayaks by manufacturer with their L:W ratio and respective class. Note that not *all* boats are listed, as new boats are developed and brought to market at an ever increasing pace. These are boats that have either been personally measured, or had complete waterline specifications published by the manufacturer or Sea Kayak magazine. Check our article on classficiation methods to see how this is done.
| Manufacturer |
Model |
L/W ratio |
Race Classification |
| _ANY_
|
Down River Racer
|
|
HPK
|
| _ANY_
|
ICF Sprint and Marathon boats
|
|
HPK
|
| Action Fish
|
Empire Fly
|
7.9
|
SK
|
| AquaDynamic
|
Thelon 17
|
8.2
|
SK
|
| Aquaterra
|
Chinook
|
7.9
|
SK
|
| Aquaterra
|
Scimitar
|
8.4
|
SK
|
| Aquaterra
|
Sea Lion
|
8.3
|
SK
|
| Azul Kayaks
|
Aspen
|
8.8
|
SK
|
| Azul Kayaks
|
Sultan
|
9.4
|
FSK
|
| Bear Mountain Boat Ship
|
Enterprise
|
8.3
|
SK
|
| Bergans
|
Ally Folding Sea Touring Kayak
|
10.1
|
FSK
|
| Billington Sea Kayak
|
Surge
|
8.28
|
SK
|
| Boreal Designs
|
Alvik
|
8.3
|
SK
|
| Boreal Designs
|
Ellesmere
|
9
|
SK
|
| Boreal Designs
|
Fjord
|
8.3
|
SK
|
| Boreal Designs
|
Inukshuk
|
8.1
|
SK
|
| Boreal Designs
|
Muktuk
|
8.2
|
SK
|
| Boreal Designs
|
Narwhal
|
8.2
|
SK
|
| Chesapeake Lt. Craft
|
Chesapeake 16
|
8.6
|
SK
|
| Chesapeake Lt. Craft
|
Chesapeake 17
|
8.8
|
SK
|
| Chesapeake Lt. Craft
|
Shearwater 17
|
8.8
|
SK
|
| Cobra
|
Cobra Expedition
|
8.5
|
SK
|
| Current Designs
|
Altura
|
6.2
|
SK
|
| Current Designs
|
Andromeda
|
8.3
|
SK
|
| Current Designs
|
Breeze
|
6.5
|
SK
|
| Current Designs
|
Caribou
|
8.5
|
SK
|
| Current Designs
|
Expedition
|
9.7
|
FSK
|
| Current Designs
|
Extreme
|
9.5
|
FSK
|
| Current Designs
|
Freedom
|
9.8
|
FSK
|
| Current Designs
|
Gulfstream
|
8.5
|
SK
|
| Current Designs
|
Kestrel 140
|
6.2
|
SK
|
| Current Designs
|
Pachena
|
6.9
|
SK
|
| Current Designs
|
Piceses
|
8.6
|
SK
|
| Current Designs
|
Raven
|
7.3
|
SK
|
| Current Designs
|
Slipstream
|
8.1
|
SK
|
| Current Designs
|
Solstice GT & ST
|
8.5
|
SK
|
| Current Designs
|
Solstice SS
|
9
|
SK
|
| Current Designs
|
Speedster
|
|
HPK
|
| Current Designs
|
Squamish
|
7.3
|
SK
|
| Current Designs
|
