The Great River Amazon Raft Race Blog
The Great River Amazon Raft Race Blog
We have held The Great River Amazon Raft Race here in Iquitos, Peru since 1998. At first it was just a one day affair attracting local people. In 2006 the race was extended to cover 180 kilometers or 112 miles of the mighty River Amazon over three days. Each team of four must construct their own raft out of balsawood logs and other materials (which are provided) and then paddle the craft for three days through the magnificent rainforest to the finish line in Iquitos.
Eleven different countries took part last year, but it seems the foreigners can never beat the local rafters who always take about four hours less over the three days to complete the course. The winners of the 2007 Great River Amazon Raft Race are the “Los Invincibles”.
The next Great River Amazon Raft Race race will be in September 2008. Sixteen international teams have already officially entered with others pledged to compete in this years race. Join us for a great Amazon adventure.
For more information please click this Iquitos Times link; http://www.iquitostimes.com/raft-race-2008.htm
As usual I am proud to be a sponsor and of course I will have limited space available on my Dawn on the Amazon River boats for those participants or spectators who would appreciate more comfort during the race.
Please click here for information; www.dawnontheamazon.com then click the Special Cruises link in the navigation bar to the left of my home page.
Please click this link to see more photos of The Great Amazon River Raft Race
If you would like to leave a comment, if you have a question, or if you have already competed in a previous Great River Amazon Raft Race, please give us your thoughts by clicking on the comment link below.
The Great River Amazon Raft Race Blog
I will be turning 50 right before the race starts and so want to do this! I started paddling this year in April with a dragon boat team and I really like it. I don’t think any of my team members would consider doing this event, so I am looking for a team.
As I said I will be turning 50, I’m in pretty decent shape, I’ve done marathons in the past, just recently the Honolulu Marathon, I walked but none the less finished, metric century bike rides, and other activities. I plan on training for this event by hooking up with our local outrigger canoe team for practice because they practice for distance.
My family thinks I am crazy and hoping I won’t find a team or bail at the last minute, which makes me even more determined to do this. If there is anybody who is looking for a team member please contact me. I live in the US, California, in the San Francisco Bay Area.
I hope to be in Peru in 2008!
Comment by Audrey — December 28, 2007 @ 11:41 am
[…] The Great River Amazon Raft Race Blog We have held The Great River Amazon Raft Race here in Iquitos, Peru since 1998. At first… or 112 miles of the mighty River Amazon over three days. Each team of four must construct their own… Great River Amazon Raft Race are the “Los Invincibles”. The next Great River Amazon Raft… limited space available on my Dawn on the Amazon River boats for those participants or spectators who…. Please click this link to see more photos of The Great Amazon River Raft Race If you […]
Pingback by Amazon River » Blog Archive » Golf in Orlando: Timacuan Golf and Country Club — January 1, 2008 @ 6:11 am
We participated in the 2007 Amazon raft race; an unforgettable experience. Tough, but easy to do for anybody with a sense for adventure, eager to encounter the unexpected, and with sufficient team work skills to spend 3 days together on just a few m2. My advice for aspirant participants: be prepared, as this will make your journey easier; but don´t prepare yourselves too much, as it will be more fun… Check out our blog about the race (www.veenwolfjes.web-log.nl/veenwolfjes/2007/09/we_hebben_het_g.html), in Dutch, and photos at veenwolfjes.web-log.nl/photos/amazone_raftrace/index.html.
Martijn Veen, Dutch Arco Iris team, Amazon Raft Race 2007
Comment by Martijn — January 2, 2008 @ 1:54 pm
The Brotherhood have been talking about this for a while. So first things first, I would like to enter 1 team of 4. We will probably enter a few more teams, but to get the ball rolling I would like to enter one team first. The Sisterhood will also be entering someteams, but they are away at the moment. I have put the email out to 20 or 30 of my friends to see who is interested and will get back to you. This trip co-insides with an event my friend is putting on in Peru who I have CC’d here, he will be putting on a rockconcert in the Jungle this summer for Peruvian Children’s Charities and we may try and combine efforts in some way. There website is http://www.rumbleindajungle1.moonfruit.com/ and http://music4children.moonfruit.com/ Please can you let me know the limit on the amount of teams you can accommodate and also let me know when you are nearly reaching that limit.
All the best,
Richard Pullan,
London.UK
Comment by Richard Pullan — January 8, 2008 @ 6:58 pm
Hello Richard,
Great news! We can assure “The Brotherhood and “The Sisterhood” a great time here in the Peruvian amazon. I am also sure that you will raise a lot of money for your chosen good cause.
Regarding the number of rafts in the race. The Peruvian Coast Guard who will be providing safety boats say that the limit should be 60 rafts maximum (30 Peruvian and 30 international) because from our experience the fleet of rafts are sometimes spread over 5 to 6 miles of the Amazon and more than 60 will require more boats than they have here. At present we now have 8 foreign teams pledged to enter. I will keep everyone posted on this blog as more teams enter.
The idea of a rock concert in the jungle is a fantastic idea. If you want to get a feel of Iquitos please click here ; www.iquitostimes.com
Mike Collis
Comment by Mike Collis — January 9, 2008 @ 11:33 am
Hello , we are considering entering a team in this years raft race on the Amazon. We are in the planning stages and have found that there are only domestic flights to Iquitos so we have to go through and return through Lima, is that right ?
We do not speak any spanish but will start learning it.
Do you have a contacts in lima who can meet us when we arrive (2 men,2 women) take us to a safe and econimical hotel, then return us to the airport for the flight to Iquitos. We will also need the same when we return.
We would also like to go to Machupichu can you help us with that. I don’t think we will want a jungle tour because I’m sure we would have seen enough of it during the race. Thank you.
Fergus Macbride,Cork,Ireland
Comment by Fergus Macbride — January 9, 2008 @ 12:07 pm
Who are The Brotherhood and The Sisterhood ?
Never heard of em.
John gregson,Lima,Peru
Comment by John Gregson — January 9, 2008 @ 3:17 pm
Hello Everyone:
I’m Cristina Alegría, the Director of Tourism for the Loreto Region of Peru. I’ll ensure your time here during the Amazon Raft Race will be safe and comfortable for competitors and spectators alike. We are looking forward to greeting you to Iquitos in September, our beautiful city, near the Amazon River.
Comment by Cristina Alegría — January 10, 2008 @ 10:29 am
Hello John Gregson,
Never heard of The Brotherhood or The Sisterhood ! You must have lived a secluded life down there in Lima.
The Brotherhood are a group of young english gentlemen who dress in monks habits and do extraordinary things to raise money for charity, usually childrens charities.
The Sisterhood are a group on young english ladies who wearing different attire do the same.
Last year The Brotherhood and The Sisterhood raced across the English Channel in dragon boats. The Sisterhood touched french soil first.
I said they were english gentlemen did’nt I.
Have alook at their fantastic websites ;
http://www.sisterhoodchallenge.com/
http://www.brotherhoodchallenge.com/
They say they are sending teams this year, we can assure them a great welcome here in Iquitos.
Comment by Mike Collis — January 10, 2008 @ 11:11 am
Hello Michael and fellow rafters:
Greetings from Fort saskatchewan,Alberta, Canada. A city North East of Edmonton . Before Christmas it was minus 27-C, today it is a balmy minus 16-C. I”m really excited about the 2008 race, as we know the start of the race is September 19, and that day is also my birthday.So—When I dip my paddle into the mighty Amazon I will be 71 years old.
I told my team we have to start practising. They said yes,but the river is frozen. I tell you its really hard to paddle with four of us in the bathtub.
