...pick's for 'The Coast'
1. A Decent Level of Fitness
It goes with out saying but if you don’t do the prep work, race day is going to hurt! So unless you are a sadist make sure that you are spending enough time in the saddle, on the road and in your boat and remember just because you are run fit it doesn’t mean you are paddle fit.
2. A Spare Paddle
Sometimes the worst can happen and to be left up the creek without a paddle is not a very nice place to be. Lucky for me the one time I lost my paddle on the river another one of our party members had a split so I could paddle out and didn’t have to do the long hard walk (99% of the time walking out is longer and harder than paddling-Murphy’s Law)
3. A Good Support Crew
Your Lifeline to what is going on outside of your bubble, not are they only good for headspace and food in transitions they also keep you up to speed with vital Intelligence such as which of your training buddies is in front of you and the time deficit etc. (although you know you reallyshould run your own race). I always like to have a support crew on hand even with team events as it means each team member can concentrate 100% on what they have to do and not worry about the others.
4. Nutrition
Why put crap in your Engine? You wont find 91 in the fuel tank of a V8 Super Car and likewise the right fuel for your race is a must, work nutrition training into your daily training sessions so you get to know what works for you. I personally live on Leppins Enduro Booster and Squeezys on race day as I can't stomach solid food when racing but that doesn’t mean that its right for you, so get your Nutritional needs sorted well in advance.
5. A Current Grade 2 Cert
Race rules and best to know if you can handle that new UFO on race day as opposed to the Intrigue you used last year (for more details check the link) www.coasttocoast.co.nz/kayak_regs.htm
6. Airbags and Pumps
Another compulsory item, make sure you have a pair and that they are large enough for your boat. Airbags don’t just float your boat the most important role they have in a race is reducing the amount of available litreage to water enabling you to empty your kayak a lot faster after those nasty swims. Front airbags though not compulsory will take up more room reducing your emptying time even more so, teamed up with a pump you can spend even less time on the river bank and more time zooming past the competition
7. Hydraulics Race-Pro
Low profile competition PFD with all the bits and pieces you need for racing and training. Bladder pocket and tube directors, key clip, drink bottle holder, 2 large mesh pockets for food etc., a knife/gel pocket, webbing to attach a light to on the back, reflective piping, and to top it all off a super quick adjustment system that lets you get your PFD on so quick you will in and out of transitions faster than the rest of the competition.
8. Ultimate Direction Zoom Pack
New to Fergs Racing this pack is a Multisporter/ Adventure Racers dream. Lightweight with a large main compartment for race gear with drain hole for after the river crossings, a drink bladder with the new no leak kicker valve and plenty of pockets on the adjustable length harness for extra nutrition, there are also tricky little accessories available to get more fluid on board with out adding a lot of weight.
9. First Aid Kit
Compulsory equipment that needs to be both light and practical, these are checked so don’t forget. Fergs racing are putting these together in lightweight dry bags to get you over the hill and down the river.
10. Cloth Tape
First Aid for kayaks. I have put back together a kayak that wrapped around a rock and paddled it to the take out as happily as one can in this situation. The rules suggest 10m, I suggest twice that.