Storm
|
7.9
|
SK
|
| Current Designs
|
Stratus 18
|
9.8
|
FSK
|
| Current Designs
|
Vision 130
|
6.5
|
SK
|
| Current Designs
|
Vision 140
|
7
|
SK
|
| Current Designs
|
Vision 150
|
7.3
|
SK
|
| Current Designs
|
Whistler
|
7
|
SK
|
| Dagger
|
Baja
|
8.4
|
SK
|
| Dagger
|
Cortez 16.5
|
8.3
|
SK
|
| Dagger
|
Magellen
|
8.1
|
SK
|
| Dagger
|
Meridian
|
7.8
|
SK
|
| Dagger
|
Seeker
|
8.2
|
SK
|
| Dagger
|
Sitka
|
9.3
|
FSK
|
| Destiny
|
Aquila
|
<8.5
|
SK
|
| Destiny
|
Deception
|
8.8
|
SK
|
| Destiny
|
Defiance
|
8.7
|
SK
|
| Destiny
|
Kiska
|
<8.8
|
SK
|
| Dirigo
|
Dirigo
|
<8.5
|
SK
|
| Dragonworks
|
Islander
|
8.9
|
SK
|
| Easy Rider
|
Dolphin
|
7.7
|
SK
|
| Easy Rider
|
Eskimo 15
|
<8.4
|
SK
|
| Easy Rider
|
Eskimo 16
|
<8.4
|
SK
|
| Easy Rider
|
Eskimo 17
|
8.4
|
SK
|
| Easy Rider
|
Eskimo 18.6
|
8.7
|
SK
|
| Easy Rider
|
Harpoon 19
|
10.5
|
FSK
|
| Easy Rider
|
Sea Hawk
|
8.4
|
SK
|
| Eddyline
|
Calypso
|
9
|
SK
|
| Eddyline
|
Falcon (16')
|
8.7
|
SK
|
| Eddyline
|
Falcon (18')
|
9.7
|
FSK
|
| Eddyline
|
Fathom
|
8.5
|
SK
|
| Eddyline
|
Heron
|
10.7
|
FSK
|
| Eddyline
|
Merlin
|
<8.0
|
SK
|
| Eddyline
|
Nighthawk
|
8.5
|
SK
|
| Eddyline
|
Orca
|
8.2
|
SK
|
| Eddyline
|
Raven
|
8.3
|
SK
|
| Eddyline
|
Sea Star
|
9.7
|
FSK
|
| Eddyline
|
Skimmer
|
<7.0
|
SK
|
| Eddyline
|
Skylark
|
5.3
|
SK
|
| Eddyline
|
Wind Dancer
|
8.5
|
SK
|
| Eddyline
|
Zephyr
|
8
|
SK
|
| Epic
|
18x
|
|
HPK
|
| Epic
|
18x Sport
|
|
FSK
|
| Epic
|
Recreational GP
|
6.1
|
SK
|
| Epic
|
Touring Cruiser 16
|
<8.8
|
SK
|
| Epic
|
Touring Endurance 18
|
10.5
|
FSK
|
| Epic
|
V10/V10L/V10 Sport
|
|
HPK
|
| Epic
|
V12
|
|
HPK
|
| Feathercraft
|
K1 Expedition
|
8.1
|
SK
|
| Feathercraft
|
Khatsalano S
|
9
|
SK
|
| Folbot Folding K
|
any as single
|
<8.0
|
SK
|
| Folding Craft
|
500 EX
|
7.5
|
SK
|
| Futura
|
Carrera
|
<13.7
|
HPK
|
| Futura
|
Futura
|
<8.0
|
SK
|
| Futura
|
Futura II
|
<12.3
|
HPK
|
| Futura
|
Futura TR
|
<14.4
|
HPK
|
| Georgn. Bay Folding Kayak
|
any as single
|
|
SK
|
| Heritage
|
Expedition LP
|
8.4
|
SK
|
| Heritage
|
Nomad
|
8.2
|
SK
|
| Hoby Cat
|
Quest
|
5.5
|
SK
|
| Hody Sport
|
TK-1
|
10.9
|
FSK
|
| HopOnTop