I said we have to get in shape. They informed me they have very strong right arms from lifting heavy glasses to their mouths. Oh well, come September we will be in shape, and ready for the competition. We have no choice as we come from a dying breed of canadian voyagers and must uphold the tradition. “paddles up eh”
We are planning on putting in two teams , but wont know about our second team until May as jobs and committments, play a large part. ( our first team is made up of family members)
Michael, I have a question for you? Is it possible to use more than 8 logs, as our team is heavy. Also we would like to have a formal dining table on board so we can lunch in style. As the saying goes ” an Army marches on it’s stomach” we will be paddling on our stomach.
Well people “up the Amazon” I have a great tip for all the Foreign Teams, especially my American Friends–If you have to pee just jump in the warm Amazon and hang on to the side of your raft, it really saves time and the “CONDIRU FISH ” really lik it.
This is all in jest as you know but our team will be so fast we will probably beat the support boat to port. Must say I am really looking forward to the comaraderie, the fun, and hopefully just to be able to complete the race.
David C. Petroski an old paddler
Comment by David Petroski — January 10, 2008 @ 2:32 pm
First off my hats go out to returned rafters for the 2007 race. My suggestion to you all is have something comfy for the butt as it tends to get VERY soar by the end of the race. May your trip be as crazy as that for TENEMOS GANAS!!!! Cuidanse
Comment by Bryan Iversen — January 11, 2008 @ 7:04 pm
Hello Dave Petroski,
Thank you very much for your comment,it caused me and “the boys” some ammusement in the Amazon Cafe yesterday.
I’m sorry its so cold up there but its been quite chilly here this week too, it went down to 85F the other day.
Regarding the number of balsawood logs for each raft.
I think your point is valid so I am going to amend the
construction rules slightly.
At present the rules state ;
Each raft must be constructed of 8 logs no less than 5 mtrs in length.
It will be amended to ;
Each raft must be constructed of no less than 8 logs etc.etc.
I hope that clarifies this rule.
Comment by Mike Collis — January 12, 2008 @ 12:21 pm
So the final width of the raft is probably around 3 or 3.5 meters? I’m just thinking that I could probably build a practice craft out of 25cm wide PVP pipes. THAT would be a scream to take down the Potomac River through the middle of Washington DC!
Comment by David Winter — January 14, 2008 @ 10:42 am
Hi all and Mike. My name is Eddie Fox and I am from Washington, DC. My dad actually turned me on too this event a couple of years ago by handing me a print out from your website and telling me “quick, read this and hide it, dont tell your mother you got it from me.
I have always enjoyed participating in these crazy adventures and in the last several years I have sailed across the Atlantic, spent time in SE Asia doing Tsunami relief and last year, put together a team and spent 5 weeks racing a school bus thru Europe and Africa as part of a charitable rally. My teammates and I actually talked about this event while racing thru the African desert and about how much fun it would be to participate as our next great adventure. So now, after the dry heat of the Sahara Desert, we are very excited to enter at least 1 team, possibly 2, and experience the wet heat of the Amazon River. In the past, we have used our adventures as a way to raise money and awareness for local, on the ground, NGO’s that we identify and we are currently researching local nonprofits in Peru and building a website. (If you are interested in checking out our last adventure or the groups we raised money for you can check out www.penitentyanks.com ) Mike, please let us know as soon as registration is open as we can hardly wait to know we are in and on our way to our next epic adventure. Best to all and looking forward to meeting everyone on the river.
Eddie Fox, Washington, DC
Comment by Eddie Fox — January 15, 2008 @ 7:00 am
Welcome Eddie,
Thanks for your comment.
Regarding Inscription Fees ;
The $150US per team Entry Fee needs to be paid to the Regional Government of Loreto the state which the Amazon flows through. They will be opening a special bank accout to recieve Entry Fees very soon. As soon as it is open I will inform everyone to contact me for the bank details etc.
Comment by Mike Collis — January 15, 2008 @ 12:13 pm
Hi all!
I did the race in 2007 and it was incredible. I think that part of the reason that we had a great time was the amount of preparation that we put into it - which I would highly recommend. Having our own paddles that were comfortable and light, enough of our own food and water that we were never hungry, and a pre-arranged “plan” for the race were invaluable. For example, we had a timer onboard that beeped every 15min telling us to switch sides of the raft. This kept us from crippling up by paddling only on one side for too long. We approached the race very competitively, and if anybody else wants to do the same I would be happy to share advice with you (ritkatch@yahoo.com). If I were to do it again, I would try very hard to have a raft the same quality as those that the locals made. Their were SO much lighter and faster than ours, it wasn’t even funny. I think that with the same quality of raft, we could have beaten many more of the local teams. What they do is pick their logs out ahead of time so that they have the lightest, straightest possible logs. In 2007, the international teams had to select the best logs they could find as they were building the rafts. These logs were a lot bigger and heavier to begin with, plus we only had one machete and they had four machetes and saws AND they knew how to use the machetes really well.
Anyway, that’s just a little bit of advice for those who are interested. By far the most important thing about the race, though, was the amazing spirit of all the racers. There were some people in pretty rough shape at the end of a few of those days… blisters… sunburns… exhaustion… but people were cheerful about it and supportive of everybody else. All of the paddlers who competed were tough, gritty people and it was a really great to be thrown into an adventure with them for 3 days.
Comment by Robyn Tkatch — January 15, 2008 @ 10:44 pm
Hello Everyone,
I am Lizardo Perez of Peru Travel and Leisure based in Lima, Peru.
In response to Fergus MacBride’s question (No.6) about assistance he in Peru.
We will be absolutely delighted to assist all the foriegn rafters and supporters on their arrival in Lima. We can also arrange domestic flights here in Peru
which are usually cheaper purchased in Peru rather than abroad. We can also assist those who would like to visit other parts of Peru such as Cusco,Machupichu,
Lake Titicaca, Arequipa and many othe destinations.
If we ca help in any way please e mail me ;
lizardo.perez@perutravelandleisure.com
Looking forward to welcoming you to our wonderful country.
Comment by Lizardo Perez — January 17, 2008 @ 11:52 am
I am interested in participating in this years upcoming race. I have a team from the US that is 80% committed. We are trying to account for the logistics of getting to Iquitos. What do you recommend as the best rout of transportation? Any other bits of advice would be helpful as well. Thanks again
Comment by Wade Binion — January 18, 2008 @ 11:04 pm
Hello Wade,
It is nice to hear from you about participating in the Great River Amazon Raft Race. A team that is 80 % committed is most of the way here already.
There is only one practical way to get to Iquitos in my opinion, and that is by flying into Lima, changing planes to Iquitos. If you are in the US that will cost approximately $1000 round trip with the major carriers. There is a low cost carrier out of Fort Lauderdale Florida called Spirit that flies non-stop to Lima for a little over half the price of the major carriers. Tickets can only be purchased on the internet. I have never used them myself, and have heard mixed reviews. Usually half the price means half the service and comfort, but may fit into the budget better.
There is a small advantage to flying into Lima on LanPeru. They are the only international carrier that also flies to Iquitos, so your connection can all be prearranged and they take care of your luggage because their counter is open most all night.
That is not crucial because there is now luggage storage at the Lima airport, a big improvement from a few years ago when we used to tie our luggage to our bodies while we slept in the airport.
Try to time your incoming flight to Lima for between after midnight and three in the morning to catch the 05:30 Lan flight on to Iquitos. Better to already have that ticket, the plane is frequently sold out. If you do not have a ticket, do not despair. Get on stand by. People tend to be late for early morning flights.
There are three other much more interesting and adventurous ways to get here listed below by the level of adventure and uncertainty. I do not recommend them because they take too long and can take weeks if the things do not go well. You can catch boats from Coco Ecuador down the Napo River and up the Amazon. Catch boats from Yurimaguas down the Huallaga, Marañon, and Amazon Rivers. Catch boats from Pucallpa down the Ucayali and Amazon rivers.
If you feel like an adventure it is better to leave Iquitos by those routes after the race. That way you will not miss the race like at least one other couple did 2 years ago.
