5-mile “Root Beer Float” Rules

1. Authority and Applicability

In formulating these rules, every effort has been made to anticipate situations that may arise. Two Paddles, LLC (“Two Paddles”) reserves the right to change or amend these rules at any time, without liability or recourse. When changes occur, reasonable efforts will be made to notify participants.

All decisions of event organizers are final.

All participants (and parents/guardians, when applicable) are required to:

  • Read and follow these rules

Failure to follow any rule may result in a time penalty or disqualification.

2. Waivers, Compliance, and Media

All participants (or guardians, if applicable) must sign the Release of Liability at check-in on the day of the event.

Participants must comply with all state, federal, and local health guidelines in effect at the time of the event.

All participants agree to appear in event-related photography, videography, and media coverage.

3. Age Requirements

Participants must meet one of the following:

  • Under 11 years old: must paddle in the same boat with someone 18 or older

  • Ages 11–17: may paddle their own boat but must remain within 20 feet of a boat with someone 18 or older

4. Boat Requirements and Identification

All boats must be registered in Minnesota unless legally exempt.

Each boat must display its official four-digit boat number:

  • Numbers must be 3–4 inches tall

  • One set of numbers placed on each side of the bow

  • Participants supply their own numbers

  • Limited numbers may be available at the start for a fee

5. Environmental and Conduct Rules

All participants must follow Minnesota invasive species laws:

  • Clean all visible plants, mud, and debris from boats, trailers, and equipment

  • Drain all water-related equipment before transport

Littering is illegal:

  • Trash must remain in the boat or be properly disposed of on shore

Alcohol and mind-altering drugs are prohibited before and during the event.

6. Safety Requirements

6.1 General Safety

Participation involves inherent risks. All participants:

  • Enter at their own risk

  • Are responsible for their own judgment and actions

  • Agree not to hold organizers, officials, or sponsors liable for injury or property damage

6.2 Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs)

A USCG-approved wearable PFD (Type I, II, or III) must be worn at all times on the water.

  • Failure to wear a PFD results in disqualification

  • PFDs must be in serviceable condition

Inflatable PFDs:

  • Not allowed for non-swimmers or those under 16

  • Must be worn as designed (front/waist)

  • Must be properly armed and inspected by the user

ISO PFD Option:

  • Participants over 13 may wear an ISO 12402-5 inherently buoyant PFD only if:

    • It is worn correctly, and

    • A USCG-approved PFD is also carried in the boat

A pealess whistle must be attached to each PFD.

7. Check-In, Meetings, and Weather

All participants must:

  • Check in with their boat and required safety gear

  • Attend the entire pre-event meeting

Weather:

  • Participants must go ashore during dangerous conditions

  • If lightning is seen or thunder heard:

    • Get off the water immediately

    • Resume only after 30 minutes without lightning or thunder

8. Emergencies

If emergency assistance is needed:

  • Call 911

  • Flag down a safety boat if possible, then

  • Call event officials (number provided at the meeting)

If asked, participants are obligated to assist others in emergencies, provided it does not endanger themselves or their boat.

9. Event Timing, Course, and Finish

The event ends at 5:00 PM Sunday

Participants still on the river after 5:00 PM are continuing independently of the event.

Courses, start times, and finish times may be changed due to conditions.

10. Propulsion and Assistance Rules

Boats must be propelled only by paddle and/or pedal power.

  • No sails or kites

Electric bailers, outriggers, and canoe/kayak covers are allowed.

Boats may exit the river for breaks or repairs but must re-enter at the same location.

  • Skipping any part of the course results in disqualification

Outside assistance:

  • No towing, wake riding, wind blocking, or rafting with non-event boats

  • Wake riding and wind blocking between event boats is allowed

  • Towing is permitted only to assist a participant exiting due to medical or safety reasons

11. Gear Requirements

Required Gear

  • USCG-approved PFD (worn at all times)

  • Pealess whistle attached to PFD

  • Mobile phone in a waterproof container

Recommended Gear

  • Extra paddle

  • Rain gear (weather dependent)

  • Clothes to change into after the event

  • Sun protection (hat, sunglasses, sunscreen)

  • Footwear that can get wet