|
HopOnTop
|
6.8
|
SK
|
| Huki
|
Huki S1-A
|
|
HPK
|
| Huki
|
Huki S1-X
|
15.5
|
HPK
|
| Hutchinson Design
|
Baidarka Explorer
|
8.7
|
SK
|
| Hutchinson Design
|
Islander
|
<9.0
|
SK
|
| Hutchinson Design
|
Umnak
|
<8.4
|
SK
|
| HydrTufLite
|
Sea Runner
|
8.2
|
SK
|
| HydrTufLite
|
Venture
|
<8.3
|
SK
|
| Impex Kayak
|
Force Cat 4
|
9.7
|
FSK
|
| Impex Kayak
|
Force Category 5
|
9.15
|
SK
|
| Innova Kayaks
|
Seaker 1
|
6.3
|
SK
|
| JKK Kayaks
|
Supernova
|
11.8
|
HPK
|
| JKK Kayaks
|
Total Eclipse
|
11.8
|
HPK
|
| JKK Kayaks
|
U2
|
11.5
|
HPK
|
| Kajak Sport
|
Artisan Millenium
|
8.8
|
SK
|
| Kajak Sport
|
Avalon Viviane
|
9.9
|
FSK
|
| Kajak Sport
|
Infinity Active
|
7.3
|
SK
|
| Kajak Sport
|
Viking Expedition
|
8.4
|
SK
|
| Kirton Kayaks
|
Inuk
|
10.6
|
FSK
|
| Kiwi Kayak
|
any as single
|
<7.0
|
SK
|
| Klepper Folding Kayaks
|
any as single
|
<7.0
|
SK
|
| Mad River
|
Monarch
|
7.7
|
SK
|
| Mariner
|
Coaster
|
7.4
|
SK
|
| Mariner
|
Elan
|
8.4
|
SK
|
| Mariner
|
Escape
|
8.9
|
SK
|
| Mariner
|
Express
|
8.9
|
SK
|
| Mariner
|
Mariner
|
10.7
|
FSK
|
| Mariner
|
Mariner II
|
10.2
|
FSK
|
| Mariner
|
Mariner XL
|
8.8
|
SK
|
| Mariner
|
MAX
|
8.3
|
SK
|
| Momentum Yacht Design
|
Loki R
|
9.1
|
SK
|
| Momentum Yacht Design
|
Loki Sea Race
|
13.6
|
HPK
|
| Mont Bell
|
Ellsmere 350
|
8.5
|
SK
|
| Natural Design
|
Polaris
|
8.6
|
SK
|
| Nautirad
|
Greenlander 16
|
7.9
|
SK
|
| Necky
|
Alsek
|
<7.0
|
SK
|
| Necky
|
Arluk I
|
11.5
|
HPK
|
| Necky
|
Arluk II/1.8/1.9
|
9.9
|
FSK
|
| Necky
|
Arluk III
|
8.7
|
SK
|
| Necky
|
Arluk IV
|
7.3
|
SK
|
| Necky
|
Chatham 16
|
7.4
|
SK
|
| Necky
|
Elaho
|
7.5
|
SK
|
| Necky
|
Eliza
|
8.1
|
SK
|
| Necky
|
Kyook
|
<7.7
|
SK
|
| Necky
|
Looksha II
|
10.6
|
FSK
|
| Necky
|
Looksha IV
|
<8.9
|
SK
|
| Necky
|
Looksha V
|
8.1
|
SK
|
| Necky
|
Nootka
|
7.7
|
SK
|
| Necky
|
Phantom
|
13
|
HPK
|
| Necky
|
Telsa
|
<8.5
|
SK
|
| Necky
|
Tornak
|
<8.5
|
SK
|
| Nelo
|
FW 2000
|
14.5
|
HPK
|
| Nigel Dennis
|
Romany Explorer
|
8.2
|
SK
|
| Nimbus
|
Horizon
|
<8.7
|
SK
|
| Nimbus
|
Lootas
|
8.3
|
SK
|
| Nimbus
|
Puffin
|
8.5
|
SK
|
| Nimbus
|
Solander
|
8.4
|
SK
|
| Nimbus
|