Comment by Bill — January 18, 2008 @ 11:11 pm
Thanks Bill, We will spend the next few weeks trying to figure out logistics for travel and return. Accommodation during the race would be our next concern. On the blog it looked as if there were sleeping areas for contestants on the boat if they so choose. Is that difficult to come by, are reservations needed? Are there other options? We have no problem camping.
What about transporting our gear during the race? Thanks again.
Wade
Comment by Wade Binion — January 19, 2008 @ 6:29 am
Hi Wade,
Yes there will be a designated support boat that will transport all rafters and spectators that want to rough it. It is not camping, but in past races the boat has been too over crowded to be comfortable, with hammock touching on each side, with space and food limitations. The support boat has been more of a typical Amazon colectivo boat atmosphere. Some people consider it part of the experience, particularly the young people. All your gear will be carried along with the race on the support boat. When you officially sign up for the race, it will be assumed you want to ride the support boat but you can work out the details as you decide what you want to do. Camping might be a good option. Maybe it could be good to wait and see which boat the organizers comes up with for the 2008 race. Maybe it will be bigger and better.
I will take my three cruise boats for people wanting to be more comfortable. We serve delicious food for those wanting better meals. The details are on the Special Cruise page on my web site, scroll down to Raft Race. Note one day is free.
Amazon Tours and Cruises with Dawn on the Amazon
Comment by Bill — January 19, 2008 @ 6:58 am
[…] The Great River Amazon Raft Race Blog […]
Pingback by The Great River Amazon Raft Race, 2008 » TravelBlog Archive » Living in Iquitos Peru — January 19, 2008 @ 5:23 pm
Hello Everyone,
I have just checked out ; www.spiritair.com about flights from Fort Lauderdale, Florida to Lima in September for the raft race.
A return ticket costs $254US, thats about 130 quid for you brits and about 180 euros for our rafters from europe.
I think Fort Lauderdale is quite accessable from almost anywhere but Spririt Air also fly from other airports in the USA.
Comment by Mike Collis — January 20, 2008 @ 11:25 am
First, let me respond to Mike’s last post regarding SpiritAir. My friend here in Arequipa had a flight booked to Ft. Lauderdale on Spirit but missed it because her flight to Lima was cancelled due to inclement weather. Much to her chagrin, she was told by SpiritAir that she simply lost her fare and would have to purchase another ticket because she did not change her flight 24hrs. ahead. After I talked with American and Continental I realized this 24 policy is almost exclusively maintained by Spirit. The other airlines allow you to change up to one minute before the flight takes off (for a fee, of course, but less than a new ticket). So, my friend spent two days in Lima trying to negotiate with Spirit before returning home, having had to cancel her vacation and after spending several hundreds of dollars in the process, not to mention the lost airfare. My advice- don’t travel SpiritAir. They also charge you for each piece of luggage you bring (not extras, but the standards), and do not offer any free in-flight services (sodas, peanuts, muffins, etc. . .are available only for a fee, and they only accept credit cards on board, no cash!!).
Now, on to the race, even if you must spring for the slightly higher airfare offered by one of the many other carriers you will not be dissapointed!! This may be the best money you spend. Consider what we’re talking about here- a 3-day log-raft race through the Amazonian jungle on the Amazon River!! The idea alone is worth the price in airfare. I participated in the 2006 race (the first 3-day’r) and have been pining to go back ever since. My team didn’t finish first (in fact, we didn’t even finish) but the time I had with friends (old and new) and family will never be forgotten!! I met amazing people, made friends whom I’ve kept since (Mike & Bill), and plan to take my family back to the area in the very near future.
I hope this year to enter 15-20 Peruvian high school seniors in the race for their “Senior Class Trip.” The time they will have will be unmatched by most any other school in Arequipa, and the memories they will retain will last a lifetime and beyond as they share them with family and friends.
Of course, I’ve promised my boys (10 & 11) that I would take them on the trip ever since I had the chance to enjoy it, and I told my wife that I would take her, as well (I may have overbooked myself
)
Whatever happens, I will return to Iquitos and I will again dip my paddle in the waters of the Amazon!! It is because of this race that I have fallen in love with the Amazonian Jungle, and it is because of the promoters of this race (again, Mike & Bill) that I know I will always be welcome in this wonderful city.
If it be within your means, if your spirit be one of adventure, and if your fears need conquering, come to Iquitos and raft the Amazon!!
Comment by Micah Cantley — January 21, 2008 @ 2:05 pm
Thank you Micah, you know Mike and I share your sentiments. The camaraderie we share with you and other participants in this unique race is the thing that makes it worth all of the trouble to organize, promote, and sponsor.
Bill
Comment by Bill — January 21, 2008 @ 3:09 pm
Thank You for your kind words Micah.
See you in september.
Comment by Mike Collis — January 21, 2008 @ 6:43 pm
Yes indeed, boys- I’m working on the details at this very moment!! One way or another I will find myself back in your presence in September!!
Comment by Micah Cantley — January 21, 2008 @ 7:53 pm
I did the race in 2006 and in many years of traveling around the globe I would have to say that the race is one the “best” things that I have done. I would highly recommend it to anyone looking to have an adventure. Hopefully one day I will be able to return and compete in the race again. Dave www.fotosbydavid.com
Comment by dave donohue — January 22, 2008 @ 1:33 am
Hi Dave,
You are another valuable friend we made because of the Great River Amazon Raft Race. I have read every word on your Travel Blog since you left Iquitos two years ago and I know how many countries you have traveled in, so your recommendation carries a lot of weight with me. Thanks.
The quality of your photos seem to increase in proportion to how many countries you have visited. You have grown into a professional photographer, instead of a professional traveler. Really, isn’t growing as an individual the most important part of traveling? Keep up the good work, and best of luck, Bill
Comment by Bill — January 22, 2008 @ 6:15 am
Hi Everyone,
I’ll try to get some Rio Va’a Club paddlers motivated ; In 2003 we did the Panama Canal Ocean to Ocean race in « cayucos » and we had a lot of fun !
We held a demostration of Va’a (outrigger canoe) event during the Rio PanAm Games last July and in December we had the 6th Edition of the Rio Va’a Race, also South America Va’a Cup. www.riovaa.com
In time, would you enventually consider opening the race to va’a (outrigger canoes) ? The sport is fast growing around the world. In Latin America there are Clubs in Brazil, Argentina, Chile (Easter Island) and Costa Rica.
Cheers from Rio,
Nicolas Bourlon
President, Rio Va’a Club
International Va’a Federation Coordinator for South America
Comment by Nichollas Bourlon — January 22, 2008 @ 10:26 am
I was the captain of Team Hijos de Su Madre in the 2007 race. It was a certainly an experience one never forgets. Regarding Robyn´s comments. She is way too modest. Those were the craziest women I have ever met. If their team had the light balsa logs like the Peruvians, they would have beaten all of the Peruvians. But her point is that the quality of your raft supercedes everything else. Bring with you pre-sharpened machetes because you cannot depend on local resources. We brought lazy boy campfire chairs that were really nice to have as opposed to the foam that others found which becomes so saturated it gives you river rear. Energy bars are a wonderful way to hold off hunger. We were really jealous of the girls´ paddles. It would have been a nice luxury to not use those tree branches that Mic gives you.
Other than that, just show up with a smile and don´t be surprised when things don´t go exactly as planned. In the Amazon, improvisation is the name of the game.
Comment by David Wooten — January 22, 2008 @ 12:26 pm
hi Mike,
Just to let you know that The Sisterhood will be entering at least 5 teams, so brace yourself….girls on rafts isa pretty experience but definitly not a quiet one.
The Channel was just the warm up so bring on the Amazon
from the girls in the hood
xxx
Comment by Emma Sayle — January 22, 2008 @ 1:16 pm
Hi,
I hold the record for being the oldest paddler in the race. I was 74 when the rest of the Over-The-hill Gang and I participated in 2007. On a bad morning Mike Collis looks older than I do, but he really isn’t. However, no-one can remember ever seeing him on a good morning, so maybe he is.
