TRAINING
GETTING INTO
MULTISPORT & ADVENTURE RACING
BY JOHN JACOBY
Multisport can be defined as anything that involves multidisciplined racing that is not a pure triathlon and that is typically conducted over a marked course . Adventure racing is defined as a team based event ( where all team members race together at all times ) involving a number of different disciplines and usually involves navigating , using a map and compass from start to finish and collecting defined checkpoints along the way .
If you are a newcomer or beginner to this type of racing then below is a number of pointers to get you started . One significant advantage you probably have is coming from a triathlon background where you already have a reasonable skill / fitness level in three disciplines . The fourth discipline involved is usually a paddling type sport .
Paddling - The Fourth Discipline This is often the point that places an imaginary brick wall between triathletes branching out and trying something new . Paddling is a fun and enjoyable activity that can be done in amongst some of the greatest backdrops in the world . All you need is a boat , a paddle , a personal flotation device ( PFD ) and you are away .
As with any new sport the hardest thing is getting going and trying to decide what gear you need and what is best suited for your requirements , especially when you have no idea about all the new terminology and jargon that exists in a sport you are not familiar with .
Therefore , my advice is to seek some input from a friend who does know what they are talking about . Before you buy equipment I strongly recommend trying to paddle as many different types of craft as possible to give you an appreciation of the difference between a short , wide , heavy boat which is very stable , compared to a long , narrow , lightweight boat that is very unstable and very fast ( if you have the skill to sit in it !). Like any sport , paddling requires time and effort to get good at it and it is technically quite a difficult skill to master – a bit like swimming or rowing .
Time on the water So time on the water is key and consistent time on the water is even better . Paddling is a great sport to practice during the triathlon off season and you will see huge jumps in skill and ability if you can commit to some consistent time in the boat i . e . 3 + times per week for at least 4-6 weeks . It is also a great excuse to discover and explore new areas and reignite that enthusiasm . Other great starting points for paddling are local canoe clubs , surf life-saving clubs and even rowing clubs sometimes have the odd paddler that infiltrates the rowers . The former often offer coaching services and / or free kayak use if you join the club .
Equipment There is a huge array of paddling equipment for sale on the secondhand market . Check out websites such as www . geartrade . com . au . You should be able to get kitted out with a reasonable quality paddle and boat for $ 1,000 - $ 2,000 . The best thing about the second-hand boat market is that they hold their value extremely well . It ’ s a lot better than buying and selling second-hand bikes !
Other equipment required for multisport - A mountain bike ( MTB ) – again another great source for motivation and chance to explore new places that the road bike does not take you to . You can start with a reasonable entry level or second-hand bike for less than $ 1,000
- Running gear – tick , all sorted . Perhaps a set of shoes with good off road grip if you are a gear freak . But in most situations your road shoes will still do the job . - Swimming gear – tick , all sorted
Other items might include a comfortably fitting daypack with hydration pack .
If Adventure racing is your next new pursuit then the gear list above remains pertinent but a few extra items will be required which can be sourced for a relatively low cost . - Compass – to find your way - Map case – to keep maps and instructions dry - Emergency type items like a lightweight waterproof shell , space blanket , whistle , thermals , beanie / balaclava , gloves - A variety of nick knacks and gadgets depending on what is actually involved in the race . If you love tinkering with gear and collecting gear then adventure racing is your sport ! - Some like-minded teammates to train and race with . You can train on your own but a long session out in the bush is a whole lot more enjoyable with a mate or two to share the experience with .
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