Sprint
|
10.3
|
FSK
|
| Nimbus
|
Zoom
|
9.23
|
SK
|
| Novus Composites
|
NC 15
|
<8.0
|
SK
|
| Novus Composites
|
NC 17
|
8.3
|
SK
|
| Novus Composites
|
NC 19
|
9.1
|
SK
|
| NW Kayak
|
Cadence
|
8.8
|
SK
|
| NW Kayak
|
Esprit
|
8.7
|
SK
|
| NW Kayak
|
Sportee
|
<8.0
|
SK
|
| NW Kayak
|
Synergy
|
8.3
|
SK
|
| NW Kayaks
|
Discovery
|
8.9
|
SK
|
| NW Kayaks
|
Pursuit
|
8.9
|
SK
|
| Ocean Kayak
|
Manta
|
6.1
|
SK
|
| Ocean Kayak
|
Pro S1 109
|
4.8
|
SK
|
| Ocean Kayak
|
Scrambler
|
<7.0
|
SK
|
| Ocean Kayak
|
Scupper
|
7.5
|
SK
|
| Ocean Kayak
|
Sprinter
|
10.4
|
FSK
|
| Old Town Canoe
|
Egret
|
7.8
|
SK
|
| Old Town Canoe
|
Millenium
|
8.8
|
SK
|
| P&H
|
Bahiya
|
8.6
|
SK
|
| P&H
|
Capella
|
7.7
|
SK
|
| P&H
|
Iona
|
<8.5
|
SK
|
| P&H
|
Orion
|
<8.5
|
SK
|
| P&H
|
Quest
|
8.4
|
SK
|
| P&H
|
Sirius
|
8.5
|
SK
|
| Pakboats
|
Puffin Swift
|
6.8
|
SK
|
| Perception
|
Avatar 16
|
7.8
|
SK
|
| Perception
|
Carolina
|
7.9
|
SK
|
| Perception
|
Eclipse
|
8.6
|
SK
|
| Perception
|
Sonoma 13.5
|
6.8
|
SK
|
| Perception
|
Vizcaya
|
8.1
|
SK
|
| Prijon
|
Arctic Tern 14
|
6.8
|
SK
|
| Prijon
|
Barracuda
|
9.1
|
SK
|
| Prijon
|
Cabalara
|
6.5
|
SK
|
| Prijon
|
Kodiak
|
8.5
|
SK
|
| Prijon
|
Odysee
|
7.8
|
SK
|
| Prijon
|
Seayak
|
7.6
|
SK
|
| Prijon
|
Touryak
|
7.3
|
SK
|
| Prijon
|
Yukon Eskie
|
8.4
|
SK
|
| Pt. 65º North
|
K1 R
|
8.6
|
SK
|
| Pt. 65º North
|
K1 VR
|
8.9
|
SK
|
| Pt. 65º North
|
K1 XP
|
10
|
FSK
|
| Pt. 65º North
|
KIR
|
8.8
|
SK
|
| Pt. 65º North
|
X Lite
|
8.4
|
SK
|
| PWS
|
Avocet
|
8.6
|
SK
|
| PWS
|
Intrepid
|
8.3
|
SK
|
| PWS
|
Osprey
|
9.4
|
FSK
|
| PWS
|
Sea Otter
|
7.9
|
SK
|
| PWS
|
Seal
|
10.8
|
FSK
|
| PWS
|
Thunderbird
|
7.8
|
SK
|
| PWS
|
Widgeon
|
7.9
|
SK
|
| Pygmy
|
Arctic Tern
|
8.3
|
SK
|
| Pygmy
|
Arctic Tern 14
|
7
|
SK
|
| Pygmy
|
Coho
|
8.6
|
SK
|
| Pygmy
|
Goldeneye
|
8.5
|
SK
|
| Pyranha
|
Orca
|
6.8
|
SK
|
| QCC Kayaks
|
Q300
|
<8.8
|
SK
|
| QCC Kayaks
|
Q400
|
<8.8
|
SK
|
| QCC Kayaks
|
Q500x
|
8.8
|
SK
|
| QCC Kayaks
|
Q600x
|
9.7
|
FSK
|
| QCC Kayaks
|
Q700x
|
10.3
|
FSK
|
| Rainforest Designs
|
Kap Farvel
|
8.1
|
SK
|
| Rainforest Designs
|
Telkwa
|
8.3
|
SK
|
| REI (?)