I hope my record stands, because if it doesn’t I will have to put together another team and recapture it.
Iquitos is the largest city in the world that can’t be reached by road. There are those, both in and out of Iquitos, who say that isn’t really a bad thing. Make up your own mind once you’ve been there.
Mike and Bill are great people, friendly and helpful. If you get a chance you should take one of Bill’s tours. He has attractive, well maintained, safe boats and he is very knowledgeable about the local area and its waterways.I have sailed all my adult life, in many places, but the Amazon is unique,and no matter what your previous experiences have been,I am sure you will enjoy the time you spend on and around the river.
It was a genuine pleasure taking part in the race and meeting Mike, Bill, and all the others who made it a memorable experience.
Mike and Bill are real
Comment by Morton L. Caplan — January 22, 2008 @ 1:51 pm
Thank you Dave,Nicollas and Mort,
Don`t you mean the 2006 race Mort ?
I know when you get our age the years just fly by !
And a very special Thank You to Emma Sayle and The Sisterhood. I hope you can persuade Will and Kate to come too !
Comment by Mike Collis — January 22, 2008 @ 7:04 pm
Hi Mort, A few days ago I published a little article in the Travellers Point called The Great River Amazon Raft Race, Your Next Big Adventure At the bottom of the article is one of my photos that has never been published, of you and Mike and the Over the Hill Gang. The caption reads; “The photo above is of The Over the Hill Gang, led by 74 years old Mort Caplan, seen celebrating being the oldest person to finish the Great River Amazon Raft Race by enthusiastically chugging a large Iquiteñan beer.” That photo always makes me smile, and I am smiling now.
Hi Nichollas, That is great. We are looking forward to getting to know you and your friends and talking about your ideas about the outrigger canoes. Others have suggested opening the race to dragon boats. It is worth talking about, but balsa rafts are what have been used in the upper Amazon for 1000s of years and are part of our unique culture. However, anything is possible.
Hi David, you offer good advise in your comment # 30. I would modify that and suggest buying machetes here in Iquitos. Machetes are the tool of choice for all of us here, and are in every hardware store. We never leave the city without two or three machetes. Unfortunately, while they are a valuable tool, they are also very dangerous. You can not be too careful 118 miles from the nearest hospital. Maybe it would be better to hire a local native that uses machetes everyday, barefoot. Buying the machete here, and hiring a native to use it, is another way to help this poor jungle economy.
Hi Emma, Girls on rafts are great news. You young women will be setting an example for all of the girls of Iquitos, that they can do anything they set their minds to. I hope we share lots of laughs together. I bet we will.
Comment by Bill — January 23, 2008 @ 6:52 am
I agree with Bill on his comment about using machettes.
The rules state that the rafts are to be constructed by each team but that foriegn teams can employ local people to construct the raft under their supervision. I think it is best for foriegn teams to take up this option and use local builders who know how to build a raft and most importantly know how to use machettes safely. We don’t want any foriegn rafters hurt and missing the race.
Comment by Mike Collis — January 23, 2008 @ 10:19 am
Hello Michael,
What do I need to provide in terms of information for my team and payment (method) to register my California-Hawaii-Texas team into the GRARR 2008? Thank you in advance. We’re excited about being a part of this year’s race.
Best regards,
David Kelly
Comment by David Kelly — January 23, 2008 @ 10:32 am
Hello David Kelly,
Thank you for your enquiry.
The Regional Government of Loreto will be controllong the race and Entry Fees will be paid into a dedicated bank account soon to be opened by them. When the bank account is opened I will advise everyone on this blog to contact me for the bank account details. When you pay your Entry Fee you must scan the Paying In Slip and email it to me along with;
1. The name of your team.
2. Country or countries represented.
3. Names of team members (provisional).
I will then complete the Entry form on your behalf and confirm your entry.
Comment by Mike Collis — January 23, 2008 @ 10:39 am
If anyone out there would like to compete but can’t get a team together don’t worry we guarantee to find you a place. Just let us know on this blog.
Comment by Mike Collis — January 24, 2008 @ 10:59 am
You must read this article.
Just click here ;
http://www.travelblog.org/South-America/Peru/Loreto/Iquitos/Amazon-Rainforest/blog-237885.html
Comment by Mike Collis — January 26, 2008 @ 10:50 am
The race sounds amazing! I’ve read on the blog that if we can’t put together a team, that a place on the boat will be guaranteed? Tell me more please. I’m very intrigued and interested in the race. It sounds like a great experience!!!!
Comment by Mary D'Aiuto — January 26, 2008 @ 6:48 pm
Hello Mary,
I guarantee if you want to compete then there will be a seat and a paddle for you. Just get yourself here in September and keep watching this blog for developments.
Comment by Mike Collis — January 27, 2008 @ 12:20 pm
Hello everybody:
I am trying to organize a team from Victoria, B.C. but am not sure whether I can get 4 dedicated paddlers. We plan to bring our own paddles as long as that is not outside the rules. We are dragonboaters and want to use familiar paddles. I am currently 61 and feel positively youthful after reading some of the comments posted. We will all be in the over 50 group and plan to train for the race. Of course, we will have had a busy dragonboat season so we will be in pretty good shape anyhow. We have also thought about building a raft from PVC pipe to train on and wondered if anyone else has tried that idea before. If so,we would welcome your comments. I noticed that the fastest foreign team last year were from Vancouver, B.C. a short distance away. If any of that team are reading these comments, I would appreciate any advice you can give. I am at lizzhanan@hotmail.com. I could meet with you when I am in Vancouver and we could exercise our good right arms over a few brews while discussing the race.
I’m looking forward to the event and crossing one more adventure off my “list”.
Lizz
Comment by Lizz — January 27, 2008 @ 8:23 pm
Welcome Liz,
If you cannot get 4 dedicated paddlers then don’t worry we’ll fix you up. Why not make contact with Audrey comment No.1 .
Regarding paddles . I think it is a good idea for all foriegn teams to bring their own paddles and lifejackets. The Regional Government have promised paddles and lifejackets for everyone, but for your own comfort try and bring your own.
Get a feel for Iquitos ,click here ;
www.iquitostimes.com
Comment by Mike Collis — January 28, 2008 @ 10:49 am
Howdy Mike,
I’m putting together 1 team of 4 paddlers. Baring a schedule conflict, we plan on entering your 2008 race in September. Please reserve 1 spot for the Dragon Healers from San Francisco, CA and let me know when registration is open. Thanks,
Happy Paddling,
Ross Britt
Comment by Ross Britt — January 29, 2008 @ 6:53 pm
Welcome Ross,
We surely can offer you and your team the adventure of a lifetime.
I am curious to know why your team is called the Dragon Healers, are you doctors or nurses ?
Please tell.
Comment by Mike Collis — January 30, 2008 @ 10:31 am
We are from Kaiser-Permanente and are made up of medical professionals (from nearly all disciplines), friends and family. We are the proud sponsor of the San Francisco International Dragon Boat Festival. Our captian was featured in TIMES Magazine issue dated June 2, 2006. We named our team after the Dragon Warriors, our mentors and friends. The Dragon Warriors is one of the best teams in the Bay Area and they trained us during our 1st year. We aspire to be as good as they are, but know that is unlikely. So, while the Warriors are out on the battle field slaying the Dragon, we will be right behind them. And, like good Medics - we can Heal the Dragon so that the Warriors can slay the Dragon another day. Interest is growing on our team - so, we may need 2 rafts.
Comment by Ross Britt — January 30, 2008 @ 9:51 pm
Hello all, I am Anthony Giardenelli owner and operator of Otorongo Expeditions here in Iquitos Peru. I have been following the raft race for quite some time. I have decided to sponsor a team of 4 Peruvians from the Community of Oran.
