Ever wondered why Nelson, which probably has the highest number of Adventure Racers per capita in NZ, doesn't have its own race? Well turns out it does now!
The Gearshop Tasman Adventure Race is a brand new adventure race run to support the Motueka High School Adventure Racing team. We are very excited to be able to showcase an area of the country where we haven't been before. Although many might be familiar with Kaiteriteri as a holiday destination we'll be taking you to some less visited parts!
The courses on offer cater to all abilities and the navigation and terrain difficulty increase as the duration gets longer. There are 4/8/12hr options available.
Courses will include biking, trekking, navigation, and some water-based activities. Head to the website to enter and get more information: https://www.crazykeaevents.nz/tasman
Early bird entries close Sunday the 20th of October
Event Timing
The race is on Saturday the 30th of November with race starts at:
12 Hour: 6am
8 Hour: 9am
4 Hour: 12pm
The briefing will take place 15 mins before the event start. The prize giving will be held as soon as possible once most teams have finished.
Kayak Stage (12hr only)
The 12hr race includes a kayak stage on the ocean. Double kayaks are available for hire from the organisers thanks to the support of local companies, however numbers are limited so we recommend getting in early for this option. There are only doubles available for hire available so teams of 3 will either have to find another teammate to join or another team to pair up with to fill 3 kayaks. Please get in touch if you are struggling with this and we'll do our best to help.
You are also welcome to provide your own kayak so long as it is a sea kayak style with watertight hatches and sealed bulkheads. You'll also have to provide your own PFD/lifejacket, sprayskirt, and paddles. Multisport kayaks and surfskis are not allowed for safety and fairness reasons.
If you aren't keen on this stage or cannot source a kayak for the event you are still able to complete the 12hr event, we will have an alternative for you that does not involve paddling. However, you won't be able to receive the points on offer for the kayak stage and so may not be competitive in the overall results.
You can race in a team of 2, 3, or 4 people.
There are 3 age categories available in each race duration, Student, Adult, and Family.
- All members of a Student team must be currently enrolled at either primary or secondary school.
- Family teams must have at least one adult (over 18) and any number of school students.
- Adult teams are also split into Male, Female, and Mixed gender categories.
The minimum age to take part in the event is 10. Any competitors under the age of 14 must be accompanied by an adult over the age of 18.
Support & Prizes
No support crews are required. This creates an even playing field and means you don’t have to rope in support crew.
The races will start and finish in the same place so you don’t have to sort any transport, however there may be a bike drop that must be completed before the start. This will be confirmed closer to the event. You can leave your helmet, bike shoes, and any other bike gear with your bikes to collect when you reach the transition.
Spectators are welcome to head to other points on the course to take photos and cheer their team on but they cannot provide any assistance. For safety reasons supporters should not venture on course without checking with the organisers first. Teams must be self-sufficient while out on course.
Prizes will be given to the team with the most points in each category. Thanks to our generous sponsors we will have a fantastic array of spot prizes that everyone will go into the draw to win.
Gearshop Tasman Adventure Race
Important Gear
Personal Locator Beacon (PLB)
We strongly recommend teams in the 12 hour event carry a PLB during the event. If you don't have one they are available to hire from a number of outdoor shops, see this list for some options.
Compulsory Gear
Individual (must be carried by each person)
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Survival Blanket
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Thermal top long-sleeved - Merino or Polyprop
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Thermal bottoms
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Beanie
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Whistle
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Thermal gloves
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Water proof Jacket - ( this must be seamed sealed ) no wind breakers, plastic ponchos, puffer jackets)
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Cycle helmet
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Head lamp with spare batteries
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Mountain Bike (brakes must work, wheels safe, tires in good condition)
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Rear Red Flashing Bike light
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Running shoes
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Backpack
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Food & water - Race day is likely to be hot so ensure you take adequate water, there will not be aid stations out on the course.
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If providing your own kayak in the 12hr you must also have a PFD/lifejacket, spray skirts, and paddles.
Team
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First Aid kit: Minimum- triangular bandage, crepe bandage, strapping tape, knife or scissors, antihistamine, gauze bandage
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Compass - 1 per team
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Maps x 2 (Provided)
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Cell Phone (Fully Charged)
We have compiled a list of helpful gear for this event
