The Muskoka River X: 10 Rookie Mistakes to Avoid
Common mistakes to avoid in the world's longest single day paddling expedition race
photo: Muskoka River X
You've just signed up for the longest single day expedition paddling race in the world; full of portages, blisters, and wet shoes - way to go! While the Muskoka River X is a great way to build character and calluses at the same time, it can toss you overboard and out of the race if you're not prepared.
Here are 10 rookie mistakes from the Muskoka River X. Don't make 'em.
*Please note: These mistakes only apply to the mere mortals tackling the 80 km 'Sprint' and 130 km 'Classic' as the rookie mistake days of the seasoned vets paddling the 2-day 220 km 'Coureur des Bois' route are long gone, or should be.
1. Paddling too hard off of the start buoy
It's your first race and you're excited but be careful not to get caught up in a super high stroke rate and nearing maximum exertion through the power phase. While the marathon paddling veterans and top athletes may be able to sustain this level of intensity you have to know when to let off a little and sink into your own rhythm. The race wont be decided in the first couple of kilometers so slow down, tiger. It's about finding the balance of pushing yourself (it is a race after all) and ensuring you've got gas left in the tank to finish the remaining 79 km or 129 km. Don't spend all of your energy at once.
2. Not following along on the map
Part of the challenge of the Muskoka River X is navigation without the aid of a GPS. Prior to the race you are given course maps and co-ordinates of way points, check points, and portages. It is crucial that you keep track of where you are along the map as you paddle. Never assume that the people ahead of you know where they are going because often times they don't and also don't assume that you'll always have someone in your sights to follow. Taking an improper portage route, missing the take out completely, or skipping a way point will all cost you valuable time. Sometimes it can be nearly impossible to look at your surroundings and try to figure out where exactly you are on a map if you haven't been following along. If you need to use your compass due to fog or darkness its imperative that you know your location. Lastly and perhaps the most important reason to know your exact location on the course is in the event of an emergency where you need to call for help for yourself or another team.
3. Not knowing your pace
Before race day you should have a good idea of your personal paddling pace over long distances. You should also know the minimum average pace that you must sustain on the course in order to reach the check points before the cutoff times. It's too late to wait until you've hit the checkpoint to find out that you are behind pace and have the nearly impossible task of trying to make up time in the next stage of the race or or that you simply won't be able to carry on trying to finish the course.
4. Getting behind on nutrition or hydration
Nutrition and hydration will make or break your race. Your body will be burning calories like crazy and will require constant fuel to keep you moving along happily. Most long distances paddlers will eat something roughly ever hour however this is something that you will need to practice and work out how and when to properly nourish your body for maximum performance. The self-sufficiency aspect of the race requires you to be able to produce your own clean drinking water. If you will be using purification tabs be sure to always have purified water on hand and to factor in the 30 minute wait time before you can consume treated water.
5. Failing to test gear in real life
Sure, your gear may have passed gear check but will it work in the real world race day conditions? Your navigation light is no use to you if all you bring to mount it to the canoe is duct tape and its been pouring rain all day. You should test watch settings, put fresh batteries in headlamps, and check your canoe or kayak for leaks.
6. Overpacking
You have to move every pound that you pack so simple math dictates that the less gear you bring in your bag the less weight you will have to carry on the portages. You will likely want to plan for the worst cast scenario but know that you will pay the price of what you pack so don't overdo it. Look at what gear is crucial to have and eliminate the excess.
7. Choosing a bad line
This mistake is especially evident when crossing large bodies of water. The tendency for paddlers can be to want to cut straight across open bodies and head in the shortest line towards the destination. When wind and waves are a factor, sticking close to the shoreline will provide relief from the elements and will make for faster and smoother sailing - I mean paddling. Alternatively, if you have accessible downriver flow (not bypassed by a mandatory portage) and you aren't in it then you are also choosing a bad line.
8. Not having a plan for portaging
Do not show up with the 'we'll figure it out when we get there' mentality. You need to practice portaging. You should have your yoke pad handy or a set of wheels for towing your kayak. This is not the time to flip a coin (why do you have a coin anyways? See #6 above) to see who will carry the canoe and who will carry the dry bags. This is also not the time to realize that your hands and forearms will seize if you choose a bow and stern handle carry for a long portage. Know how you will tie down and secure your gear to make the 13-20 portages you will face a breeze.
9. Not knowing how to move forward when teamwork or communication breaks down
You will likely face unexpected challenges or moments when the going gets tough. If you have a plan in place regarding how decisions will be made and how you will work together effectively during trying times you are much more likely to make it to the next portage, check point, or finish line. Think: identifying do's and don'ts and committing to the spirit of the event.
10. Big old wooden paddles
Sure, these are the choice paddles for Instagram photographers everywhere but on race day, in the words of Sweet Brown, "Ain't nobody got time for that". Not only will a lighter racing paddle reduce the overall weight that you have to carry but your shoulders will also thank you for it after the thousands of paddle strokes that you will inevitably take. Carbon fibre paddles were made for a reason - so that you could race in the Muskoka River X. Get one.