To:                                              

Subject:                                     2010 Hunting Island Adventure Race

 

Welcome racers!  Sea Island Rotary Club of Beaufort has been working hard to make certain everyone has a great time during this year’s event.  PLEASE REVIEW some of the following notes to ensure your experience is the best yet.

 

·         The race will start promptly at High Noon with a mandatory prerace briefing at 11:30 pm.

·         Make certain you arrive early enough to stow your kayak, pick up your registration packet, find your teammate if you are a relay or tandem participant, use the facilities, tell your friends how you won’t do well today because you haven’t trained, been sick, etc.

·         Hunting Island is approximately 30 minutes from downtown Beautiful Beaufort so allow for the drive time as well as Park entry

·         The State park charges an entry fee of either $4.00 or $5.00 dollars per person if you do not have a SC State Park Pass.  Take this into consideration to avoid a back up at the park gate.  Exact Change is a VERY GOOD THING.

·         You will enter the second road to the left once on Hunting Island and be directed to the race site.

·         IMPORTANT PARKING INFO:  only vehicles carrying boats will be allowed into “J” parking lot which is adjacent to the lagoon and transition area.  All other vehicles need to park at South Beach parking lot.  This lot is only 100 yards from “J” lot and the transition area.  There is not enough parking in “J” lot for all racers.  Once “J” lot parking fills with boat carrying vehicles, other boat carrying vehicles will be allowed to drive through, quickly unload your boat with the help of our highly skilled Sea Island Rotary “boat toters”, and circle back around to South Beach parking lot.

·         OTHER IMPORTANT PARKING INFO:  do not park on road shoulders or any undesignated parking area.  This is a $300. Fine that is enforced.  There’s plenty of parking available at South Beach parking lot so there’s no reason for anyone to pay a fine.

·         This is a beautiful pristine state park.  Please help us keep it that way as we are their guests and want to be invited back.  If you use an energy gel or power bar please do not discard the wrapper

in anything other than a trash receptacle.

·         THE RACE:  It begins with a mass kayak start at the base of the lagoon.  Paddlers will enter the lagoon immediately after the mandatory prerace briefing and we will have our illustrious Rotary “boat toters” there to help with your launch.  The paddle will take you out of the lagoon into Fripp inlet, around or through  Paradise pier, under the Fripp bridge where you will circle a buoy and return to the base of the lagoon.  Once again, the magnificent “boat toters” will be available to assist those needing help beaching their boats.  Solo participants and tandem (1 boat paddled by 2 people with both participants running together) will then begin the run segment.  Relay participants will make the tag to their teammate to begin their run.  The run is approximately 4.5 miles and will end back at transition/start/finish.

·         OTHER IMPORANT RACE INFORMATION:  there will be rescue boats on the water in the case of need.  While weather can be unpredictable, race management reserves the right to alter the kayak course in  case of inclement weather for safety concerns.  This is an ADVENTURE BIATHLON.  The running trail does have roots, uneven terrain, etc. which makes a good case for trail shoes if you so desire.  You are running through the woods (and it is MAGNIFICENT!), don’t expect time splits.  NO IPODS ARE ALLOWED.  IPODS = DQ (disqualification).  There are some challenges on the run course to make certain you receive the most for your experience.  They are all “doable”, and no, there is no orienteering.

·         Award ceremony:  AT TRANSITION/START/FINISH as soon as the race concludes and places tabulated. There will also be a random drawing for a very “SWEEEEET” EPIC paddle donated by EPIC Kayaks.  Winner must be present.

·         POST RACE PARTY: Now we’re talking!  Plans call for Post Race Party to commence immediately following Awards Ceremony at Boondocks Restaurant 3 miles off of Hunting Island back toward Beaufort on St. Helena Island.  Big fun, bragging time, exaggerated stories, chill out (or is that Chili out?).

·         The official Race Day Photographer this year is Todd Stowe and you may order action photos directly from him at:  www.ToddStowe.com.  Photos will be available by Tuesday 3/09/10.

·         IMPORTANT PREREGISTRATION INFO:  No category changes on race day.  Example: no switching from RELAY to SOLO, FEMALE TANDEM to MIXED TANDEM.  This puts all awards in jeopardy. If a change MUST be made it needs to be initiated through and verified by The Extra Mile at 843-853-9987 NO LATER THAN Thursday 3/4/10.

 

Sea Island Rotary wishes to thank all of our great sponsors for this year’s Adventure Biathlon.  Please join with me in thanking and patronizing them.   Their names are listed on your race shirt and Sponsor board.  Our sponsors and participants allow Sea Island Rotary to fund many local charities that are in need of our support.  On behalf of Sea Island Rotary, have a super race and a great day!

 

 

 

Jack R. Cunningham, CFM

Vice President

Senior Financial Advisor

MERRILL LYNCH, PF&S

BULLISH ON BEAUFORT

843-524-4115

800-841-0582

Fax  843-628-6572

http://fa.ml.com/jack_cunningham