DART-nuun News
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Posted by DM

Just recieved a call from Ryan and Erik and they asked me to post a quick update. Erik will be back on line as soon as he can get an internet connection. Erik is driving the DART nuun/NW Kayaks team up to TA3/CP9 where they will be rejoining the race.

Below is a brief recap of what happened during the kayak leg. I apologize in advance if I get a few of the details incorrect. Erik I'm sure will correct them when he's on later.

The team made it out of the marina in first place heading to CP1 which was a small rocky island some distance from land. Unfortunately the lead they had on the field meant they were the only team not caught and notified that CP1 was cancelled and that teams should go directly to CP2 given the rough seas. Despite getting dumped in the ocean 5 times they bailed and bilged, got back in, and grabbed CP1 and then headed for CP2 now effectively at the back of the pack.

At the back they ended up coming across the team Exodus that was racing in a double and a single kayak. It appeared Exodus was having trouble as the racer in the single kayak was showing signs of hypothermia. DART immediately pulled along side to help. They lashed the 3 kayaks together with the single kayak in the middle and began helping the struggling racer.

After losing sight of any other racers and growing concerned about the rough seas the teams decided to get the ailing racer to shore.

The teams worked towards shore as a raft then disconnected prior to the impact area and begin surfing in. Unfortunately DART's kayak flipped at the worst spot and they were unable to get back into it. The cresting waves filled the kayak faster than they could bail and pump it out. They eventually had to abandon it and swim about a half mile to shore.

Both teams made it to shore safely and got some help from some locals. Ryan eventually hitched a ride into a nearby village and called Erik to let him know they were ok and where they were at. Eventually Ryan's required gear, a few paddles, and seats from the kayak landed on the beach. Everything else appears to be lost.

Luckily their well prepared support (great job Erik) has enough backup gear to supply them for the race (Although I'm not sure what their plan is for the last kayak leg, Erik?). Great job to the whole team for showing such resilience and strength in adversity. True to the spirit of adventure racing they immediately put the safety of a fellow racer way ahead of the race itself. Very proud of you guys. -DM

Labels: Real Time Race News