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Know before you go - AdventureSmart

Race News

By Robin Judkins ONZM

Spring has arrived and many people are out training again.

Training Runs Over The Mingha Deception

I've received a note from the Department of Conservation regarding training runs over the Mingha Deception this spring and summer.

If phoning DoC at Arthurs Pass for weather and track advice, then please ring after 9.30am and before 5pm up until Christmas and then before 6pm after Christmas. Do not ring after hours and do not leave messages for them to call you! Please be reasonable.

Weather forecasts and river flows are also available from:

Before going into the wilderness stages of the Speight's Coast to Coast, ensure that someone knows where you are going, what time you are departing, when you'll be back, how many in the group, names of the group members, emergency contact details, vehicle make, model and registration, location of vehicle, and explain what to do or who to contact if you are overdue.

You must obtain river crossing, bush craft and survival skills before training on the course. Never do these stages by yourself, and take adequate equipment in case you need to spend a night in the wilderness.

Personal Responsibility

There has always been a degree of sound decision making required by those that recreate in the outdoors. Competitors training for the Speight's Coast to Coast need to exercise self-responsibility and appreciate the inherent risks presented by the outdoor activities in the event. Risks are increased by factors such as fatigue, nutrition, medical conditions, equipment selection, weather, cloud cover, wind, rain, river flows, number of people, variable skill level and unfamiliarity with the course. Please show commonsense in your decision making while training.

If you identify a hazard in training for the Speight's Coast to Coast, please inform us immediately.

If you are not familiar with the mountain route you should seek advice from someone who is, like the professional DoC licensed training providers.

Guided River Trips And Grade Two Courses

Register your interest for TopSport Waimakariri river trips, run each weekend and twice mid week in September, October and November at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or phone 03 384 0405. TopSport also offer Grade Two courses.

Guided Waimak Trips - January 8th-16th. Take the stress out of the race day on the Speight's Coast to Coast and run the river with one of the Canoe & Kayak expert instructors. Please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for reservations or questions.

It's not too late to get your kayaking certificate. Check out the full list of instructors on the website. Canoe & Kayak offer a comprehensive package of courses and coaching designed to progressively build your kayaking skills to a Grade Two Racing Certificate level. Phone 0508 KayakNZ to book on a course.

Weather Warnings

Severe weather warnings are exactly that, warning you to keep out of the mountains and rivers.

Training

A number of events are coming up, all great for training:

Accommodation

If you need accommodation in Arthur's Pass while training, check out the Arthurs Chalet at www.arthurspass.co.nz. Sorry they're fully booked for the event weekend.

For all your accommodation needs on the Saturday night after the Speight's Coast to Coast, book on-line at www.bealeyshotel.co.nz

Beat The GST Increase

On October 1st GST increases to 15% and the Speight's Coast to Coast entry fee will increase. If you haven't entered yet, get your entry in now and save yourself some money.

Regards,

Robin Judkins ONZM
Race Director
Speight's Coast to Coast - 11th & 12th February 2011