Handbook

Our handbook is a guide to the rules of our races and some race tips. The rules are written in italics, with the penalty for breaking them in brackets, (1 point per checkpoint)

Personal Responsibility, In having a go at Adventure Racing competitors must accept a level of personal responsibility and risk. It is a competitors decision as to whether they undertake a challenge or not. Factors such as skills, health and fitness need to be considered the organisers recommend that two team members are competent at first aid. The organisers also maintain the right to insist on the withdrawal of teams or individuals.

Getting started, find the right people to race with and act as support, its best if everyone in the team shares a common goal for the race, eg to finish or to be competitive. Local mountain biking or kayaking clubs are often good places to find people to race with, or try posting on the discussion forum on sportzhub or the facebook group Aotearoa Adventure Racers.

Team size/grades, the usual team size for AR is four people, generally mixed. We have designed our format to be as flexible as possible, therefore the team size is 4-6 with minimum three competing at anyone time. There will be four grades: women, men, mixed (mixed gender racing at all time) and youth (all team members under 23). Teams may race with the same four competitors the entire time if thatis their preference. Those not racing at any time will need to be able to drive the support vehicles.

Support vehicles, should be of a good size and able to easily carry your boats as well as bikes, and all your gear including camping equipment.

Boats, boats are a real barrier to AR, as specialised double racing kayaks cost thousands of dollars. We have chosen to have tubing or white water kayaking as our water disciplines (there will be a handicap for tubers). If tubing you will need to get yourself a nice big truck tube. If kayaking obviously boats. All participants must wear a buoyancy vest (6.2kg positive buoyancy) and helmet, eg bike helmet, while kayaking at all times (disqualification), other required rescue gear will be announced closer to the race.

Bikes, it is always a good idea to get your bike checked over before race time, especially since other people are relying on it! During the race keep it as clean as possible and take it easy on that chain. Carry plenty of spare tubes and make sure someone has a chain breaker. All participants must wear a helmet and display appropriate lighting while biking at all times (disqualification)

Food, choose food that will be easy to eat and provide a mix of short term and long term energy: muesli bars, sandwiches, cheese, nuts etc. It can help to keep your food waterproof and/or your whole pack waterproof by using a dry bag as a pack liner. Sports drink is also recommended. Make plans for your food intake while kayaking, it can be tricky.

Maps, pre-marked maps may be supplied by the race organisers, if so there will be printing costs for these. Otherwise topographical maps will be required. Which maps are required will be announced closer to the time.

Registration, registration and the event briefing will occur at a designated place on the evening before the event. Competitors will be required to sign a liability waiver and gear may be sprayed to protect against the spread of didymo.

Navigation, navigation is the absolute key to adventure racing, if your team lacks navigation skills find an orienteering event, see Maptalk Events to practice at. Or at least familiarise yourselves with 1:50,000 NZ Topographical Maps. Teams will record the letters of checkpoints they find to report to the marshall at the next transition.

The Course, the course is planned to be achievable and challenging for a range of athletes from confident beginners to experienced domestic racers. Realistic cut-offs will apply to ensure safety, these will be announced at the race briefing.

Racing, when the race starts remember that you are in a team! Think of ways to optimise team speed by sharing loads or using towing systems. Team members may at no time be separated by a total of more than 100 metres (5 points)

Your Route, rogaine principles, �the availability of a number of checkpoints not all of which must be visited�, will be used to keep the teams together while still posing a challenge for stronger teams. The penalties for not making the time cut-off at the end of a rogaining stage will be made clear in the Course notes. Generally teams may travel between two points as they wish but this is not always the case. Competitors must follow mandatory routes and stay out of designated out of bounds areas (disqualification)

Gear, wear appropriate gear for the conditions erring on the side of caution if in doubt. And remember to watch out for the sun�particularly while boating. At all times competitors should be wearing or carrying in their packs/boats this compulsory equipment: polypro top/bottom,warm hat, fleece, raincoat, torch, whistle, survival blanket. At all times teams should be carrying: a first aid kit, the map, two compasses, a cell phone in a dry bag (3 points per item)

Transitions, be as organised as possible. Know where everything is in your kit and keep it tidy so successive transitions run smooth, stay calm be patient, don�t have domestics. Teams must sign into and out of transitions (disqualification)

Camping, a feature of our race format is the campsite, a time to sit around, talk AR, get to know people etc. Make sure you are well prepared, plenty of nice food, a good way to cook it and a few beers. A waterproof tent helps as well! Water and toilets will be available unless otherwise noted.

Night Activity, there may be a night leg, this will be no longer than 2 hours and involve navigating in the dark. Good headlamps are recommended!

Be Tidy Kiwis, when leaving the camping area and generally around the course be careful to take your rubbish with you.

Finishing is always a great feeling. Savour it! All teams must report to the finish whether they finish or not to ensure it is known they are off the course (disqualification).

Further information, Further information and course notes will be sent out to all competitors by email in the weeks leading up to the event. Any questions can be answered by email


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