Here is the offer:
The quickest Foreign team in the race wins a free 2 night 3 day trip to my jungle lodge in the Lower Amazon River to wind down after the grueling trip Nauta-Iquitos.
For info about this offer write to
otorongoexpeditions@gmail.com
www.otorongoexpeditions.com
Comment by Anthony Giardenelli — February 1, 2008 @ 11:12 am
That is a great offer Anthony, well done! Thanks for the extra incentive.
Comment by Bill — February 1, 2008 @ 11:37 am
My name is Robert Greer and I am a medical student at the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine. I have researched the Amazon Raft Race and would like to inquire about medical care volunteers. I have always wanted to see the Amazon and if I could help then I could begin looking into arrangements. I don’t know if it matters but I speak a little spanish (not portugeuse), I grew up in south florida so I am used to the heat. I am a certified lifeguard, and an Eagle Scout. (This is one instance where that may come in handy). I am also studying parasitology and emergency medicine. So please let me know if I can help.
P.S. If not then maybe you will see me in a different capacity, a racer perhaps
Comment by Robert Greer — February 1, 2008 @ 6:59 pm
Hello Robert,
If you can get here for the race in September any help you can offer will be much appreciated. However, I’m sure you will want to take part and not watch from the support boat with all the old codgers like me. Then after the race I am sure that we can find you some voluntary work down here. Please take a look at this article about volunteer work here in Iquitos;
http://www.iquitostimes.com/volunteer.htm
Comment by Mike Collis — February 1, 2008 @ 7:03 pm
Hello Everyone and especially those of you who remember my brother, John Mack,
To whoever placed the memorial on the net, I thank you!!! John was adventurous, to say the least. I am glad that he found some peace and fun in Peru for what turned out to be his last years of a too short-lived life!! He worked very hard at his jewelry craft most of his life to make a living and support his daughters. Making a living doesn’t always mean we are “living”. I am happy that he had some time away from the working life and was able to enjoy the nature around him.
From what I understand of your pictures and memorial, it looks like John was on the winning team in 2007. Record time at that!! So, now he is on another winning team and looking down and guiding all future winners!!! Hope you all run a good race and enjoy life-it is too short!!
Missing my little bro,
Thanks for all the memories,
Kathy
Comment by Kathy Mack — February 3, 2008 @ 12:28 pm
Thank you for sharing your memories with us Kathy. We miss him also. I know he had some great experiences here in Iquitos. John, with his arm extended in a clinched fist celebration of his crews Great River Amazon Raft Race victory photo only depicts one of them.
Wishing you all the best,
Bill
Comment by Bill — February 3, 2008 @ 5:35 pm
Just a quick question on the start. Do you keep track as to when rafts actually “get under way?” I’m thinking of the first day, primarily. It seems that with 60 rafts taking off all at once, there would be a jam at the start line resulting in quite a lag in time between the first raft and the last raft. Or, is that all part of the race? Thanks,
Happy Paddling,
Ross Britt
Comment by Ross Britt — February 5, 2008 @ 11:55 am
We are 4 New Zealander rugby players who fancy a bash at this.
There are a couple of diferences on the blog and the website.
On the website it says the course is 132 miles but on the blog it says 112. What is it ?
It says on the website that the peruvian coast Guard will provide safety boats, but on my map it shows Iquitos to be more than 1000 miles from any coast,
can you clarify this please ?
Comment by greg tomlin — February 5, 2008 @ 1:28 pm
Hello Ross,
The Start of the race is on an island called Isla de Pescadores (Fisherman’s Island). It is about 1 mile upstream from Nauta. It is a sand bank about half a mile long and about 200yds wide.This is where the rafts will be constructed and where we stay overnight before the lst race day.
The next morning all of the rafts will be lined up at the waters edge and will all start together. You must remember that where there is a sand bank or a beach this is where there is either no current or the current could be coming upstream. So to avoid the dead water all the rafts go straight across the river to the other side where there is a strong current and then head downriver.
All the rafts are timed out and timed in each day.
Comment by Mike Collis — February 5, 2008 @ 7:04 pm
Hello Greg,
It’ll be great to see some Kiwis here.
First question. The actuall distance by boat from Nauta to Bella Vista Nanay is about 112 miles. But this by boat which takes a direct course and has little use of the current. Rafts however need the current and although the river is very wide the current is usually on one side or the other, this is caused by the many bends in the Amazon. The rafts following the current in zig zags usually add about another 15 to 20 miles to the distance.
I hope this answers your first question.
2nd. Although Iquitos is about 600 miles due east of the Pacific and about 2465 miles west of the Atlantic Ocean Iquitos is counted as Peru’s only Atlantic port and therefore we have a Coast Guard presence here.
Comment by Mike Collis — February 5, 2008 @ 7:13 pm
Hi All - I am looking for fellow dragonboaters to form a team for the 2008 race. I hae been dragonboating for three years and coaching for two - seems crazy but true. If you are interested please send me an e-mail a Vsakecoach@hotmail.com
Cheers
Comment by Dena — February 6, 2008 @ 12:27 am
Greg,
This is A.J., our team, one US, Mexico, German, and Swiss, on The Mississippi Queen ran last years race. I have little bit of information on the river. The river floods every year, and in doing so, it changes course. Unless someone goes out and marks the exact route, then the distance will be different this year and every year.
Oxbows are created by breaks, ‘quebradas’, will occur, but here is where the fun is. In one shortcut, we try to cut across and overtake our fellow competitors, only to be block by a sandbar we could not see in the sun’s reflection.
Another ‘quebreda’ brought us close to a village where children tossed into the water freshly picked papayas for us to enjoy, that was a welcome relief from the heat, and helped quench our thrust. In one section of a ‘quebrada’, we drifted as we ate our lunch, listened to the wild birdcalls, and swam. This was as close as we were going to get on the Amazon jungle in this race.
If you are looking for an exact demarcation, with flags, markings of organized, professional sports, and may I add retail sports, than you are going to be disappointed. On the other hand, if you are looking for old fashion race, with competition and challenges, with loads of fun and hardships, then this is for you.
PS. Between the start and the finish line, there is more than 150 miles of river out there, if that is what you are looking to paddle. But if you want to compete, you might want to look for those ‘quebradas.’ You know the Peruvians will be.
A.J.
Comment by A.J. Rivera — February 6, 2008 @ 5:11 am
Thanks A.J. for your contribution, but you never said if you were coming again this year with the Mississipi Belle.
A.J took part in the 2007 race and wrote a great article , if you have’nt seen it before, please click here;
http://www.iquitostimes.com/race-2007-results.htm
Comment by Mike Collis — February 6, 2008 @ 6:50 pm
Please keep checking this blog.
IMPORTANT DEVELOPMENT VERY SOON.
Comment by Mike Collis — February 8, 2008 @ 7:12 pm
Tell Us Please,
Is Kate Middleton coming or not ? Its all over the press here in the UK but not once have you mentioned it.
Heres one site if you have’nt seen it yet;
http://theinternetforum.net/royalforum/index.php?topic=32718.25
Comment by Daniel Gray — February 10, 2008 @ 11:03 am
Hello Daniel,
If Miss Middleton was coming to this years race then I’m sure that because of security reasons it would be kept very quiet and not plastered all over the press. Maybe she had considered competeing but not now. We wish she was coming but unfortunately I think the whole story was made up by the “paparatzi” to sell newspapers, no more no less. Sorry.
Comment by Mike Collis — February 10, 2008 @ 11:11 am
IMPORTANT.
The Regional Government has now opened a dedicated bank account to recieve the raft race Entry Fees.
Please contact me for instructions for payment ; michaelcollis@hotmail.com
Comment by Mike Collis — February 11, 2008 @ 6:55 pm
Hey All Amazon Rafting Adventurers!
