wtf^3 details

Note: this page will leave plenty of stuff out. Some of it will be filled in as we get closer to the event date.  An email communication will be sent to all participants roughly a week before the race. If you have questions before then, just ask 'em. 

This should be an ideal lead in for GodZone or True West or whatever other expedition AR you might be planning. The course will be challenging, remote and not for the faint hearted. It will also suit those wanting an adventure that goes beyond the level of larger events.  

 Details: 

• • 48-hour adventure event with a fixed finish time so all teams can complete event by 48-hours. This will be achieved by having non-compulsory CPs and a rogaine section towards the finish. 

  • Trek - Packraft focus.  No need to haul pack a bike box!

  • Event based in Nelson Lakes area.

  • For any teams flying into Nelson, we can help with transport to and from the race area, just get in touch with the RD.

  • For Annual Members Only

  • Put on by fan favorites Dave Quested and Brendan Hickman, in conjunction with FEAR. 

Schedule: 

• • Typically on Labour Day weekend.  Plan to start Saturday and Finish Sunday.  Details will be sent in an email, or ask questions!

  • Saturday pre-event briefing. Exact time and location to be confirmed, but likely to be about 8-9am in the Nelson Lakes area, probably close to somewhere with coffee! Possibly at the finish line with transportation to the start provided. 

  • Event start approximately 10am Saturday 

  • Monday 10am finish. We're not sure when you'll finish, but your cars will probably be there. We'll give you more details as the event gets closer. 

  • There will be a post-event meal and catch up shortly after at the finish of the event, with a brief presentation of the events results while people try not to fall asleep into their food. Again, probably somewhere with coffee! 

  • Teams flying out will be delivered back to Nelson airport by 3pm. 

Cost: Varies, but usually  around $100 per team (includes tracker hire and 2 sets of maps) plus $40 per person (post race meal and transport from finish line to start line). Camping/accommodation costs are not included. We are trying to keep the cost low, but will include a nice post-event meal to help support local businesses.  As part of FEAR, this event, outside of member fees, is run on a cost recovery basis. 

 Categories:  Teams of 2 minimum.  We will differentiate based on all male or co-ed. 

 Recommended gear:  Beyond the obvious of packraft kit (including suitable pfd), each team will be expected to carry 

• • GPS loaded with NZ maps. A good option here is to have the app NZTOPO50 loaded on your phone. See FAQs for more advice about GPS.

  • Head torch with spare batteries (per person)

  • Survival bag, silver foil type enclosed bag style only, no foil blankets.

  • Personal locator beacon (per team)

  • Suitable clothes (including spare insulating layer)

  • Enough food for 48 hours

  • Packraft repair kit

  • Basic first aid kit (including any necessary medication) 

  • Fire-starting gear suitable for starting damp wood (piece of bike tube, etc)

  • Bring 1 x 100L waterproof duffel bag per 2 people as there may be an option for a remote TA/resupply

  • Tracking device (provided by Fearsociety)

If you are unsure of what gear to carry, use the GodZone mandatory gear list as a minimum, and maybe consider if your skills are up for this type of remote event. Remember you need to manage your own safety, and carrying an extra layer of warm clothing will weigh little, but could be lifesaving. 

Risks management:  There will be no volunteer presence in remote sections of the course.  Egress points will be identified during the pre-race meeting after maps are released, but these egress options may include long waits for extraction and/or walking back to civilization on more well-trodden tracks. 

Travel between checkpoints will be by routes which are at the discretion of the team in most circumstances, and teams must use their own judgement at all times when making decisions about route choice, river crossings, and whether to paddle or not.  There will be non-insignificant portions of the race that involve off track travel. Weather conditions and water conditions can vary dramatically. Expect moving water up to class III.  

 Ultimately teams must manage their own safety along the course as if they were undertaking the effort independently, and respond to any emergency involving serious injury accordingly.  A strong self-rescue ethic should be maintained by all participants. 

 Camping: Host location will be announced leading up to the race. Camping/accommodation costs will be the responsibility of teams and is not included in event cost. 

 FAQs:

• • Where does the course go? We can't tell you.

  • Can I/we stop half way? There will be several potential 'egress' points along the way.  By egress we don't mean places where the course will pass through a town or anything, but rather where it will link to some sort of more established track that will, if taken result in the arrival at some bastion of civilization within a few hours. Granted that bastion of civilization might simply be a gravel road that needs to be followed for another few hours to tarseal and then maybe another hour or two to a town, but hey, it's a way out.  If you do manage to get mobile reception, give us a ring and we'll come shuttle you back to your vehicle once you reach a place we can get to. We'll even listen to your war stories, too. 

  • Do we have to use a GPS? Nope.  But you have to carry one.  If you're using this event as a training mission for GodZone, great--go map and compass style.  But carry the GPS juuussst in case.  Being lost anywhere sucks.  If you end up using GPS, let us know at the end so we can compare you with other appropriate teams. 

  • Is this event good training for GodZone? As it turns out, as far as the Fiordland editions go, it might be better to say that GodZone is good training for this event. Only one team that didn't have GodZone experience has ever finished a full course WTF event. Rumor on the street is that the WTFFF editions uphold this high standard and won't leave you disappointed as far as the gnar factor is concerned. Don't say we didn't warn you.

  • Why is it an incorporated society and why do I need to be a member?  We want to host grassroots and challenging events (and participate in them) and to form a community of like-minded people.  We are interested in creating epic courses.  We aren't interested in commercial gain. We aren't interested in the trappings of most modern events--lots of support, prizes, swag bags, big banners and sponsors. We also aren't interested in regulations, concessions, or safety audits.  These things add logistical difficulties: time, limits, and cost.  By creating a society and only allowing members to participate, we side-step many of these difficulties.  You can view our rules HERE.

  • Any further questions? Email us: dave.quested@airsquare.com