- The Vaal Challengeis run in accordance with CSA rules and regulations.
- You have to be AR rated (have done 6 river races)
- Seeding will be done according to the CSA ladder
- Wearing of Kayaking jacket/CSA approved buoyancy jackets is compulsory
Please ensure your life jacket fits you correctly for your safety
- Valid CSA registration numbers and sponsor decals must be placed on each side of the front deck of the boat. Other sponsorship must be placed on the rear deck or on the sides behind the front point of the cockpit.
Batch stickers must be placed on the front deck and be clearly visible.
- The winner is the competitor completing the race in the shortest total time.
The senior and U(18) class are the only open classes.
- There will be batch starts on both days in accordance with your seeding, all late entries will be unseeded and in the last batch.
- Reverse order start on day 2.
- 10 litres of buoyancy is imperative and will be checked.
- Paddles may be exchanged.
- No canoes replaced.
- No outside assistance of any kind allowed, except in an emergency.
- Withdrawals from the race must inform an official as soon as possible.
- Any appeal must be lodged in writing within one hour of the competitor completing the specific leg, to a member of the jury. R50.00 must accompany the protest. CSA rules will apply.

The orgainisers reserve the right to:
- Disqualify any participants, penalize with a time penalty or apply appropriate disciplinary action against any competitor in breach of the marathon rules or who in any way tries to improve his/her position in a dishonest way.
- Enforce the withdrawal of any number of participants whenever the safety or health of participants is endangered.
- Amend or add to the rules at any stage. No change or amendments to the rules are allowed unless approved by the chief official. The organizers reserve the right of entry. Unless sound reasons can be given, a canoeist who disobeys any rules will be disqualified.
- The race committee's decision will be final and the marathon accepts no responsibility for any loss, damage, injury or death resulting from the race.