Audrey (Blog Post #1!) and I are in for the race. We need two more crazy paddlers to add to the boat. I’ve competed nationally and internationally with the Schylkill Dragons and the PDBA in Philadelphia, and I’m doing outrigger canoe in Ft. Lauderdale. Audrey’s an avid dragonboater and has run in numerous marathons. Me? I’ve run in two and in a half a marathon. And Robert Greer from Philadelphia, what are you doing NOT being in a boat? Get a paddle and some twine and jump on! And David Winter, of D.C., where oh where is your paddle? Bring your wife to Iquitos and paddle with us.
Mike, what are the sleeping arrangements along the river? Do we tent it? Do we pay to sleep in a boat like one of the posts mentions? And where is the nearest store for machetes? Never did think I’d ever add that word into my vocabulary. If someone wants to provide feedback, my email is spreadpeaceonearth@yahoo.com.
Peace and Paddle!
Mary D’Aiuto
Comment by Mary D'Aiuto — February 13, 2008 @ 8:52 pm
Hello Mary,
Thank you for your comment and don’t worry you’ll get a team together, we’ve never failed yet.
Regarding sleeping arrangement ; The Regional Government will provide tents and mattresses and basic food for all competitors , this is included in the $150 US Entry Fee (per team of 4). However I must add that one night you sleep in a tent, the next on the floor of the village longhouse (mattresses provided) and the next night on the floor in the school at Tamshiyacu and the food will be basic.
For $100 US per person we will provide hammock space and 3 good meals per day on the support boat. The support boat leaves Iquitos on Wednesday 18th September and will travel up the Amazon to meet up with everyone else on Thursday 19th, so its 5 days/4 nights,
Alternatively if you want to be really comfortable
there are still some nice cabins available on the cruise boat Dawn on the Amazon. Contact Bill Grimes on ; bill@dawnontheamazon.com for info
Please check out the “things needed” list on ;
http://www.iquitostimes.com/raft-race-2008.htm
Another thing ! It seems to me that we have more girls
than men participating this year. Whats Up Guys ?
Too Hard for you ?
Comment by Mike Collis — February 14, 2008 @ 10:27 am
Hi everyone,
I was captain of the winning “international” team in 2006. There’s so much I could tell you that it would fill pages, so instead I will attach a link to an article I wrote about my experience in The Great Amazon River Raft Race. If you have any questions you can contact me personally through the same website.
http://www.accidentalexplorer.com/?p=27
The nature of this race is such that it will be different every year, but I can assure you of the following:
– The phrase “The faint of heart need not apply” is applied to this race for a reason. You have been warned.
– There will probably be pain involved, often self-inflicted.
– There are wild animals. Some of them would like to eat you.
– It will be hot and humid.
– There will be beer. It won’t necessarily be cold.
– At times you will find yourself saying “What the hell was I thinking?”
– You will have LOTS of fun.
– You will makes LOTS of friends.
– You will meet lots of people from all over the world who have a sense of adventure just as twisted as yours. In other words, really cool people.
– Did I mention that it will be hot and humid?
– It will be the adventure of a lifetime.
This race isn’t for everybody, but almost anyone should be able to complete it. As Mort pointed out above he ran the race when he was 74! (Though we were all pretty sure that his team - The Over-The-Hill Gang - drank more beer than the rest of us combined.)
Comment by Dale Baskin — February 16, 2008 @ 1:06 am
Hi All,
I took part in the First Ever Amazon Raft Race from Santa Clara to Bella Vista,Nanay in July 1999!.The course was much shorter than todays course,and we finished it in 5 and a half hours coming in gracefully second from last.We were the only foreign team to compete but the people in Iquitos made us feel so welcome.It really was a great experience….just remember to get some good padding for your butt…Goodluck!!
Comment by Helen Hazelman — February 16, 2008 @ 12:14 pm
Hey Mike,
I have 8 or 9 interested Dragon Healers (see “blog” comments #45 & #47). We are meeting this weekend to confirm those who are interested. So, I’d like to register 2 rafts. If a few drop out, then we may have room for those looking for places. OR, if all stay in - then, 1 of us will be looking to join another team. Per your comment #64 on the “blog”, I’ll need the pay/banking information.
Thanks,
Happy Paddling,
Comment by Ross Britt — February 20, 2008 @ 12:07 pm
Hello Rafters,
We ‘re on our way ! we booked our flights today with Flight Centre in Birmingham (U.K.) a great deal. Check them out.
Cant wait to meet you all in September.
Comment by Richard Finch — February 21, 2008 @ 11:12 am
Hi!
We want to register for the race. What do I need to do? We are from Portland Oregon USA and are very excited to paddle in your race!
I would like to confirm that the dates are Tuesday, September 16 -21 that the foreign teams need to be there. The website says the 17th - 22nd.
Thanks!
Jeanie Zinn
Portland Oregon USA
Comment by Jeannie Zinn — February 22, 2008 @ 10:48 am
Welcome aboard Richard , Emma and the others.
We now have over 100 people coming and its only the 3rd week of February. So I think its a good idea for teams and supporters to start thinking about flights from Lima to Iquitos as it might be difficult to find seats if you leave it too late.
Of course it would be great if you all arrived together on the first flight Tuesday 17th September
because we could arrange for the city brass band and
native dancers to greet you at Iquitos Airport.
Comment by Mike Collis — February 22, 2008 @ 11:07 am
LOS CHORROS RAFT AGAIN ON THE MISSIPPI QUEEN II - Yes, it’s on!!!
AJ (USA/MEXICO), Claudine(Switzerland), and I (USA/Mississippi) have made the big decision and will return for the 2008 race. We’re checking with Sonja (Germany) to see if she will join us, too. Perhaps you’ve read AJ’s blog of our adventure last year when I joined his group (formed the day before) on the day we were to build our rafts - not at all prepared - not even a long-sleeved shirt. In 06 I watched from the support boat! The race is an incredible feat of determination, endurance, and strategy. When I told Mick last year that I hoped to be the first person to do the race twice, he said “Once you climb Mt. Everest, why do it again?” Well, my answer is “Why not?” and now, as far as I know, we will be the first team to ever do the race twice. Three days paddling the great Amazon River is unforgettable. Sometimes now, I just close my eyes and see the river and all its glory and still marvel that I really did it. No family member knew I was participating, and I decided it was easier to ask forgiveness than permission! I will never regret it. After the race I felt incredibly happy and young (even tho I was the oldest in the 07 race). AJ was next oldest! I look forward to returning to my home of 7 years in Iquitos soon and helping Mick with race preparations. I have a jungle-lodge-style private guest house for anyone needing accomodations - folks just call it the Gringa House. I look forward to meeting everyone this year - get ready for the ride of a lifetime! Always remember - the faint of heart need not apply!
Comment by Gringa Linda — February 22, 2008 @ 2:58 pm
Oops - a typo in my previous post - should be LOS CHARROS - so sorry to my partners in crime!
Comment by Gringa Linda — February 22, 2008 @ 8:19 pm
G’Day!!
My name’s Ally and I’m a solo traveller wanting to do this race so I’m looking for a team to join. I’m Australian, 24, very fit (currently training to climb Mt Kilimanjaro after this race and have done several high-altitude treks around Cusco recently), healthy, easy going and get along with everyone. I spent 7 months living/working in Peru from May-November 2007 so my Spanish is decent and I’m familiar with Iquitos. This race sounds like a grand adventure so if anyone would like to take me on board, please let me know, it would be very much appreciated
Comment by Allison Lee — February 22, 2008 @ 10:16 pm
Oh, Ally again, I forgot to mention my e-mail is: vertigo_ally@hotmail.com if you want to contact me directly. Looking forward to hearing from prospective teams!
Comment by Allison Lee — February 22, 2008 @ 10:23 pm
Welcome Aboard, Jeanie Zinn, Allison Lee and of course Linda Flynn, how could there be an Amazon Raft Race without you !
I want to thank Jeanie for finding the deliberate mistake on the webpage. Jeanie when you get here you will recieve a bottle of wine for seeing that the race dates are incorrect.
