What is Extreme Adventure Racing?
Climbing, jumping, and skydiving are all a part of adventure racing. If you are unfamiliar with the concept of extreme sport, you may wonder what make people want defy death by competing in these sports. Extreme sports are not about a death wish or even a desire to take wild and ridiculous chances, even though some might disagree. Extreme sport is about an individual challenging him or herself to push farther, do better and perform at their optimal peak. Individual that participates in this sport want to achieve a certain level of focus and accomplishment. Those who love extreme sports have a strong desire to push the limits no matter what.
Adventure racing combines several extreme sports to make a race, similar to an extreme triathlon. Many of these sports require that a person or a team have a high level of training and preparation. These sports are not for the casual sports player. Instead, extreme racing is reserved for the ones that are ready to compete at the highest level possible. Here is a look at some of the sports that often make up adventure racing.
Mountain biking: In the world of adventure racing, mountain biking often involves mountain biking at night. Most racers will replace a heavy, clunky light with something more lightweight to lighten the load. Racers will also use a brighter light for the rough terrain and a lower-power light for the roads. In addition, if you are race with a team, ideally everyone should have the same bike to make parts swapping possible.
Running, hiking or scrambling: When these are involved in extreme racing competition, they are held on mixed terrain and, like most extreme sports, in any weather. Most of these competitions start out with a run from a starting point to a piece of difficult terrain that requires you to hike up or scramble. Scrambling involves using your hands to climb without the use of ropes.
Navigation: Many adventure races have a section where navigation is an actual event. However, even where it is not a standalone event, it is an important component in any adventure racing event. Participants must have an ability to read a topographical terrain map and read a compass. They put the two together to find a target location (before anyone else). If you do this well, it is like paddling where many adventure racers are weak at navigation. If you can do this well, you have an advantage of winning.
Paddling: Adventure racing involves paddling a canoe or rowboat, but usually with a kayak across a pool, a lake or a bay. Because of this, water conditions can vary from smooth to very choppy. If you decide to compete in adventure racing, you should practice your paddling skills. Many individuals and teams are weak in this event.
Climbing. Some races will include climbing or rappelling, which is the opposite of climbing. If you want to do adventure racing, you should practice this event as much as possible. Individuals will need to be in excellent physical condition for this part of the race.
Teamwork: While teamwork is not a part of winning the competition, if you compete as a team, you will need to know, train and work well with your team. Your team will function like a well-oiled machine and will move, as a unit, to a successful finish. If you cannot perform well with your team, you will not perform well in adventure racing.
Adventure racing is very popular whether you decide to compete as an individual or with a team. You will need to take your time to train and condition for this type of sporting competition.
