Required and Recommended Gear

BEAST 15-Hour (May 4, 2008)

Racers are required to have certain gear to participate. The required items may change a little from race to race.

Each participant, required:

• Needed during paddling part of course only:
  • strong swimming ability or the ability to self rescue in case of capsizing or a wetsuit or drysuit to prolong cold water survival time. (The course is on the more protected, East side of the island, and the wind is forecast at only 7 mph (as of AM on May 1), so paddling conditions shouldn't be too difficult.)
  • personal floatation device (must be worn while on the paddling part of the course)
  • paddle
  • paddling jacket or other waterproof jacket or shell
• Needed during biking part of course only: a mountain bike (suitable for riding on mostly single track trails), helmet, and a bike lighting system, including a blinking red rear light and a white front light. Bike lights are not required for 7-Hour racers.
• trekking (running/hiking) shoes suitable for trail and off-trail travel.
• light for use on foot and (if you're fast) while paddling. 7-Hour racers need only have a small, emergency light.
• capacity to carry at least 1 liter (33 oz) of water or sports drink at all times (bottles, bladders). You may want to carry more than this, since you could be traveling for up to 2 hours between water sources..
• warm hat (e.g. wool or fleece stocking cap). (A skull cap or Buff does not qualify.)
• whistle for use in emergency (three short blasts in a row means, "come help me")
• personal identification (driver's license or Road ID, for example)
• emergency contact person (ideally reachable during race) and phone number for race staff
• card or paper with emergency and medical information, to be carried on course:
  • emergency contact person (ideally reachable during race) and phone number
  • any allergies (for example, peanuts or bee stings)
  • any drug allergies
  • important medical conditions that could affect emergency treatment
  • HMO information

Each participant, recommended:

• For paddling part of course only:
  • booties and shoes to protect feet and lower legs from abrasion and bacteria when getting in and out of the water. This is strongly recommended for anyone who is immune compromised or has cuts or other openings in the skin on their legs.
  • a spray skirt, in case of choppy conditions.
  • a change of socks for afterward.
• adequate food and drink for energy and hydration, such as Clif Bars, nuun, gels, drinks, trail mix, etc.
• reflective or light colored clothing for night travel (15-Hour racers)
• extra clothing appropriate to the weather: for example, a rain suit, booties or extra socks if there's a chance of rain; warm layers if it's cold
• plastic bag or map case to protect course map (each participant who wants a map will receive one)
• a change of clothes and warm layers for the finish, which may be remote from the parking.

Each team, required:

• Needed during paddling part of course only:
  • enough seaworthy kayaks, canoes or other paddle craft to accommodate your team. Boats with oarlocks and sailboats are not allowed, although sails may be used with paddling boats. Boats with a narrower than 21-inch beam are not allowed, unless the team arranges with the organizers to demonstrate a wet exit and self rescue.
  • one bailing device per boat (can be a pump or bail, e.g. scoop or bucket)
  • one paddle float per boat (for use in self rescue)
  • one throw bag per boat. (This is a rescue rope stuffed into a bag)
• ta plastic bin for staging team equipment at the trek-to-bike transition area (TA). 3- or 4-person teams may have two bins at the TA.
• one emergency (mylar) blanket for every one or two people (one blanket for solos and teams of two; two blankets for teams of three or four)
• one folding blade knife or scissors
• tire pump, tire levers, and an extra tube or patch kit (biking part only)
• time piece
• compass
• writing implement (pencil or waterproof pen)
• cell phone for emergencies

Each team, recommended:

• plastic bag or map case to protect map(s) and passport
• map holder for bike handlebars