The Desert Winds
Disciplines
Skills
The Disciplines: May 10/11 2008
mtbiking - no biking on this year's course, 2008
Trekking/Running
Classic trekking and running in the Mojave Desert; expect loose rocks, sand, gravel, cactus, steep slopes, wide open scenic views, and narrow, narrow canyons. A special orienteering section will introduce you to world class desert orienteering; huge elevation gains, razor sharp ridges, and slot canyons.
Kayaking/Canoes
Paddling in the Black Canyon of the Colorado River; expect cold water, upstream current, perhaps some windy conditions, and of course, expect spectacular scenery. Each team will be required (plan on it) to demonstrate a capsize and re-entry at one point during the race.
Coasteering/Swimming
Expect cold water of about 64 or so degrees F (not like last year's 54 degrees). Expect some traversing by foot along a steep shoreline, some swimming (or lay and kick on a boogie board if you choose), some bush whacking, some mud, and some beautiful white beaches. NOTE: If you don't swim or are not a good swimmer; you have options, for instance, use a boogie and flippers.
Swimming
Expect about 1/2 mile of open water swimming. NOTE: Again, if you are not a swimmer; you have options, such as, wear a pfd, wear flippers, float on your back and kick.
The Skills:
Each individual entering the race must be a confident swimmer. This includes being able to swim in cold water with a pack. One technique is to tow your pack in a dry bag - a hefty trash bag works.
Team swimming techniques -
1. One good technique for swimming a long open water distance as a team is for the team to swim together on their backs with arms locked, the two outside swimmers will have their outside arms free for a stroke and everyone wears pfd's and fins. With this method the weaker swimmers can take advantage of the stronger and the team stays together and moves quite well in a very safe manner.
2. Another technique is to use inflatible boogie boards!!!
Each team should be able to progress in their kayaks in all types of weather conditions. Teams will be required to demonstrate their ability to perform a kayak self-rescue on open water (i.e. capsize, evacuate water, and re-enter the kayak). There are different techniques for re-entering a kayak and all require practice.
The most common and of course easiest method of rescue is an assisted rescue with one boat helping helping the capsized boat. This is most often called the "T-Rescue". Other examples of rescue are (1) the self-rescue in a single kayak of which there are several methods and (2) the Eskimo roll which of course is a good method of self rescue (and sort of fun) but IT IS an advanced kayak skill that IS NOT NECESSARY for participation in the Desert Winds.
Navigating by map and compass is built into every leg of the race. This includes
plotting your own check points (CP's) from the UTM (Universal Transverse Mercator) coordinates provided. Becoming skilled at navigating requires practice. Make it a habit to take a map and compass on every training ride, run, hike or paddle.
Each racer must be committed to remaining fueled and hydrated during the race, i.e. eat and drink. This is a skill that requires as much practice as any physical skill. Your success, safety and health depends on it.
Know know how to recognize, prevent, and treat hypothermia and hyperthermia.
Contact
phone: 928-767-3061
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