Ten Tips - Everglades Challengers x J de Voglaer "Devoman",

Top Ten Tips for Challengers
By James DeVoglaer (aka DevoMan)

With the WaterTribe Lake Michigan Challenge right around the corner I thought it might be helpful to offer my top ten tips for novice or first time challengers. As such, I put together my a list of tips that will hopefully assist someone in getting that first finish. Good luck to all!

Feel Comfortable In Your Boat 
Make sure that you feel stable and comfortable in your boat. Make sure you have selected and tweaked (padding if necessary) the seat so that it feels like you can sit on it forever. Trim the boat for the appropriate water conditions and load.
Essential Equipment 
a)  Pharmacy -- Experiment with your pharmacy and include what you will need.
b)  Repair Kit -- Include fiberglass repair in the kit along with a Leatherman.
Always carry DUCT TAPE.
c)  Headlamp -- Make sure it fits comfortably on your head.
d)  Bilge Pumps -- Plan carefully for water extraction.  You'll need an electric, foot, and hand pump.
e)  Navigation -- Make sure you know how to use your GPS, compass, and charts.
f)  Signaling -- EPIRB, VHF, flares, mirror, whistle, strobe.  If you ever need them you won't worry about what they cost.
Keep Warm 
Regardless of which Challenge you will get wet and potentially cold so be prepared.  Dress appropriately for the conditions and prepare for the worst.  Make sure you have emergency fire starting materials.  If the water conditions warrant, make sure you have a rock solid plan for dealing with a capsized craft. How long can you survive in the water based upon what you are wearing; what is your plan for getting dry; how will you warm your core body temperature; can you build a fire; how will you maintain warmth; can you block the wind; can you stay dry in adverse conditions? If you have answered all these questions, what’s your backup plan if they all fail?
Control Your Pace
Most paddlers start too fast and get caught up racing someone else’s race. The Challenges tend to be long races with a myriad of known filters (portages, tides, water depth) and many unknown filters (wind, waves, temperatures, etc) so paddle at a pace that YOU can sustain for the duration of the event.
Fuel and Hydration
Pay particularly close attention to your fuel and hydration needs. Remember, don’t wait until you feel thirsty to drink! Stay on top of your calories. Paddling hard, you will tend to eat less than you think, so plan carefully to avoid carrying excess weight.
Course Knowledge
Planning is a critical success factor. Make sure you have researched and/or paddled as much of the course as possible. Divide the race into mentally manageable sections to avoid the “I’ll never get there syndrome.”
Safety Above All Else
Make sure you keep safety in mind at all times. Sleep deprivation and prolonged performance requirements tend to increase your risk of making a bad judgment call.  Remember, you are captain of your own boat.  Your safety is up to you.
Attitude or Mental Toughness
Don’t get discouraged! Stay focused and always, always remain “PERSISTANT” in your efforts. Remember, if you’re not paddling, you’re not racing! If you find yourself in a pickle and are thinking about dropping out… pull over, build a fire and get comfortable. If possible, hydrate and eat and then get some sleep, but don’t drop out until you have done all of the above and gotten at least a few hours of sleep. After sleeping on the issue you will be in a much better position to make a decision.
Lighting
Use the best lighting system that you can afford. The ability to paddle at night with the same level of confidence as the day will increase your chances of meeting your event goals.
Body Maintenance
Take the time to perform body maintenance as required. Potential problems and candidates for maintenance:
A. Chafing (nipples, armpits, buttocks)
B. Sour stomach
C. Overall discomfort (get over it!)
D. Snake bites
E. Sun burn (avoid large areas of exposed skin and wear sunscreen!)
F. Blisters (hands, feet)
G. Back pain (lower back, lats and trapezoids)
H. Heal pain especially in kayaks
I.  Headaches
J. Cuts (hands, feet, legs)

DevoMan ~ Out

Editor's Note:  This article originally appeared in the WaterTribe discussion forum on June 24, 2002.  It was converted into an article so it wouldn't get "lost" when the forum was archived.
Copyright © James DeVoglaer, 2003. All rights reserved





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