AQUA TERRA CLASSIC ADVENTURE RACE
Established in 2000, the Aqua Terra Classic is the original Colorado River adventure challenge.  This year it will move down stream to the historic town of Columbus, Texas.  With this move comes a great new course and a wonderful host site, Howell Canoe Livery.  This beautiful river front facility will have camping and on site canoe rentals for the race.  The AT Classic will offer two courses, the Basic short course and the Extreme for those seeking a longer challenge.  Teams of two will paddle down stream stopping at various check points along the way encountering mystery challenges and an eventual trek to the finish line.  Holding true to the original classic race it will be a night start and only recreational canoes will be allowed.


 

Race Location:

Howell Canoe Livery
804 Robson St.

Columbus, TX 78934

Ph: 979-732-3816

Website: www.howellcanoe.com
(visit Howell Canoe website for directions)

Race start time:

Saturday, May 10, 2008
Basic course 4:00 am

Extreme course 4:00 am

Check in time:

Friday, May 9, 2008 8:00 pm - 11:00 pm at Howell Canoe Livery

Pre race meeting:

Saturday, May 10, 2008 2:00 am at Howell Canoe Livery

Pre race boat drop:

Friday, May 9, 2008 6:00 pm - 10:00 pm all racers will need to drop their boats at Howell Canoe Livery during this time.  Boats will be transported by race officials to the secret race start.  Racers will have approx 30 minutes prior to race start to ready their boat for the race.  If unable to make boat drop by specified time, team must notify race director to make other boat drop arrangements. 

Participant Limit:

Due to the nature of this event there will be a 50 team cap.  Ensure your participation in the race by submitting your entry as early as possible.

Entry Fees:

Mail-in Entry Fee Deadlines
February 1st to April 1st (postmarked)
Basic Course - $150.00 per team
Extreme Course - $160.00 per team
April 2nd to May 1st (postmarked)
Basic Course - $160.00 per team
Extreme Course - $170.00 per team
NO MAIL IN REGISTRATION AFTER MAY 1ST

Online Entry Fee Deadlines

February 1st to April 1st (midnight)
Basic Course - $150.00 per team
Extreme Course - $160.00 per team
April 2nd to May 1st (midnight)
Basic Course - $160.00 per team
Extreme Course - $170.00 per team
NO ONLINE  REGISTRATION AFTER MAY 1st

Late Registration after May 1st
If the race has not sold out, a limited number of slots will be available for late entries.  Late registration will be $90.00 per person after May 1st, 2008.  Reservations required.  T-shirts not guaranteed for late registrants.

Insurance:

USARA Membership is required for this event.  Annual memberships will be available at check-in for $35, or you may purchase a single event membership for $8.  Membership also available at www.usara.com

Classes:

Male/Female: 2 person team
Coed: 2 person team
Masters: Each member 40+ (any gender)

Courses:

Basic a 4+ hour course that will challenge teams with canoeing, trekking, and various mystery events.
Extreme an 8+ hour course that will challenge teams with canoeing, trekking, navigation, portaging & various mystery events.  Extreme course racers will have  a 1 mile portage with cart recommended - this should be considered when you are planning what supplies you will bring for the race.  Racers will also be returning to a central transition area mid race.  Trash may be disposed in transition area.

Course Description:

Flowing class I river.
Rural and urban trekking.

Disciplines & Distances:

Basic Course

Paddling 12 Miles
Trekking 3-5 Miles
Navigation skills, basic map reading
Expert Course
Paddling 18 miles
Trekking 8-10
Portaging 1 mile (cart recommended)
Navigation skills, plotting UTM coordinates, compass & topo map reading

Maps:

Waterproof maps will be provided. No outside maps allowed.

Camping:

Camping, outdoor shower and restroom facilities will be available at Howell Canoe Livery.  Cost is $5 per person.

Shuttle to Start:

Race organizers will provide a shuttle from Howell Canoe Livery to the pre race boat drop & race start.  Shuttle will leave shortly after the pre race meeting.  All cars must be left at Howell Canoe Livery.

Canoe Rental:

Teams may provide their own canoes (must be recreational aluminum, plastic or roylex.  No carbon, Kevlar or fiberglass allowed) or rent one. 
Howell Canoe Livery will provide canoe rentals including pick up & delivery for a cost of $40 per boat, paddles and PFDs provided.  There is a limited amount of canoes available for rental and they sell out every year.  Credit card pre payment & deposit are required.  Contact Frank Howell for reservations at : 979-732-3816.  Reserve early – minimum 1 month in advance!

Mandatory Gear:

E & B 1 Recreational Canoe

E - Expert

E & B 2 Paddles canoe (single blade) or kayak (double Blade) style ok

B - Basic

E & B 1 Cell phone in waterproof storage

E & B 2 PFDs (type III)

E & B 4 chemical glow sticks

E & B Enough food and water for specified course duration

E & B Method of carrying water (recommend Camelbacks)

E & B Minimum of 1 bow or headlamp

E & B 1 Ten foot length of rope. Min diameter 1/8”

E & B First aid kit (your choice)

E  2 Compasses

E UTM ruler 1:24

E Method of water purification

Recommended Gear:

E Portage cart for canoe (recommended)

Dry bag

Map case

Duct tape

Special Instructions:

1 chemical light (glow stick) must be placed on the bow and 1 on the stern of the boat. The remaining 2 chemical lights will be placed on each PFD.

PFDs must be worn when in the boat and in the water.

Race Overview:

Racers will drop boats off at designated pre race boat drop Friday night between 6:00 pm - 10:00 pm, then return to Howell Canoe Livery for race check in between 8:00 pm - 11:00pm.  Since shuttle space will be tight we recommend leaving all paddles & PFDs with your boat.  Do not leave food at the boat drop.  After checking in, racers may set up camp at Howell’s or return to a hotel of their choice and rest prior to the 2:00 am pre race meeting.  All racers must return to Howell Canoe Livery by 2:00 am Saturday morning for pre race meeting where maps and instructions will be distributed.  Shortly after the meeting, racers will board shuttle to the start of race / pre race boat drop.  Racers will have about an hour to prepare their boats prior to race start.  Promptly at 4:00 am the 2007 Aqua Terra Classic will start in traditional AT fashion, under the cover of darkness.   Racers will follow the river down stream stopping at various check points to face challenges along the way.  Both the Basic and Extreme course will finish at Howell Canoe Livery.  Awards ceremony will follow shortly after the finish of each race course.

Contact Info:

Race Director: 512-970-8703 or 713-459-2619