Currents
N E WS
RACE UNDER THE MIDNIGHT SUN. PHOTO: COURTESY YUKON RIVER QUEST
GOING FOR GOLD
Every June paddlers from across the globe tackle the Yukon River Quest, the world’s longest annual canoe marathon. Racing from Whitehorse to Dawson City under the midnight sun, competitors must complete the 715-kilometer (444-mile) wilderness race in 74 hours or less. Race categories include single and tandem canoe, single and tandem kayak, and voyageur canoe. This year—for the first time ever—race organisers are including an experimental category for stand up paddleboards. “We were first approached by a paddle boarder from Spain who was
interested in doing the race,” said YRQ race committee president Harry Kern when interviewed by Rapid Media. “This triggered lively discussion among the board members, and after talking to various people, such as the organisers of the Yukon 1000 (where two SUPS finished close behind the last kayakers) it became clear that proposal this was worth exploring. It makes sense for YRQ to change with current trends in paddlesports.” For this trial year, SUP registration has been limited to 10 participants
as Kern and race organisers want to ensure that demands on volunteers and overall safety are not compromised. These 10 places filled up almost immediately, and depending on overall registration numbers, the YRQ committee may allow up to 10 more SUPs to enter the race (there is already a waiting list). All racers must be self-sufficient, carry mandatory safety equipment, and meet set times at safety check-points along the river. One of the first paddler boarders to register was famed Maui-based expedition paddler Bart de Zwart. De Zwart plans to build on his successes
16 PADDLING MAGAZINE
SUPS TO COMPETE IN THE 2016 YUKON RIVER QUEST
in other long-distance races and trips by training regularly throughout the winter, both on his SUP and other sports. De Zwart recognises that beyond the physical and mental challenge, one of the biggest elements required for such a race is the detailed preparations. He plans to test all his gear beforehand from drysuit to required equipment such as emergency bivvy bag. Hypothermia is one of the main reasons competitors drop out of this race, and careful preparations for proper food, clothing and race routines can help mitigate this challenge. “A lot depends on weather conditions,” commented Kern. “If we have a
strong headwind, the SUPs might not even make it across Lake Laberge before the cut off time. If we have a tailwind, they might beat everyone else across the lake.” Also an avid photographer, Kern adds slightly sheepishly: “Beyond the
important safety considerations and logistics that come with this change, personally, I’m excited to see how the SUPs will do in Five Finger Rapids… I suspect there will be some great photo ops throughout the race.” If the paddle boarders can meet the cut-off times and safely compete in
these challenging conditions, they may be here to stay in the Yukon River Quest. If you want to experience the world famous Yukon River Quest firsthand, registration is still open for canoe, kayak and voyageur categories.
More info at
www.yukonriverquest.com. —Charlotte Jacklein
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54