Blackwater Adventure Race

[futurespecwarrior]

Just came across this online: http://blackwateree.com/ Blackwater - the private security/defense contractor is sponsoring an adventure race at there facility in North Carolina in November. Says its a 24 hour race with running, biking, paddling, swimming, rappeling and log PT! Sounds like fun, i just need to talk one of my friends into signing up with me.

[sniperp]

My ships is looking into getting some teams trogether for this as well, should be interesting.

[rsctt83]

This looks interesting

[jayp]

That looks pretty sick, sounds like theres going to be some twists too. thanks for the link.

[jake6666]

I was seriously considering doing this, but it says you need climbing gear. I've never been climbing before and I'm not going to buy the stuff specifically for the race. That sucks, it looks awesome.

[rsctt83]

Jake:

I bet you could rent helmet and harness from REI as well as belay device. You might have to buy the two locking beeners. They cost about $12.00 a piece.

Just a thought, the top rope climbing will be easy with big hand/foot holds and the rapel will be set up by race people, they will check your gear and make sure you are good to go. If there is a climbing gym near where you live they might rent equipment as well and within a few hours you will be good to go on top rope/rap stuff

[jake6666]

Jake:

I bet you could rent helmet and harness from REI as well as belay device. You might have to buy the two locking beeners. They cost about $12.00 a piece.

Just a thought, the top rope climbing will be easy with big hand/foot holds and the rapel will be set up by race people, they will check your gear and make sure you are good to go. If there is a climbing gym near where you live they might rent equipment as well and within a few hours you will be good to go on top rope/rap stuff


Thanks, rsctt83. My friend also suggested renting the equipment, I never thought of that. I asked my friend if he wanted to do it and he's up for it, so I'll most likely be there. I wouldn't have a problem dishing out some money for the small stuff, like the beeners you mentioned.

Do these Adventure Races typically sell out right away? Should I register asap, or do I have some time?

Jake

[rsctt83]

Jake

This race is unique {very expensive} so I am not sure how fast it will fill up. I would suggest that if you are serious about doing it than go ahead and sign up that way you are committed and have something concrete to start training for. I would put emphasis on navigation skills as that is the area that can really screw up your race.

The climbing stuff can be learned in a lesson or two at local climbing gym. The weather maybe a big factor as at that time of year could be 80 degrees or snowing back there {it's in November right?}

Sounds cool

[jake6666]

Jake

This race is unique {very expensive} so I am not sure how fast it will fill up. I would suggest that if you are serious about doing it than go ahead and sign up that way you are committed and have something concrete to start training for. I would put emphasis on navigation skills as that is the area that can really screw up your race.

The climbing stuff can be learned in a lesson or two at local climbing gym. The weather maybe a big factor as at that time of year could be 80 degrees or snowing back there {it's in November right?}

Sounds cool


Yeah, it's Nov. 7th-8th. It says it's $500.00 per two person team. I take it that's expensive for a race such as this? I'm really unsure because I've never seen anything like this before.

rsctt, are you in to the adventure race stuff, or more of hiking and marathon type stuff? I'm really interested in adventure racing after researching it. If you know of anything similar, or just as exciting, would you mind sending me a link or email?

Jake,
www.KINGmosayebi@aol.com

[rsctt83]

Jake:

I am more of an extreme athlete than a traditional runner, my favorite discplines would be anything in mountains whether running, alpine climbing, expedition climbing or ice climbing. I haven't done much in the way of adventure racing since the tremendous decline in popularity and when sponsership money dried up. There was a time a few yeras ago that Eco Challenge and Raid Galois were televised now I am not even certain that they are being held {probably are}. Mark Burnett used to produce Eco Challenge and I guess he figured he could make more money with the Apprentice and Survivor.

The big adventure races were unreal expensive, just getting all your gear to these places cost a fortune. That's something you need to consider now, think about how much it would cost to fly with your mountain bike. This race seems expensive to me but not outragious. If you are new to adventure racing I would suggest some of the short course stuff just to get you used to doing this, they are straightforward and there won't be curveballs thrown at you like on this one. If you search on internet I think there is an Xterra series or atleast there used to be one. There should be a boatload of information available on net, look under adventure racing and adventure racing equipment.

If you are interested I would suggest taking navigation classes {assume you are not well versed in this} as that is VERY important part of the success/fun equation in AR stuff. Finding the right team mates is key as well as all heck can cut loose out there especially if people are tired and lost. Remember you are only as fast as your slowest team member

Hope this helps

[jake6666]

That was helpful, thanks.

I live in Philadelphia, so we would drive the six hours to get there. So, we would save some money that way. My friend is good with the navigation, so that's also helpful.

I'll consider it. A lot depends on whether or not I can get the equipment. If not, I'll go in to something a little less complex and inexpensive.

Otherwise, thanks for your help,
Jake

[usbcable]

Ex-Special force walk in the park.

[frogmangonnabe7]

This looks like a lot of fun!

It's been rescheduled to April 25th 2009 in case you haven't checked it recently, and it's now a 12 hour race instead of a 24 hour race.

I'll be turning 18 on April 20th, so I guess I could fly out there if I could find a 'swim buddy'...anyone want to join me? =D

[usbcable]

This looks like a lot of fun!

It's been rescheduled to April 25th 2009 in case you haven't checked it recently, and it's now a 12 hour race instead of a 24 hour race.

I'll be turning 18 on April 20th, so I guess I could fly out there if I could find a 'swim buddy'...anyone want to join me? =D

www.extremesealexperience.com

[rsctt83]

If you guys are doing this make sure you call airlines and find out how much it will cost to fly your bike, you might be SHOCKED at what they say. Work on land nav skills, that's where people new to adv race get hammered.