Can you recieve assistance with the portage at Dights Falls?
Yes you can recieve outside assistance from your support crew to portage your craft down the river.
Will there be aid stations for the run and mountain bike legs?
No there will be no aid stations anywhere on the course. We consider that none of the legs are so long such that you will not be able to carry enough hydration / nutrition yourself.
Is there any minimum age for the race and when is the age cutoff ?
There is no minimum age for the M2M, if you’re willing and able, we’re not going to stop you! We have had children as young as 11 competing in a relay teams at the Anaconda Adventure Races! To compete as a Junior (under 18), you must be 17 or younger on the day of the race. All juniors must also have a parent sign an indemnity form before the race.
Are there any specifications or rules on what types of kayak craft are allowed to be used?
No, there are no rules or specs to adhere to, you can paddle whatever you are comfortable with, so long as your craft is self-propelled (i.e. there is no motor attached). Possible craft choices might include K1s, TK1s, ocean racing skis, surf skis, sit on tops, outriggers or sea-kayaks. Please refer to our review of kayaks for more information, and to the FAQ about kayak choice - What is the best boat to use for the Race ?
What is the best boat to use for the Race ?
This question is very difficult to answer because it depends on your level of skill, competitiveness and personal preference, the bottom line it to select a boat that you are stable and comfortable rather than one that makes you unstable.
Visit the training and preparation page for more details, or see the ”Big Kayak Test” report for further information (must be downloaded chapter by chapter). Within its 132 pages, you'll find a mass of useful information that will help you to make an informed choice of craft for the race.
What's the best gear to wear while racing ?
This is very weather dependent and very specific to each individual’s thermo-regulation system i.e. do you feel the cold or not?
Remember you will have to wear a race bib which is made of stretchy lycra and acts as another small layer in addition to whatever you’re wearing. And if you’re the paddler, you’ll also have the added insulation of a PFD. If you’re wearing a backpack hydration system during the run or bike legs, that’s another layer of insulation.
Tri-nix ie bike nix with a shorter leg and a very small chamois are all the rage these days and are able to be worn for all legs of the race.
In colder and/or wet, windy weather a thermal top may be advisable and possibly even long tights or thermal longs if you feel the cold.
2XU make a range of apparel that is perfectly suited to this event to visit their website at www.2xu.com.au
What skill level do I need to complete the paddle leg?
Both paddle legs are on flat, basically non moving water, as such they are not technically difficult. The area where people will make it hard is by trying to paddle a boat that is too fast and thus unstable for their ability. So you do not need to be a good paddler to get down the river as long as you match a boat to your skills.
So start off in a stable boat and then work your way up without over estimating yourself.
What is the run like?
The run legs are non technical runs on 4WD and 2WD tracks. They do not involve technical rock scrambling or climbing, nor bush bashing on narrow trails. They can be a little slippery if wet but otherwise are quite straightforward, well marked with arrows and enjoyable for the wilderness you will be passing through.
Can I hire a boat from Rapid Ascent ?
Yes, you can. We have a number of ocean racing skis that are appropriate for this event and are suitable for intermediate and advanced paddlers. Further details can be found here www.rapidascent.com.au/asp/BoatRental.aspx?e=4