Odyssey Adventure Racing Academy

Date

Location

Venue

Distance

Duration

Disciplines

Divisions

Fees

Included

Important Dates

Schedule

Sunday, June 21
Check in: 4:00pm all participants

Saturday, June 27
12 hour race for 6 day participants            

Tentative class agenda for the week.

Directions

AIRPORTS:
Closest: Charleston, WV Yeager Airport - National and Beckley, WV - USAirways/private

*Odyssey will have an airport shuttle at Yeager Airport on Sunday, June 21st. The shuttle will run once. It will be outside the baggage claim area (there is only one baggage claim area and one luggage carousel). It will depart the airport at 3:00 pm. Those arriving after this time will need to hire a local taxi or rent a vehicle.

Other Airports Nearby: Charlotte, NC - international and Roanoke, VA

Lodging

There are no private quarters.  There are a limited number of semi private rooms (double occupancy mandatory), having two beds in them.  The semi private rooms may be reserved for an additional $125.00 for the week.  Beds have pillows, but ONLY sheets and light bedspreads, so depending on the time of year, plan on bringing your own sleeping bag or additional blanket, along with your personal towels.

Depending on the number of participants, there may be mixed gender bunkrooms. We will do our best to accommodate everyone comfortably, and will endeavor to room teammates, significant others and women together.

MEALS:

Meals will be served at our base of operations during the entire week. We will offer continental breakfast during the week, as well as a hot dinner every night. Days we are in base camp, lunch will be prepared for you. The days we are out in the field, we will provide you with food to make your own lunches. Drinking water, limited juices and soft drinks will be available daily. A mix of meat and vegetarian meals will be served nightly. If you use or train with any specialty food or drink items, please remember to bring them with you. Some snack foods for you to pack for the race will be provided, such as beef jerky, candy bars, dry fruits, nuts, bagels, PB and jelly. Anyone with special dietary needs may contact Joy Marr.

Certifications

NO Certifications are required.  Students will be getting adventure race certifications in Navigation/Orienteering, Whitewater and Flatwater Paddling/Swimming, and Fixed Ropes

Support Crews

The following items are necessary while participating in the activities at the Academy. Please email competitor@oarevents.com if you have questions about specific items. Remember that you will be in the field daily and out at least two nights, in a variety of weather conditions.

PLEASE NOTE * OAR has a small number of assorted gear items available for student use during the Academy and the through the race. They include headlamps, Perception Type III Lifejackets, throw bags, North Face climbing harnesses, climbing-specific helmets, and rappelling hardware. This is available on a first come, first serve basis. If you are interested in using a piece of gear please email info@OARevents.com with a list of equipment you wish to reserve. The items are marked in the list below by a single *. You will have an opportunity during the week to purchase needed items in town, so it may be advantageous to use gear from the Academy first to determine what type/size you’d like to buy.

General Gear: will be used daily:

• Headlamp *
• Day pack-1500-1700 cu.in
  
• Space blanket
• Recommended brands: Go Lite, Salomon, Arcteryx, Moletracks and others. Look for light weight and an abundance of outside mesh pouches/pockets, and elastic tie downs.
• Compass w/adjustable declination (lots of different ones-we often use a Silva Ranger or a Suunto)
• Lightweight hiking or "trail" running shoes- Inov-8, Montrail, Salomon, Nike-broken in!
  
• Shoes-2nd pair for off duty/light hiking
  
• Hydration system, like Camelback, min.of 70 ounce capacity Wristwatch
  
• Rain gear. Must have Gore-tex type properties (water-proof), taped or sealed seams
  
• Pencils w/erasers
  
• Paper and pens
  
• Highlighters to key your maps

Mountain biking:

• Mountain bike -RENTALS are available locally-Ridge Rider MT Bikes 304 574-BIKE- tell them you are w/OAR
  
• W/1 spare tube, patch kit and Pump
  
• Lights- white on front, blinking red on back. See your local shop,for Cateyes, Performance etc, think light weight and simple.
  
