May 18 - 24, 2008 Adventure Racing Academy
Aspiring adventure athletes interested in being a part of this fast-growing sport, and experienced racers who want to become more proficient, will learn necessary outdoor skills at the Odyssey Adventure Racing Academy held at beautiful Camp Washington Carver.
Those skills include orienteering, whitewater paddling and swimming, mountain biking, and fixed ropes skills (ascending, rappelling and traversing).
Students will become certified in these skills and will receive certificates that can be used at races like the Beast of the East and Primal Quest.
Odyssey Adventure Racing Academy (OARA) is the longest running adventure racing school in America and is respected as "the most inclusive" place to learn adventure racing in the country. Students of all experience levels participate in 4-day or 6-day courses that, in addition to covering the above disciplines, focus on physical training, race strategy, team dynamics and outdoor survival skills. Activities are held in scenic locations throughout the New River Gorge area. Classroom training takes place at the Camp Washington Carver Historic Site, the largest chestnut-log structure in the country. Instructors are accomplished adventure racers and experts in the various disciplines. The 6-day course culminates with an exciting and challenging 24 hour race.
The course is designed to address the varying skill levels of the students. These classes are also for those who do not necessarily want to train to race but who want to acquire expert instruction in all or any of these areas. The Academy, which has been featured in many national and regional media outlets, offers the following curriculum:
Navigation/Orienteering
Military navigators and experienced adventure racers teach map and compass skills that students later use in daytime and nighttime orienteering exercises through the forests surrounding Camp Washington Carver.
White-water and Open-water Paddling/Swimming
Experienced river guides and adventure racers teach paddling and river swimming skills as students negotiate class II and III rapids on the historic New River .
Fixed Ropes
Professional rock climbers and adventure racers provide training in belay set-up, ascending, traversing and rappelling using fixed ropes. Instruction takes place at the “Endless Wall,” one of the premier climbing locations in the East.
Mountain Biking
Mountain bike racing champions and adventure racers share riding techniques and field repair tips. Students then take to scenic fire roads and single-track trails to test out their skills. The night trail ride to the gristmill is a highlight.
Racing
Participants in the Academy's 6-day course test their new skills in the Wild Wonderful 24 HR AR.
Other topics covered: Team roles/dynamics, training, nutrition/hydration/supplementation, strategy, maximizing efficiency in all areas, foot/body care, pre-race planning, what/how to pack, gear - required vs not, supported vs. unsupported factors/planning
The OARA course itinerary can be designed to fit corporations, adventure racing teams, families, youth groups, and small businesses.
Read more here...
