The main disciplines of each years events are Trekking, Mountain Biking and Kayaking.

The main disciplines for Adventure Races Race include trekking, mountain biking, and ocean and river kayaking. Each event may include additional disciplines applicable to the location including white water rafting, roping activities or caving. More specific information will be provided in competitor information pack available a few weeks before the event.

Teams must also have good navigation skills and be prepared to operate in harsh remote environments in all weather conditions. A detailed understanding of your teammates and your own capabilities is essential.

TREKKING

Will involve traveling by foot through rugged terrain. Teams will need to be competent trekkers and have good outdoor skills. Trekking will be over diverse terrains including tracks, cross country, coasteering, mountains and much more.

MOUNTAIN BIKING

Competitors should be prepared for a range of riding including fire trails, steep hills, unsealed roads, cross country, sealed roads and single track.

PADDLING

The race organisers will provide kayaks for your team. These are double sit on top kayaks (Mission Surge 2+1s). The kayaks are 4.2m long, 85cm wide, and weigh 25kg. They do not have a rudder hatch but do include a water bottle and gear area with elastic straps. Sails and kites are not permitted. Generally kayaking will be on inland rivers and lakes. Kayaking may also be on the ocean or white water if the location suits. Generally inland paddling will be permitted during both day and night. Dark zones will be enforced on open ocean sections and white water with specific details outlined at the pre-race briefs.

NAVIGATION

Navigation is an extremely important part of the expedition. The course is not marked and teams are required to navigate, using map and compass, their way through all the checkpoints to the finish. Two sets of waterproof maps are provided for each team.

COMPETENCY CHECKS

Depending on the event, team members may be required to pass a number of relatively straight forward competency checks. These are designed for competitors to demonstrate specific safety and competency aspects of the race disciplines. These checks are compulsory and the team must pass them before being permitted to race. The checks will be conducted as outlined in the race program.

Communications – Teams must demonstrate the ability to use the emergency communications device (training provided).

Navigation – A navigation questionnaire and map is provided at registration teams must complete.

First aid – Teams must answer a first aid questionnaire.

ARWS Rules – Teams must answer a questionnaire on the ARWS Rules of Competition. Copy of the rules will be available to reference if required.

General Kayak – Each team member must demonstrate the following:

  • Ability to escape craft once it has capsized.

  • Ability to conduct a deep water rescue (ie right / empty craft in deep water, get back in, continue paddling).

  • Swim 100m of any stroke (while wearing PFD).