[14th July] Volunteers - the event is getting close and each year we worry if we have enough people on board. Its pretty close and it would be great to get a few more people helping, so if you know of any injured racers, family or potential competitors please ask them to give us a call.

On a different note we have had a few emails from people a little concerned that they don't have the new 2 star qualification but actually the old version (which is not valid if you are paddling a Necky or your own boat). If you are in any doubt I suggest you check, there is no exception to this rule and we will only be bringing the boats people have ordered to this event, and the Necky's are already on the way - we could be having a VERY awkward conversation, please don't!

[14th July] Maps for the Open24 - if you don't purchase the Anquet mapping then you will need at least 3 Ordanance Survey maps. The links below take you to the OS map shop and references the paper versions of the maps. No Harvey maps cover the area used for this years Open24.

The 1:50000 Landranger #135 [Aberystwyth & Machynlleth] covers the event area nicely. You will also need 1:25000 maps Explorer #213 [Aberystwyth & Cwn Rheidol] and Explorer #215 [Newtown / Y Drenewydd & Machynlleth] - if you want the full set then you could add Explorer #OL23 [Cader Idris & Llyn Tegid] but the last one is not essential and no controls will have to be marked in this area that can not be found on the 1:50.

On a different note, we have added a line to the kit list for those using own boats or Necky's. We are recommending competitors carry pumps.

[13th July] Please update your profile - we had a little scare at the Open12 when it became apparent that we did not have contact details for some missing competitors - the mobile phone number was the wrong one and the profile had no emergency contact details.

We are looking at changing how the database manages this for future events but in the meantime we would appreciate if you could update your contact details, and please ensure your emergency contact is NOT to be another racer at the Open24.

[12th July] Little update - This years Open24 is in Mid Wales with registration in Aberystwyth - expect a very different event this year, with some big surprises and a chance to explore a part of the country many of you will have never been to before.

For a larger map please click here

Registration is in the Morlan Centre - please do not use the parking at the centre as we only have the centre for registration and briefing. What parking there is we would like to limit to event support staff as they will need to leave promptly on the Saturday.

Parking is a short distance away (see map above).

For those planning to camp on the Friday night, there is a campsite 1 mile from Aberystwyth. You can find details here the cost is £6 per person. Pay the campsite direct. They can be contacted on 01970 612 579.

For those looking for a little more comfort, the people at the local information centre are pretty helpful 01970 612125. You can also find out more detail of accommodation options on the visit mid wales website www.visitmidwales.co.uk

[6th July] Have updated FAQ and added event details page for Open24. Note that if you wish to hire a boat you must do so before next weekend.

[23rd June] The entry list has been adapted to show who has what boats and if we have seen your 2 star (or old 3 star) certificate for those paddling own boats or neckys. All people who have passed with Windermere Canoe and Kayak have been added. At this time there are only 5 neckys left. The one little bug with this list is if you are paddling your own sit-on-top, if this is the case please email us.

[12th June] We have added orange smoke flares to the kit list after we gave away that people would be paddling at sea in the latest newsletter. We have also added some notes about helmets. For those with family's the start / finish is in a pretty family friendly location so if you have loved ones that revel in watching you stagger across the line - this is will be a good one.

[5th May] We have put a link up on the right to the entry list so you can see who the competition is for the event. As you will see we have a large number of Andy's so if your partner is called Andy you might want to think of a different name for him as you might follow the wrong person. We have also updated the kit list although we have tried to keep it generic to keep the adventure detectives guessing.

A number of people have contacted us trying to find out the location, all well meaning reasons - needless to say we have been uncharacteristically unhelpful. What we will let on is that the event is not in the Brecons or Pembrokeshire.

We have provisionally booked a group field in a local campsite for those wishing to arrive on the Friday night the cost will be around £6 per person payable on arrival or in the morning.

To check out the web pages on the 2007 event take a look here.
To check out the web pages on the 2006 event take a look here.

For the 2007 Race report and photos click here. (will open in new window)
For the 2006 Race report and photos click here. (will open in new window)
For the 2005 Race report and photos click here. (will open in new window)