The best adventure races in Australia

The first NSW Sprint Series Adventure Race was held in Fingal Bay on the 21^st of August The beginner-friendly adventure race which was started by Adventure Junkie team in 2012 has grown continuously and this year it did another big move – established this event in a brand new location in the North coast of NSW.

“I think one of the reasons the event received so much support is that it is a new location, this year it’s a new challenge in different environments”.

Despite the poor weather it wasn’t cold and I think the wind, waves and rain actually made the event even more adventurous. Had it been less rain it could have just been simple, but because there was so much, it simply became epic and I think the teams and support crews rose to that challenge in itself, we’ve never had such positive energy at the event”, said Maria Plyashechko, event co-ordinator.

The event compromises of ocean paddling, mountain biking and hiking, with teams navigating around the course to a series of checkpoints, using just map and compass.

“One our challenges as event organisers is catering for the different levels and abilities. The youngest competitor was 11-years old. We have absolute beginners to the sport where everything is new, right through to the elite female adventure racers and national-level mountain bike orienteers."

The race started with a 1 km run from Fingal Bay Foreshore reserve along the beach to the ‘cozy coner’ where the kayak launch was. Teams could see the waves coming into the Bay, feel the roaring wind and anticipate what was ahead.

The second leg was a paddle with Classic course teams crossing the Fingal Bay to the Shark island paddling through the 2,5 meter southern swell. The Novice course teams kayaked a loop in the Bay getting a taste of what Classic teams had to endeavour.

On the Shark island teams had a fast trekking leg with spectacular checkpoints with one of them located on the historical site near the Lighthouse constructed in 1862, one of the oldest Australian lighthouses.

Then they had another challenging paddle with the headwind and a big swell. Some teams got a bit of seasickness, but everyone accepted the challenge and completed the leg. Limits were certainly pushed with teams confessing it was definitely a big adventure.

The next leg was a short run to the transition area where teams got to the bikes to have a short ride to the start of another trekking adventure on the spectacular coastline.

The navigation was demanding with multiple unmarked walking tracks and this is when experienced orienteers could gain a significant advantage.

Following the scenic run, teams got back on their bike for a longer riding section navigating their way through Tomaree National park.

The Ateo.com.au team Scott Gavens and Beck Show, who travelled to the race from Victoria, crossed the finish line in the 3:33:31 winning the overall  Classic course honours. Scott commented: “What an amazing course, so much fun, it was great to get to the Lighthouse, great scenery!”.

Team  Has Beens Nathan Adams and David Abi-Arrage won the Novice course with the time of 2:23:00. David commented: “We had an absolute blast doing the Novice course in our first race and now keen to prep for a Classic course in September ✌🏼
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This year I was keen to mix up my training with something new and outside my comfort zone, and this definitely ticked all the boxes! Onto the next one!”