Challenge Rules

   

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.

 

 

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