• Certified -ANSII/Snell/CPSC- bike helmet (can use on river also)
  
• Bike gloves-optional (can be used for paddling-not climbing)
  
• Bike shoes - if you use clipless pedals
  
• Bike specific clothing, like padded shorts +/or long tights

Rope work:

• Commercial sit harness * . Think simple-make sure it will fit with outer garments on, i.e. fleece etc
  
• ATC rappelling device * (Figure 8's are not used in OAR races)
  
• 1 Locking carabiner *
  
• 2 non-locking carabiners *
  
• Approved climbing-specific helmet *
  
• 12ft- 5/8" or 1" tubular webbing-UNTIED (bring for your own set of ascending foot loops-we will make them at camp)
  

Paddling:

• Type III Coast Guard approved non-inflatable lifejacket *
  
• Commercial grade "throw bag", w/ min of 50' of rope*
  
• Helmet-may use your bike or climbing helmet *
  
• Dry bag for your pack while on river sections
  
• Small fanny type pack for miscellaneous personal stuff

Personal Items and Clothing:

• Socks- running/hiking; several pairs
  
• Fleece top (may be pullover or vest)
  
• Lt. to Mid-Weight thermal undergarment (i.e. Outlast, Thermastat, Capilene) tops/bottoms
  
• Shirts and shorts/pants for day/evening classes( you will be in BRUSH/BRIERS)
  
• River shoes -can be old sneakers or shoes specific for river use
  
• Ball cap
  
• Bug spray
  
• Wool or Fleece hat
  
• Gloves (at least glove liners)
  
• Lightweight shell for running/biking, paddling- for non race wear
  
• Extra prescription glasses and copy of prescription
  
• Small personal First Aid items
  
• Duct tape-small roll
  
• Batteries/spare bulbs (headlamp/bike lights)
  
• Camera
  
• Ziploc freezer bags-1 gal. & quart size-class/race/personal use Towel(s)/toiletries
  
• Iodine tablets or similar water purifying system
  
• Knife, 2.5"-think small and light
  
• Whistle

These forms are specific for the Odyssey Adventure Racing Academy and will close June 8, 2009, when registration closes.

Adult Waiver and Image Release Form

Medical Form

USARA Waiver

Under Age Waiver and Image Release Form

What if I am not sure I have the correct piece of gear specificied on the gear list?
We feel our gear list is specific. If you need clarification on an item email competitor@OARevents.com. We can always verify items in person at check in. Common items that need clarification: water proof top has to have taped or sealed seams; must be a wool or fleece hat; knife blade has to be 2.5" long.

What is the refund and cancellation policy?
You are entitled to an Odyssey credit refund, minus the cancellation fee until 2 weeks prior to the start of the race. You may apply the remaining balance (minus the cancellation fee) to any future Odyssey Adventure Racing event. You will have one year to redeem these credits. Contact registration@OARevents.com for credit refund.

Odyssey Adventure Racing does not accept responsibility for refunds for cancellations in the event of natural or national emergencies. Natural emergencies may include, but are not limited to severe weather including heavy rain, snow, tornados, hurricanes, river flooding, heat spells and cold spells. National or international emergencies may include, but are not limited to military conflicts, terrorist attacks, security threats, war, and heightened security alerts.

No refunds after June 4, 2010.

Cancellation Fee: $50

How do I get on the emailing list for the Odyssey eNewsletter?
We are glad that you want to be one of the first to know what is new and coming up with Odyssey. To sign up click here: Odyssey eNewsletter.

As of Tuesday, June 2, 2009, the Odyssey Adventure Racing Academy is sold out except for one spot open for a female student. Contact Kristy at Registration@OARevents.com if you would like to fill this spot.

May 1, 2009: Discounted registration ends

June 8, 2009: Registration Closes