Northwest Kayaks

When we need to bring a kayak to a race, we choose to bring Northwest Kayaks. To have the best, we have personally hauled them all the way to California. These boats are both versatile and fast. Our choice is the Seascape double or triple, when the race is a three person format. You can never know in advance the conditions or course layout in an adventure race. That’s why these boats are ideal. I would be comfortable shoving off into the night, in any conditions. They can take any weather and remain stable while still beating the field for their performance.

Finally, when the race is over, Northwest Kayaks make great family boats. They are stable and can carry loads of gear. A Seascape tandem retails for about $3,600 and would be the best family boat investment you could make. And for family adventures with the kids, the Outdoor Adventure Center offers great trips to paddle the San Juan Islands, whitewater rafting, and mountain biking and hiking trips. Just choose the trip and they provide the rest.

To power these boats, we exclusively use Epic paddles. We all primarily use the Mid Wing Full Carbon. These paddles are made for both sprints and long distance. They have a unique design that has not been matched. We have found that they truly provide the best stability with the cleanest entry and exit. They are extremely lightweight which makes an enormous difference when paddling long distances. The Mid wing Full Carbon retails for $450 and is worth every penny.
Contributed by, Glenn Rogers
Top photo by, Mike Bitton

FSA RD-600 Wheel Set

You might expect that we would only talk about gear specifically for adventure racing. However, many of us participate in other sports in addition to adventure racing. I do one road triathlon a year (Pacific Crest 1/2 ironman). I do this to keep me sharp and focused on personal performance. Last year, 2006, I used the FSA RD-600 wheelset equipped with Michelin Race Pro tires. Out of 590 finishers, I finished 2nd AG (excluding pros), 2nd masters (excluding pros), and 28th overall including a dozen or so pros.

The wheels and tires were on fire. I recieved many comments from other athletes about the wheels as they are fairly new on the scene and different looking with their giant center flange. The 110mm center flange sits directly behind the rim allowing a third of the spokes to be sheltered from frontal wind which increases the wheels aerodynamics. I didn't notice any others on the course. Since I am 41, my wave start is almost last. So, rocking my way throught 600 other racers on their bikes is a great feeling. Especially when the other racers are using wheel sets that were historically considered the best in triathlon. The best thing is that, this wheel set can be purchased for about $700 which is a fraction of the other's cost.

Arc'teryx Alpha SL jacket

The Alpha SL is simple but very sweet. This jacket has worked its way up my favorites list based on its functionality and eight ounce weight, amongst other things. The laminated pit zips pay big dividends in keeping you cool and ventilated when you are working hard on your bike, running or climbing a mountain and the two ply 290NR Gore-Tex® Paclite® fabric keeps you warm when the temperatures outside dip down below freezing. The single chest pocket allows for critical item storage and easy access. My biking, climbing and snowboarding helmets all fit into the storm hood and the well placed draw cords allow for a more snug fit when appropriate. With proper layering underneath the jacket you can use the Alpha SL anytime during the year and it will likely earn its place on your outerwear podium. The Alpha SL is currently retailing for roughly $250 in selected Arc'teryx distributors and is worth every cent.
Contributed by Ryan VanGorder
Top Photo by, Erik Nachtrieb
Lower Photo by, Aaron Rinn

Jenn Segger, Elite DART-nuun racer, talks about "nuun"

Nuun – a necessity for both training and racing. I have been using this product for over a year now and having nothing but positive reviews to report on. I’ve used it during expedition races where maintaining adequate levels of minerals and replacing the essential electrolytes is critical to race performance. I take several tablets most days of the week, especially during or after intense training sessions when the body needs to be replenished. I love the fact that the flavor is desireable and that it has an appealing taste regardless of if the water temperature is mild or cold. The tube containers make it ideal for racing with and the tablet form provides for a quick dispersion amongst team members. I normally keep it in a pocket on the waist belt of my back for easy access. I never worry about it getting wet. The more convienent a product is to put in a bottle or drop in a bladder, the more likely it will be used. I look forward to the new flavors! Like it, love it, use it!!

Contributed by Jen Seeger

DART-nuun carries nuun electrolytes into the frying pan

Team members from adventure racing teams DART-nuun and Mergeo ran around Mount St. Helens, in Washington state. St. Helens, an active volcano, as can be seen in the background, had just opened up a week before the circumnavigation run. It had been closed for nearly a year because of significant volcanic activity. Because of this we made it a fast run, why push the odds. The group of 6 rounded the 33 mile mixed pumice and jagged basalt Loowit trail in 10 hours. With few opportunities for water, dehydration and loss of electrolytes in the brutal heat was a constant concern. A DART-nnun team member, hydrated with , "nuun active hydration", crosses what we dubbed the frying pan, in this picture. The St. Helens run, whether a section or the whole circumnavigation is a must on your training agenda. If you are going to pull of the whole thing, bring your nuun electrolyte tablets. Light weight and effervescent, in our run against vulcanism, we only had time to drop nuun into our water and get going.

Contributed by Erik Nachtrieb

Photo by Dimitri Kieffer

Video! Gregory Stimulus pack, reviewed while racing!

Team DART-nuun member comments on Gregory Stimulus pack while racing the Primal Quest! Cyril Jay-Rayon, an elite adventure racer, with experience in every environment imagineable, is impressed with the 1lb 2oz Stimulus pack. Having just come out of a "bike whack" (carrying his bike while trekking off trail) and into his 37th hour of racing in the dense NW Cascades, Cyril is surprised his pack has not gone to pieces. The 300 cubic inch Stimulus was packed with gear for self-contained travel for up to 48hrs. We are talking, water bladder, food, clothing, and emergency gear amongst other items. The maxed out pack broke the fall of several back slides, carried the weight of Cyril's bike on its shoulder straps, and was continually smagged by the NW bush. Relieved to get back on his bike Cyril is glad the pack's contents hadn't spilled out. The stimulus didn't sustain a rip, snag or any damage, not even in the mesh. The mesh belt pockets contained food bars, gels, compass, map, extra batteries and beanie for quick access on the go. For an adventure race, long day hike, or lightweight overnighter the Stimulus is rugged and the perfect size to go light and fast.

Contributed by Erik Nachtrieb

Video by Erik Nachtrieb