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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. |
Raised:
77%
Raised so far: £3,855.00
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Go guys go!!!! let's get it done!!! Donation by Massimo on 05/06/09 |
£100.00 + £28.21 Gift Aid |
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Just missed being home for this event. Bummer. Sure it is quite a seen. Good luck. Donation by Steve Matzie on 03/06/09 |
£25.00 |
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Happy paddling! Hope theres plenty of water in the river otherwise happy kayak carrying! Good Luck Donation by John Hoyle on 03/06/09 |
£30.00 |
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Feel the burn boys, hopefully all your hard work & 'training' will pay off. If all else fails JM can always pull out the big guns..... Donation by Beth & James on 03/06/09 |
£100.00 |
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On behalf of The Abu Dhabi Thunder! Good luck. Donation by Bouchers on 02/06/09 |
£50.00 |
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AD Camels are Go! Donation by Marysia Saunders on 01/06/09 |
£100.00 + £28.21 Gift Aid |
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Good luck! Go Dowks.... Donation by Rosy & Ed Cox on 31/05/09 |
£50.00 + £14.10 Gift Aid |
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Fantastic cause - sounds easy, but good luck anyway Donation by Alkit on 31/05/09 |
£50.00 + £14.10 Gift Aid |
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No wimping out this year Daumy! Donation by Webby, Al & Tass on 29/05/09 |
£100.00 + £28.21 Gift Aid |
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Good luck James! Donation by Charles Jonscher on 26/05/09 |
£100.00 + £28.21 Gift Aid |
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Good luck to all you camels. Donation by Jan and Mary on 21/05/09 |
£100.00 + £28.21 Gift Aid |
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Best of luck, and don't drop your paddle. Donation by W R Thomson on 20/05/09 |
£25.00 |
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Happy chafing Donation by Scott on 18/05/09 |
£30.00 |
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Good paddling, Dowks and crew.. Donation by Jess Yuille on 13/05/09 |
£20.00 + £5.64 Gift Aid |
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Good luck J! xx Donation by Kate Keith on 11/05/09 |
£15.00 + £4.23 Gift Aid |
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Best of luck! Donation by Richard Gaughan on 09/05/09 |
£100.00 |
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A long way and a worthy cause. Good luck! Donation by Stephen Paine on 07/05/09 |
£100.00 + £28.21 Gift Aid |
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Watch out for those damn alligator gars Donation by Will Sykes on 05/05/09 |
£100.00 + £28.21 Gift Aid |
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Make sure you finish Daumy! Donation by Tom Walker on 05/05/09 |
£15.00 + £4.23 Gift Aid |
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Donation by Laura Cutbill on 04/05/09 |
£20.00 + £5.64 Gift Aid |
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Good luck guys Donation by Joost on 29/04/09 |
£50.00 + £14.10 Gift Aid |
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So how many calories are there in the average can of beer? It could take a few to keep you going... Donation by Marc VDB on 26/04/09 |
£50.00 + £14.10 Gift Aid |
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Good luck with the trip - you should ensure that Trauber and co give you lots of cash! Donation by Martin Copeland on 25/04/09 |
£50.00 + £14.10 Gift Aid |
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Good luck guys. Looking forward to hearing the stories once you've finished! Donation by Ledge on 23/04/09 |
£100.00 + £28.21 Gift Aid |
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Love the TV appearance - good luck Donation by Duncan on 22/04/09 |
£10.00 + £2.82 Gift Aid |
| * Total raised online: | £3,755.00 |
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| Offline donations: | £100.00 |
| Mobile donations: | £0.00 |
| Total Raised: | £3,855.00 |
| Gift Aid plus supplement: | £665.64 |
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