|
Marlin (on top)
|
7.7
|
SK
|
| Riot Kayak
|
Tourlite 15
|
6.8
|
SK
|
| Seafarer
|
Solander
|
8.6
|
SK
|
| Seafarer
|
Sprint
|
10.4
|
FSK
|
| Seavivor Folding Kayak
|
Greenland Solo
|
9.8
|
FSK
|
| Seaward
|
2005 Tyee
|
8.1
|
SK
|
| Seaward
|
Chilco
|
9.5
|
FSK
|
| Seaward
|
Discover Aurora
|
7.7
|
SK
|
| Seaward
|
Endeavor
|
8.7
|
SK
|
| Seaward
|
Navigator
|
8.3
|
SK
|
| Seaward
|
Quantum
|
8.8
|
SK
|
| Seaworthy Design
|
Enetai
|
9
|
SK
|
| Seda
|
Glider
|
10.8
|
FSK
|
| Seda
|
Gypsy
|
7.5
|
SK
|
| Seda
|
Ikkuma 17
|
8
|
SK
|
| Seda
|
Impulse
|
10.4
|
FSK
|
| Seda
|
Starlet
|
8.2
|
SK
|
| Seda
|
Swift
|
8.6
|
SK
|
| Seda
|
Viking
|
8.4
|
SK
|
| Seward
|
Chilco
|
9.4
|
FSK
|
| Seward
|
Quest
|
9.4
|
FSK
|
| Sisson Evolution
|
|
>12.0
|
HPK
|
| Skim Kayaks
|
Dex
|
9
|
SK
|
| Skim Kayaks
|
Distance
|
9.8
|
FSK
|
| Southern Exposure
|
Legend
|
9.5
|
FSK
|
| Southern Exposure
|
Reiver
|
9
|
SK
|
| Think
|
Evo
|
|
HPK
|
| Think
|
Fit
|
|
FSK
|
| Think
|
Legend
|
|
HPK
|
| Think
|
Uno
|
|
HPK
|
| Third Rock Kayak
|
Espresso
|
8.4
|
SK
|
| TRAK
|
T-1600
|
9
|
SK
|
| Triton
|
Ladoga 1
|
7.2
|
SK
|
| Twogood
|
Chalupski
|
13
|
HPK
|
| Twogood
|
Mako
|
|
HPK
|
| Twogood
|
Phoenix
|
11.3
|
HPK
|
| Valhalla
|
Valhalla
|
12.3
|
HPK
|
| Valhalla
|
Victory
|
13
|
HPK
|
| Valley Canoe
|
Aquanaut
|
8.8
|
SK
|
| Valley Canoe
|
Aquanaut RM
|
8.2
|
SK
|
| Valley Canoe
|
Avocet
|
7.9
|
SK
|
| Valley Canoe
|
Nordkapp
|
9.4
|
FSK
|
| Valley Canoe
|
Nordkapp H20
|
8.7
|
SK
|
| Valley Canoe
|
Nordkapp LV
|
8.7
|
SK
|
| Valley Canoe
|
Petrel
|
<7.6
|
SK
|
| Valley Canoe
|
Selkie
|
<8.6
|
SK
|
| Valley Canoe
|
Skerray
|
8.6
|
SK
|
| Valley Canoe
|
Skerray XL
|
8.9
|
SK
|
| Valley Sea Kayak
|
Rapier 20
|
13.8
|
HPK
|
| Venturesport
|
Black Marlin
|
<13.7
|
HPK
|
| Venturesport
|
Eclipse
|
<13.5
|
HPK
|
| Venturesport
|
Elan Crosstrainer
|
<14.6
|
HPK
|
| Venturesport
|
Shearwater
|
<13.6
|
HPK
|
| Venturesport
|
Vector
|
<12.3
|
HPK
|
| Venturesport
|
Venture
|
7.6
|
SK
|
| Venturesport
|
Vintage
|
>8.0
|
SK
|
| Venure Kayak
|
Ayr 16.5
|
8.5
|
SK
|
| Walden
|
Vista
|
<8.0
|
SK
|
| Waldon
|
Vision
|
6.6
|
SK
|
| Westside Boat
|
Wave Piercer
|
11.6
|
HPK
|
| Westside Boat
|
Wave XL/Ultra
|
15.7
|
HPK
|
| Westside Boat
|
X Par EFT
|
14
|
HPK
|
| Westside Boat
|
X Par Missile
|
18.9
|
HPK
|
| Wilderness Systems
|
Alto
|
<8.7
|
SK
|
| Wilderness Systems
|
Arctic Hawk
|
9.4
|
FSK
|
| Wilderness Systems
|
Cape Horn 17
|
8.8
|
SK
|
| Wilderness Systems
|
Epic
|
9.7
|
FSK
|
| Wilderness Systems
|
Seacret
|
<8.0
|
SK
|
| Wilderness Systems
|
Sealution
|
8.1
|
SK
|
| Wilderness Systems
|
Sealution SS/II
|
8.1
|
SK
|
| Wilderness Systems
|
Sealution XL
|
8.8
|
SK
|
| Wilderness Systems
|
Tempest 165 Pro
|
8.6
|
SK
|