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The Challenge
As a definition for the word Challenge in this context I would like
to quote the words I used following the first attempt at the Bann
Challenge. "A
challenge is...something that takes us out of our comfort zones,
that makes us, as individuals pull on some sort of inner strength
that normally lays latent within every human being." Everyone
has different things in their lives that take them outside their
personal comfort zones, outside of the normal things that make up their lives.
Depending on your own fitness, your normal activities, the type of river
you choose, the distances involved and the
method you use to travel it - a Source2Sea challenge will test you,
as an individual or a group. While solo activities can be
extremely rewarding the support and safety that can be found in a
group can help people exceed their own expectations.
The original idea for our challenge was just to do it!
Deciding to use our challenge as a way to raise funds for a good
cause was an after-thought, one that in retrospect should have been
a part of it from the start. Challenges do not have to be used
as fund-raising events although they are an ideal way of seeking
sponsorship for the distances you do.
The Route
Your Challenge must start at the source of your chosen river and
finish at its end. Although the original idea of the
challenges started at a river source and travelled to the sea, we
recognise that everyone should have the opportunity to take part in
their river challenge and for this reason, your river should
follow it's entire length (even if it never reaches the sea) and this can of course be however long or
short the river you choose turns out to be. There are rivers
out there to suit people of every age, ability and level of fitness.
Where the route crosses private lands challengers should first get
permission from the landowner and if in rural areas should follow
the Country Code. Source2Sea supports Leave No Trace and
challengers should ensure that no negative impact is left behind.
Transport
To complete your challenge you cannot use any mechanical means of
transport. This rules out anything with an engine (oil, steam
or electric), or anything that requires mechanical propulsion other than you moving
your legs, arms or whatever in order to propel you along.
Examples of transport include horse-riding, kayaks, cycles and
rowing boats
Timing
There is no set rule for the timing of your challenge. You can
take as long as you want and can carry it out non-stop or include
breaks or overnight stops as you may decide. Remember, if you
do a challenge that has never been done before you are setting a
time against which other people may challenge themselves.
Safety
There are some basics that we would encourage all challengers to
consider. There are also some factors that we would ask all
challengers to build into their plans.
Rivers and water safety - We ask that care is taken
while following rivers along their banks. Safety equipment
should be carried such as throw-bags and challengers should know how
to use them. When travelling on water challengers should
portage all weirs and other river obstacles. PFDs should be
worn at all times and consideration should be given to wearing a
helmet. When on the water at night or in poor visibility all
participants must wear a red snap-light on the upper rear of their
PFD. Consideration should be given to using head-torches.
Cycles/horses/other transport - Appropriate safety
equipment must be worn such as helmets, hi-visibility clothing etc.
Roads - Care must be taken when following
roads. When walking as an individual you should wear a
hi-visibility vest and when walking in groups the first and last
person in the group should wear a hi-visibility vest. When
walking at night all group members should wear a red snap-light on
the rear of their upper clothing or rucksack. Individuals or
the last person the group should carry a torch and all participants
should consider using head-torches.
First-aid - Challengers should ensure that emergency
assistance is available should it be needed. It is also advisable
that where longer challenges are being carried out at least one of
the group should be trained in First Aid. There are many
course available and Source2Sea would not try to influence one way
or another. In the UK we do recommend either the REC 2-day
course or the St. John Ambulance Public First Aid course.
Please visit
http://www.recfirstaid.net/cms/index.php and
http://www.sja.org.uk/sja/
for further information.
Route cards - Route cards are used in many areas of
outdoor activities especially hill-walking. We offer a free
service to all challengers where you can log in your route card and
we will provide you with a contact telephone number to check in at
pre-arranged times. S2S will provide a contact point for
friends, relatives and provide a 'live' challenge commentary for
longer challenges*
*Service currently only available within the British Isles.
We encourage challengers to contact us at any time with any
questions regarding a route, your challenge, have your timings checked, free advice, log
your route cards,
or any other whatever reason you may wish. |
