First published in Elysiants on 10 December 2011.
Team of Paris-Lafuma:
Elsa Jean de Dieu, Damien Levy, Adrien Choux, and Jerome Laboulais
After reading that many Action Asia magazines, have you started thinking of participating in their events? Combining rock scrambling, abseiling, mountain biking, trail running, kayaking, orienteering, swimming, and occasionally rollerblading, adventure racing is the hottest thing now, and we are lucky to get Jerome Laboulais from Team of Paris-Lafuma, veteran adventure racing team, to list out some basic equipments that you will be needing for your first challenge!
Rock scrambling
Abseiling
It will be difficult to descend a mountain safely without any equipments, so you are best to go with climbing harness, figure 8 descender, 50cm slings, auto lock and locking carabiners, as well as the protective gears. Great place to really get a grip and get your hands dirty!
Mountain Biking
Other than the protective gear, you will also need a light-weighted mountain bike. Why a light one? Because in adventure racing you will have to get on and off the bike regularly when the road gets tough to carry your bike on your shoulder and make your way on foot. See where the weight comes in then? Don't forget your tool bags, tool kit, and bottle cage, because you never know just when you might need it!
Trail Running
When you are on the trail, the last thing you want to do is fumbling with your water bottle cap, so get yourself a camel bak for your water! A decent pair of trail running shoes will take you a long way, and lock laces will let you avoid the risk of having to tie your shoelaces when you are neck to neck with other competitors.
Kayaking
The best paddle for kayaking would be the carbon fiber ones, which are light and resistant, and thus great for endurance races. Great place to catch up time here!
Swimming
I hope you are not expecting to get several changes of clothes during the race. After all, the aim of the game is suppose to be quick. You will be wearing the same thing throughout, so a quick dry singlet would be fantastic since you will be getting in and out of the water. Compression shorts and compression calf guards are essential as well, since it improves your blood circulation, and reduces your muscle fatigue during the race.
Orienteering
Last but not least, a major part of the challenge is trying not to lose your way while striving towards the goal, so get yourself a GPS Watch to make sure you know where you are heading! It also allows you to pace yourself during the race and review your tracks with the software when you get home, so you would know when you need to catch up and where you can improve upon.
