Challenge Series: ... Introduction 

Have you ever thought of entering a longer race?  Don't know where to start?
Or, you have been in a longer race, but want to be more prepared for the next
one?

Some of you may know I've done several 8 to 10 hour races and a 16 hour race
a few times as well.  Preparing for one of these events takes a lot of time.
And much of it is done alone.  We have decided to do something about this
problem.

We are going to host a series of 5 or 6 events starting in November 2009.
There will be one event per month and the target length will be approximately
6 hours.  A few may be quicker and some will be slower.

Courses are being selected to allow for pit stops and support crews.  Most will
start and stop at the same location to solve the shuttle problem, but there may
be a downstream run for one of the events.

We are not expecting a large number of paddlers for these events, but it is
hoped that these events can be used as training events for other races that
might be in one's future.

Because of the length of these events they are not intended as an all out
effort, but that is left up to the paddler.  Of more benefit to the Florida
paddler would be a chance to paddle with other boats for at least part of the
course.  Also, one might learn what to eat and drink in a longer event.

I've done the 70 mile Clinton Race and not paddled with other boats after the
first couple of hours.  And, I've paddled with other canoes for most of the
120 mile AuSable event.  Trust me, it easier to maintain pace with the help of
other paddlers.  Whether one is riding stern wash in a pack or just side
waking one other solo canoe or kayak, it's more fun with someone at least
in sight.

The first of these events will be held in mid November 2009 on the Santa Fe
and Suwannee Rivers.  The other events will be held the same weekend as FCPA
points races, but not on the same day.  The locations for these events will be
the same as the points race where possible.  The idea here is to avoid extra
driving.  "You're already there why not go paddling?"

The second event will be in December on the Silver and Ocklawaha Rivers the
day after the annual Silver River Race.  The third event on the Wakulla and
St Marks Rivers the weekend of the Wakulla Race in late January.  The fourth
event will be in February with the location to be announced.  The fifth event
on the Hillsborough River the day after the Great Pickle Race.

The final event of the series will be in April on the Rainbow and
Withlacoochee Rivers the same weekend as the annual Rainbow River Race.
Perhaps a party or at least a recovery meal will be in order?

Yes ... there will be medals!  You just paddled 6 hours!

Larry ... lf6978@yahoo.com

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 Challenge Series: ... Purpose: 

To create a series of races/challenges available to all paddlers.  The
ultimate goal will be to encourage the development of long distance
paddling skills and learn the dynamics of preparing the body for some of the
longer distance races throughout the US.

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 Challenge Series: ... Guidelines: 

Length will be between 6 and 8 hours.  You will be able to pit at the
start/finish line if you wish on most of the races.  This is arranged so
paddlers can opt out from the entire distance if they wish, as well as making
it easier for you or pit crew to replenish water, food, etc.  There will be
no limit on locations where you may pit or teams exchange paddlers.

There will be realistic cut-off times that paddlers/teams must meet to be
considered officially still in the event, in order to give the timers a
reasonable time they would need to be available.  Any paddler continuing
after the cutoff time will be on his/her own.

Medallions will be for participation only and will be given to every
participant who finishes each event.  There will be no specific place
winners.  There will be an end-of-the-series plaque awarded to those who
complete at least 3 of the events.  Current thought is that these plaques
will be made with spaces for the medallions along with information regarding
each medallion.  The awards will be: 1st Iron Canoe, 1st Tandem Canoe, 1st
Iron Kayak, 1st Tandem Kayak and 1st Team (6 plaques maximum).

There will be 6 different medallions specific for each location.  Each will
depict an Indian tribe who inhabited the general location of the event.

We plan on using existing FCPA race locations for most of the events.  (The
November event is a different venue)  For example: The Silver River Race in
December is on Saturday.  The Challenge series will be the next day (Sunday).
The course will go down the Silver River, upstream on the Oklawaha to a
specified location, return to the start, turn around a buoy, go upstream on
the Silver and back to the start.  This plan will not require a shuttle
except for any paddlers/team members who want to pit at a different
location.

The cost per paddler will be $10. This fee will go towards repayment of the
die charges and medallion costs as well the end of the series plaques.  Any
extra fees collected will go to subsidize the banquet/dinner at the end of
the series in April.

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The series events are being planned as follows:

November 2009 ... Suwannee / Santa Fe Rivers ..... Timucuan
December 2009 ... Silver / Ocklawaha Rivers ...... Ocale
January 2010 .... Wakulla/St Marks Rivers ........ Apalachee
February 2010 ... (Weedon Island/Tampa Bay)? ..... Spirit Woman
March 2010 ...... Hillsborough River ............. Tocobaga
April 1010 ...... Rainbow/Withlacoochee Rivers ... Outina

Note:  Water levels and weather conditions may require location or date
changes.  Always check with the event host before you drive!

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 Challenge Series: ... Safety: 

Each paddler is expected to have the safety equipment required by Florida
State Law as well as the Coast Guard.  That means a PFD - Personal Floation
Device in working condition and a sound making device (Whistle).

The use of a GPS device is permitted and encouraged!  Coordinates for
important locations for each course will be posted on this site.