Last year when I was working out the dates I did not have a calender to hand so as I did the year before its one day earlier. i.e 2006 race finished 24th September, 2007 23rd September so 2008 must be 22nd September, right ? No, Silly me I forgot 2008 is a leap year.
So here are the correct dates.
Tuesday 16th September 8.30 p.m. Rafters Get Together at the amazon cafe.
Wednesday 17th . 8.00 a.m. Support boats leave for Nauta.
Thursday 18th. 7.30 a.m. Buses with raft crews* leave for Nauta. * Except those who chose to go on the support boat.
Friday 19th, Saturday,20th and Sunday 21st are the 3 race days.
I am sorry for this error and thank you again Jeanie for pointing it out to me.
Comment by Mike Collis — February 23, 2008 @ 12:35 pm
Hey. Myself, my brother and 2 friends definatly want to enter the amazon raft race 2008. Just wondering if having no experiance in raft racing would stop us from being able to enter. My brother and myself have about 16 years sea and river boating experiance but nothing in the way of rafts. We are having talks with our local leisure centre where we all train and they could be interested in sponsering us for charity if we would train to there schedule, and go in the local paper. What do you think? Thanks for your time, Steven
Comment by Steven Reeves — February 25, 2008 @ 1:18 pm
Hahoy there Steve,
We would just love to have you along.Don’t worry most of the rafters are inexperienced and just want to “do it”.
Don’t think about winning the locals are VERY EXPERIENCED and always win.
Please check out the website and see the joining instructions, click here;
http://www.iquitostimes.com/raft-race-2008.htm
Comment by Mike Collis — February 25, 2008 @ 4:19 pm
Hi to Steve from Gringa Linda (see posts 73,74). You absolutely MUST join us! You’ll have an adventure of a lifetime and NO you don’t have to have experience with a raft! With your knowledge sea and river boating - you have a ton more than I had! Say I’m crazy (most do), but my only experinece included going on the Mississippi River two times (kayak and canoe) for which I had no training either! My point is… if I can do it… anyone can! Also, last year I had no plans (or training) to join a team, but was talked into it the day we were to build our rafts! However, this year, being the first team to ever raft twice, I plan to get a little bit in shape (oldest in race last year) and naturally, we will use what we learned good and bad last year! Los Charros raft again on the Mississippi Queen II - hope to see you in Iquitos! Congrats on the sponsorship - you’ll be famous and part of a very elite group - the Great Amazon River Raft Club!
Comment by Gringa Linda — February 29, 2008 @ 2:14 pm
I’am trying to get a team together from Ottawa Canada. So far we have 3. My question is, if we have a spectator(s) that comes along and take advantage of the tour boat, does the tour boat tie up at the same point that the paddlers get out of the water each day? We want to make sure that we can meet up daily.
Any tips on what teams should bring along to supplement what is given by the organizers, food, mosquito nets etc etc??
Comment by Bill Murrell — February 29, 2008 @ 3:04 pm
Hello Bill,
Great News, I’m sure you will will find another paddler, if not we can fix you up easy.
The support boat will always be moored alongside the rafts each night.
Most things you will need can be bought or hired here , so no need to carry equipment to Iquitos, except for life jackets or paddles, which will be provided but may not be as comfortable as your own.
I want to take this opportunity to confirm our first 2 Official entries;
Raft No.1 “Canada One” Captain, David Petroski, Fort Saskatchewan, Canada.
Raft No.2 “Chaos” Captain, Jeanie Zinn, Portland,Oregon
* Local teams do not enter until 1st July.
I would like to add , the second night’s stopover is at the town of Tamshiyacu which will be celebrating the anniversary of the town that night with a big party, now couple that with Dave Petroski’s 71st birthday the same day and we will have one hell of a party that night.
Comment by Mike Collis — March 2, 2008 @ 11:04 am
My wife Mariella Noriega has a Travel Agency and Guide Service here in Iquitos. When you are booking your international roundtrip, you’re much better off price wise if you just book roundtrip to Lima as the agencies outside of Peru charge way too much for the Lima to Iquitos roundtrip. We can book those for you at the local rates. We need the date and time of your arrival into Lima, your name as it appears on your passport and the country or origin. Understand that most all flights arriving internationally into Lima come in too late to make a connection to Iquitos on the same day, so you have an option of taking a hotel in Lima and flying into Iquitos in the afternoon of the next day (get some rest) or sit it out in the airport and take the 4.30am flight to Iquitos.
Mariella’s company is: Chinchilejo E.I.R.L (Solely owned corporation). Her contact info: Chinchilejo@hotmail.com website: www.chinchilejo-tours.com
She and I (her husband Alan Shoemaker) are also guiding a group to Cuzco, Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley following the raft race.
It’s 6 days and begins in Lima, Peru. More details and day by day breakdown will be up on her website soon so keep checking back.
Looking forward to this crazy race again!!
o
Comment by alan shoemaker — March 3, 2008 @ 2:21 pm
Mike,
I am registering 3 crews: Healers-Green, Healers-Red, and Healers-Blue. I currently have 10 paddlers, and may be looking for some help to find 2 more to complete all 3 rafts. Mike, you provided 1 address with the Bank information. My Bank is asking for both the account holders address and the Bank address. I used the 1 address for both, but my bank may “kick” it back. So, in the meantime, please clarify (off-line if you wish). Thanks,
Happy Paddling,
Ross
Comment by Ross Britt — March 3, 2008 @ 2:59 pm
Hello everyone,
I have known Alan and Meriella for years. They have experience guiding to Cuzco. Meriella has the state of the art travel computer set up and can arrange all travel within Peru.
Meriella, correct me if I am wrong but unless our rafters and guests want to spend a day in Lima, I recommend scheduling international flight into Lima so that you arrive early in the morning, between midnight and 4 AM. to give yourself the opportunity to catch five or six flights to Iquitos on the same day as your arrival. Obviously arriving at 4 in the morning will not get you on the earliest flight to Iquitos, but leaves plenty of time for later flights with either Star Peru, Aero Condor, or the late afternoon or evening Lan Peru flights.
Bill Grimes
Comment by Bill — March 4, 2008 @ 9:29 am
Hello Rafters,
Official Entries as of 6th March 2008.
Raft No.1. Canada One, Captain David Petroski, Alberta, Canada
Raft No.2. Chaos , Captain Jeanie Zinn, Portland, USA.
Raft No.3. Easy Living, Captain Dave Kelly, California,Texas,Hawaii, USA
Raft No.4. Healers-Blue. Captain Ross Britt, California,USA
Raft No.5. Healers-Red. Captain Janet Wong, California,USA.
Raft No.6. Healers-Green. Captain Rob Miley,California,Miami, USA.
Comment by Mike Collis — March 6, 2008 @ 10:51 am
Hello! I’m a long-ago friend of Linda Flynn and am trying to talk my mom into doing the race in 2008! I look forward to finalizing plans! Do my mom and I need to find two teammates to go with us or can we be paired with people?
Thank you!
Chantel
Comment by chantel foretich — March 6, 2008 @ 5:14 pm
Hello Chantel,
Thank you for your enquiry.
Here in iquitos we have lots of tourists throughout the year. They arrive and find out about the race and want to take part. We have never failed to find paddlers for the teams that are short.
Take a look at comments Nos.75 & 76 and see Alison Lee from Australia is looking to join a team.
Contact Alison on ; vertigo_ally@hotmail.com
Also Dena Singleton on ; ;Vsakecoach@hotmail.com
Comment by Mike Collis — March 6, 2008 @ 6:54 pm
Myself and a few friends have been excited by the Amazon raft race after hearing about it a month or two ago.
After spending the last few weeks looking into work committments etc we are delighted to say that we would like to enter the race in september 2008.
After regularly looking at the blog i realise that there is a lot of interest this year and would like to sort our entry soon so that we do not miss out.
