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On 13 June 2009, the first ever team from the United Arab Emirates ("UAE") will climb into their canoe and embark upon one of the most challenging endurance races in the world, the Texas Water Safari, a 2-4 day non-stop canoe marathon in which more than 25% of competitors do not reach the finish-line. The team has been training since December 2008 and are racing in support of the Red Crescent and Calvert Trust charities, hoping to raise more than AED 50,000 for charitable causes in the Middle East.
If all goes to plan, the Abu Dhabi Camels will cross the finish-line in the Gulf of Mexico within the permitted 100 hours, having paddled non-stop the equivalent of the distance between Abu Dhabi to Bahrain. This is the first time that a team from the UAE has entered the event, described by Forbes Magazine as “the toughest boat race in the world“. Representing a major test of fitness, teamwork and sheer determination, the Texas Water Safari is a 416 km (260 mile) canoe race on the San Marcos and Guadalupe Rivers in Texas, USA. Crucially, competitors are required to carry all of their supplies (apart from water and ice) in their canoes, a feat requiring careful planning and consideration, particularly in view of the significant calorific expenditure required for powering the canoe at speed for up to 100 hours with little or no sleep and in the black darkness the Texas night. Whilst no lives have been claimed in the event's 44 year history, there have been a number of close calls and saftey precautions are critical. The race's organisers make sure that all race entrants are aware of the dangers associated with the event, and all competitors have to sign disclaimers and waivers acknowledging the potential hazards. The Abu Dhabi Camels is made up of four expats based in Abu Dhabi and Dubai: James Dauman, Simon Dowker and Jean-Marc Laventure will paddle, while Charlotte Dauman, the official Team Captain, will drive the support vehicle and check the canoe in at the various check-points. The team commenced training in December 2008 and have forged a multi-faceted training regime involving regular canoe trips in the mangroves and water-ways around Abu Dhabi island, a regimented gym based fitness training programme at the Abu Dhabi Health & Fitness Club and outdoor cardio-vascular training including long runs in the heat of the day. |