RegattaCentral

11/3/2024 It is with great disappointment that I must inform you all that the Wichita Frostbite Regatta has been cancelled this year. Due to unusually high and fast water conditions, debris, and addtional weather expected this afternoon, the Officials and Safety Committee has come to the conclusion that the river is unsafe for any level of experience and size of boat to row. Full refunds will be issued through Regatta Central. 

11/2/24 15:22 (3:22pm) Unfortunately, another round of thunderstorms are due to arrive around 16:00 (4:00pm). After discussing it over with the committee, we have decided not to open the river for practice today. We are also hoping that by doing so, we can preserve the 45 degree slope to the dock as much as possible. We apologize for any inconvience. 

11/2/24 12:10pm There is still lightning and thunder within 10 miles of the Boathouse. We recommend not taking crews on the water at this time and will update with further information at a later time. We are still planning to have the regatta. 

11/2/2024 Regarding the weather this morning, which consisted of lightning, thunder, and a flash flood warning. There will be no practices on the water until after 12:00pm (noon). The flash flood warnings pertain to driving conditions only, and do not apply to the river conditions. We are continuing to monitor the weather and river conditions and want to have a safe regatta. We are planning on having the regatta at this time. Ultimately, the head Referee will make the final decision on race conditions.

Kansas is famous for its quickly changing weather conditions. Weather events including rain, wind, current, fog, and various watches and warnings can impact rowers on and near the water. Safety of all and attendees is of the upmost importance.

The Head Referee, Regatta Director, and Safety Director will work together to monitor the weather during the event. If schedule changes or event cancellations are necessary due to weather concerns, this will be communicated through the announcements over the sound system and via radio to race officials. Teams are responsible for staying updated on all schedule changes.

Schedule changes may include:

·Delaying events, if time is available.

·Beginning events earlier than previously announced.

·Cancelling select races.

·Cancelling the regatta.

Crews will not be called to launch if threatening events exist.

In the event of immediate inclement weather, we will clear the course of crews, referees, and personnel.

Crews in the near vicinity will return to the launch and recovery docks. Contact will be made via radios or phone to all on the water to either move to the bank and hold, beach shells, and/or exit and take cover. 

Many of us are actively monitoring the weather, and at this point, we do expect rain and possibly wind. The river is sheltered and as thus should be rowable in the wind, with potentially a challenge at Murdock Bridge, dependent on wind direction. We will take every effort to keep the event safe.