Biking under Bridal Falls in NC
Ever since the Special Operations Force Academy in April, I’ve been toying with the idea of doing some adventure races for something new and exciting beyond triathlons. “Expedition-style [multi-day] adventure racing is the closest thing that you’ll get to the experience of the Special Forces” was what I was told by the instructors.
Rather than learn through experience over years of racing, I wanted condensed instruction and practice in the skills needed for expedition-length adventure races (multi-day events like PrimalQuest) and that’s exactly what I received when I participated in Pura Vida Adventures’ Five Day Adventure Racing Camp in Pisgah Forest, NC.
Photo: Thomas, another participant, snags me on the rope and pulls me back in towards shore
The five day camp broke down as follows:
Each day was packed with activity beginning with classroom discussion in the morning then moving to the field for practice in whatever discipline we were working on that day. The small group size (two of us plus our instructor enabled us to move at our pace and cover topics that were appropriate to our experience and interests.
Video clip: David performing rope rescue of Thomas in white water
The camp was led by Joe Moerschbaecher, owner of and head guide for Pura Vida Adventures. A little more about Joe from the Pura Vida website:
Joe has lived in the Brevard, NC area for over 8 years where he first explored and discovered the surrounding mountains and for the past six years has worked as a commercial guide. In addition to his work as a guide, he received a bachelor degree in the field of Wilderness Leadership from Brevard College and Master’s in Adventure Recreation from Ohio University.
Since graduating, Joe has taught college courses in climbing, kayking, mountain biking , and backpacking at both institutions. He has attended workshops offered by the AMGA , ACA, AEE, and AORE; and holds certifications as a Wilderness First Responder, an American Canoe Association Swiftwater Rescue Instructor, and American Red Cross Instructor.
Photo: Me performing a self rescue on a rappel
In addition, Joe has participated in a number of expedition-style adventure races including the recent PrimalQuest 2008 in Montana where his team “Hunky Dorys” finished an impressive 11th overall!
I highly recommend this camp for anyone thinking about doing an adventure race, especially a multi-day event like PrimalQuest, and looking for a comprehensive course that covers adventure racing in a nutshell.
As for me, I signed up for EX2Adventures’ VentureQuest on October 5 with friends Jean “Bean” Colsant and Ken “KenBob” Woodrow. The race is considered a “Long Sprint Adventure Race (Sport Level)” of 28-35 miles with an expected ract time of 5-9 hours. Segments include trekking, paddling, mountain biking, and navigation.
Photo: Joe demonstrates proper rope technique to Thomas
More photos from the 5-day camp available here.
Live life richly and boldly!
David
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David B. Glover
Experiential Writer, Elite Athlete, Coach and Race Director
Author of Full Time and Sub-Nine
Personal Web: www.davidglover.net
Business Web: www.enduranceworks.net
©2008 David B. Glover
Whether you're training to win a triathlon, training to finish or just need inspiration from my life journey as a cancer survivor, Navy officer and sub-nine hour Ironman triathlete, my book will inspire you to chase your dreams and live life richly and boldly.
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