Adventure Racing
WHY YOU SHOULD "The general concept is team, outdoor, multi-sport competition," says Pete James, captain of the 9feet.com adventure racing team. "Numbers and disciplines vary from race to race, but core elements like trail running, mountain biking and canoeing are usually involved" So if you like outdoor sport, variety and teamwork, it's for you. "There's also a great sense of being 'in it together' and teams are usually mixed, so there's a good social side," says James.
FITNESS "Even at the most basic level, you need to cope with three hours on the go," says James. "So though you're not constantly doing the same thing, you need a reasonable level of fitness. Progress to the serious races and it enters super endurance territory
DIFFICULTY "You can come in at the basic level with very little experience," says James. Of the three key disciplines, you don't need training for running or mountain biking, and the canoeing skills can be picked up with just a couple of lessons. "For top events - like the Eco-challenge or Raid Gauloises - the skills and fitness demands are huge," says James
ACCESSIBILITY There are various UK entry level races, like the Salomon and Ace one-dayers or the weekend Blue Eskimo races. "It's a young sport which has grown with the internet - that's the best place to find out about events, and organisers have messageboards where you can assemble teams," says James.
COST You're normally expected to have your own bike (£300 upwards), though it's possible to rent at 'entry level' races. Footwear (£60) and helmet (£50) are essentials. Entry fees are around £30 for one-dayers and £50 for Blue Eskimo weekends. Plus travel costs.
STARTING OUT?
9feet.com Dedicated adventure racing section with coverage news and events listings http://www.9feet.com/
Blue Eskimo 07747 632 096 http://www.blue-eskimo.com/
Ace Races Details of adventure racing events and training courses across the UK http://www.aceraces.com/
X-Adventure Details of Salomon X-adventure races http://www.x-adventure.com/
Regatta 0870 904 2000
ADVANCED LEVEL
Raid Gauloises http://www.raid-gauloises.com/
Eco-challenge http://www.ecochallenge.com/
Indonesia Indo remains the perfect place for a surf adventure. It's cheap, friendly and filled with the world's best surf.
Nias
The Island of Nias is located on the western side of the Sumatran coast to the north of the Mentawai and Telos islands. The most renowned surf break on the island is the righthander at the western end of Lagundri beach. The newly discovered breaks on the neighbouring islands of Bawa and Asu can be reached by boat from Nias. Kick back and enjoy paradise at the Sorake Beach Resort
Mentawai
The Mentawai Archipelago is located on the western side of the Sumatran coastline. The whole region of the Mentawais and the islands to the north and south are literally littered with quality surf spots, and are considered to be the most consistent in the whole of Indonesia. With the choice of 5 different yacht charters operating out of Padang, your guaranteed to surf some of the best waves ever in this remote area.
East Java
G-Land, located at Plengkung in the Blambungan National Park in East Java, is renowned as one of the best left handers in the world. With accommodation in simple bamboo huts overlooking one of the longest and most consistent waves you could ever wish for, G-land is the spot to be.
West Java
Surf on the west coast of Java is centered around the fishing town of Pelabuhan Ratu. There are two quality right-handers within walking distance of your accommodation at Pondok Kencana, with numerous other spots nearby. Day boat trips can be had across the Bay to Genteng to surf the uncrowded left-handers of Ombuk Tuju, Turtles and Genteng. A yacht charter operating out of Carita, 2 hours north, will take you to Panaitan Island, home to a number of incredibly shallow and hollow lefts and rights, including the infamous 1 Palm Point. Apart from exploring the pristine jungle of the Ujung Kulon National Park, you will be guaranteed of no crowds in this remote part of Indonesia.
Bali
Bali is an island blessed with an almost magical natural beauty, and is renowned for its abundance of quality surf, 90% of which is located on the southern most Bukit Peninsula. From your accommodation at the Sandi Phala Holiday Resort, conveniently located on the southern end of the Kuta Beach area in front of Kuta Reef, you will be ideally located, being only a short walk from the surf, shops and restaurants. The small island of Nusa Lembongan off the east coast is easily reached from Bali. Great waves can also be had here.
Lombok / Sumbawa
The islands of Lombok and Sumbawa are located to the east of Bali, and are easily reached by yacht charter, ferry, plane or overland. Excellent waves are to be found on Lombok, including Desert Point and the more remote spots along the south coast. Lakey Peak and Periscopes are just some of the more famous waves to be found in western Sumbawa, home to the Kimodo dragon. A yacht charter running from Bali is the most hassle-free way of exploring this part of Indo.
Timor
For those of you not after gut-wrenching down-the-line barrels, then the East Timor yacht charter is the way to go. With the waves ranging from hollow to mellow with a good variety of surf to meet all standards, the consistently shreddable waves in this area are ideal for long boarders and surfers not after freight train barrels.