Susan Fox, aka FlyingFox, using an AI, will be a first for the Everglades Challenge--the woman and an AI, that is.
Also, Hobie's Jim Czarnowski, aka PenquinMan, is back with an AI and "prototype jib." He had a prototype jib last year. Still prototyping I guess. This does seem to be a typical pattern for Hobie Inc.: demonstrate prototypes in the EC for a couple years before going on the market. We AI users may have a commercial jib available before next year's EC--just a prediction.
Joshua Morgan (aka TideTraveller) is going for comfort this year with a Sawyer Expedition Canoe. Joshua is a terrific competitor, professional firefighter, and all-around great guy. He did his first EC in an AI--I think it was his and Dogslife's performances a couple years ago, that turned people's head, and made Hobie AI/TIs a fixture in this adventure race.
Tom & Debbie Turner (aka, DivesWithKraken & WyomingWolf) are 1st time competitors in their TI. They've done a couple Everglades trips with us. They are tough (Debbie doesn't have the name "WyomingWolf" for nothing) and, contrary to most 1st timers, will probably finish barring some misfortune.
Denise Parrish (aka Dietired2) and Joshua Bowers (aka Dietired1) are doing the whole EC in their Tandem. They did a 2-day run from Chokoloskee to Flamingo a month ago, so they should know exactly what to expect--except for that little part from Flamingo to Key Largo (the donnybrook for more than one WaterTriber.) They have lots of experience and will do fine, I'm sure.
backwaterbob (aka Bob Nichols) is back again. He is a busy guy and a couple yrs ago made it all the way to Ponce de Leon Bay-Shark River in his tandem before the mast base broke. He was doing great, and it was a shame that his TI let him down. But, he's back and will be worth watching.
Dogslife (aka Paul Kral) using his AI claims he is going for leisure and comfort this year--sure, Dogs, sure.
Lots of Hobie boats including AIs and TIs. Hopefully, the TIs will have better luck this year.
You can checkout the
WaterTribe's EC2014 roster at
http://www.watertribe.com/Events/ShowRosters.aspxDogsLife wrote:
This is the last week to register for the Watertribe 2014 Everglades Challenge....They give you plenty of time to finish this course....You will never regret the decision....
Yes, plenty of time--8 days at about 38 miles/day. Most competitors finish in 5 or 6 days (60 miles/day and 50 miles/day). Yes, Dogs, "plenty of time." There are still 24 hrs in a "day," so plenty of time. 300 miles in 8 days...plenty of time. You practically have me talked into trying this some day. Plenty of time. Let's see, hummm, the last time I did 60 mi in one day...hummm...geez, can't remember. New moon on Mar 1...won't be able to see much further than my headlamp field. Maybe I need to get a newer, more powerful headlamp...hummm. Maybe I'll do it next year, Dogs. But, I'll be watching you, et al, on the mapper. Yeah, that's good. I'll watch the mapper.
Keith