It will be a team of ex university rowers led by myself (Andy Flegg), all living in the South East of England, all male in our early 20’s.
Please could you send me information on how i should enter our team, where i pay the fees, and anything else that may be useful… It seems like an incredible experience and far outclasses the marathon (35 mile) rowing race that we competed in (with a degree of success!) a few years ago in the north of England!
Thank you for your time and i look foward to hearing from you and entering our team as soon as possible!
Andy
Comment by Andy Flegg — March 7, 2008 @ 10:44 am
Welcome Aboard Andy, We need some Brits , shame Katy’s not coming.
I have emailed the joining instructions to you.
Comment by Mike collis — March 7, 2008 @ 11:27 am
More advice and opinion on travel to Iquitos. Airfare does vary day to day, but a few weeks ago I booked air on Lan Peru from Lima to Iquitos, round trip, on the internet. US residents the fare round trip was $300.00 plus tax. I changed version, upper right hand corner, from US to Peru and the fare was $110.00 plus tax round trip. You have to do this at least 30 days before travel. Further more if your using frequent flyer miles on American airlines you can go free from the USA to Iquitos. American and Lan Peru on partners. 35,000 miles round trip. Lan Peru has there check in open 24 hours a day so if you arrive in Lima at 11PM like I usually do, you can check your baggage and then be free to see some of Limas night life before the 4:30AM flight. Something else to remember is most of the international flights into Lima allow you to check 2 bags of 50 lbs. each. Lan Peru only allows half of that for domestic flights unless you can prove, such as a boarding pass, that you came in on an international flight in the last 24 hours. The extra baggage is not cheap.
See you all in September. Not on a raft. At the finishing line sharing a beer with Mike.
Comment by David Volkmann — March 7, 2008 @ 12:06 pm
One more thing. That may sound like alot of baggage but we go to garage sales prior to travel and bring the maximum baggage of clothes for those in need. We carry on all of our personal items. At most garage sales we go to, the people will usually give us the clothes free, or almost so, if we tell them why we are buying the clothes. We are not missionaries or the like, but $25.00 for a hundred pieces of clothing will put a smile on alot of families.
Don’t know what to do with them when you get to Iquitos? Get in touch with me and I will distribute them or you and I can get in a motocar and go to a village and you can be Papa Noel. You will feel like a rock star when you leave as the children and mothers keep wanting to touch you as you are leaving the village. The next time you come you will be overwhelmed with there love.
Comment by David Volkmann — March 7, 2008 @ 12:17 pm
Hey Ally -
I have quite poor Spanish and questionable judgement which is why I have a plane ticket to Peru and no team at the moment. It is also why I recently needed to be rescued by the UN Military police, but that is another story.
I am in Seattle and looking for three people to start a team. I will drop you an e-mail and welcome hearing from others who are currently Teamless in Iquitos.
vsakecoach@hotmail.com
Comment by Dena — March 7, 2008 @ 12:20 pm
Hello Dena,
Its going to be great to have you with us, and don’t worry you WILL be rafting down the Amazon this September.
Dena we are all intrigued , so you have just got to tell us how you had to be rescued by the U.N.Military Police.
Please tell all.
Comment by Mike Collis — March 8, 2008 @ 11:35 am
I remember that dark night back in 1978 when I walked into out local pub here in Kington,Herefordshire,England. The landlord, Vernon said” Have you seen that Arthur ?” pointing at an handwritten poster on the wall. ” Have you the guts ?” it said “To get a team together, build a raft and then paddle it for 100 miles down the River Wye and raise money for the British Heart foundation”.
I don’t know what posessed me the next day when I contacted the organiser a local insurance salesman. Well we did it, we did’nt win but against all the odds we completed the 100 miles.The race raised about 5,000 pounds ($10,000) a lot of money in those days. The River Wye Raft Race is still going strong after 30 years and has raised millions for charity.
Some of those rafters who did that first race 30 years ago decided that we should have a reunion in August this year. I wanted to track down that insurance salesman and of course invite him too, but he had disappeared. When I eventually tracked him down. he said he really wanted to be with us but he was rather busy organising The Great River Amazon Raft Race. Good on yer Mike, may the Amazon race be as successful as the Wye race and raise lots of money for charity.
Good luck to all you rafters, I’m sure you will have a great adventure and like me make lots of new friends. Oh ! by the way at the bottom of the handwritten poster it said ” The faint of heart need not apply”.
Me take part ? maybe next year !
Comment by Arthur Hyde — March 10, 2008 @ 10:51 am
Hello Arthur, Thank you for the comment, its been a long time.
Come on Arthur get your ass over here in September and compete. I make a pledge here on this blog now , YOU DO IT and I’LL DO IT WITH YOU !
We’re not old Arth, David Petroski from Canada is coming to do it and he’ll be celebrating his 71st birthday on the 2nd day of the race.
Comment by Mike Collis — March 12, 2008 @ 11:20 am
Truth or dare? Mad Mike paddling the Amazon?
This is a challenge that simply cannot be ignored! Imagine the shock and joy of all the bona fide memebers of the Amazon Raft Club (past participants)!
And there would be a hell of a lot more beer on the support boat at the end of a day if Mike had a paddle in his hand!
Raft club members unite! Encourage Arthur to meet Mike’s dare! Come on Arthur - tallyho - this is a once in a lifetime opportunity - don’t wait until next year - just think…Mike paddling, sweating, fighting pain, sun and rain! What a sight to see!
I remember many of us (2008 race) asking Mike why he wasn’t participating too - well, now is your chance to pick up a paddle Mike and VAMOS! We know you are not “faint of heart”!
Comment by Gringa Linda — March 13, 2008 @ 9:34 am
Ooohhhhh Linda, I agree with you. Arthur, we are begging you, please, please. This is a great opportunity to raise more than $10,000 for charity, and for the rest of us to smile a lot. Thank you.
Bill Grimes
Comment by Bill — March 13, 2008 @ 9:58 am
Don’t listen to them Arthur, don’t listen to them.
Tell them you wanna do it and you know that WE could do it.
But unfortunately, tell em something like, your son Toby is getting married that weekend, or that you’ve already promised Annie that you’re taking her on a 2nd honeymoon to Tahiti or that you’re playing golf in the British Open at Lytham St.Annes that weekend. Tell em anything Arthur, don’t do this to me ! You owe me Arthur, Who was it who gave you your lst contract when you set up your building business ? And don’t you now have the biggest construction company in that part of England. Don’t do this to me Arthur.
You know I’ve got a bad back. Help me out Arthur for old times sake, please !
Comment by Mike Collis — March 13, 2008 @ 1:57 pm
Arthur, you do it and I’ll join you and Mike. I did the River Wye Race im 1979 and 1980.
Wally.
Comment by Wally Lloyd — March 13, 2008 @ 2:17 pm
Stay out of this Wally !
Kate Middleton’s not coming and neither is Arthur Hyde.
However, I believe you’ve made a $1,000 bet that you will compete this year and that you will complete the entire course. Well Arthurs not coming, so if there are any teams out there who are a paddler short then Wally is 100% motivated,has long distance rafting experience, he’s old but very fit and strong and most importantly he weighs less than 100lbs.
Contact Wally on ; wallylloyd@hotmail.com
Comment by Mike Collis — March 14, 2008 @ 10:12 am
I am pleaaed to announce the arrival in the Starting Lineup of the “Misfit Toys”
led by Eddie Fox from Washington D.C.
The Official Lineup as of 14th March 2008
Raft No.1. Canada One, Captain David Petroski, Alberta, Canada
Raft No.2. Chaos , Captain Jeanie Zinn, Portland, USA.
Raft No.3. Easy Living, Captain Dave Kelly, California,Texas,Hawaii, USA
Raft No.4. Healers-Blue. Captain Ross Britt, California,USA
Raft No.5. Healers-Red. Captain Janet Wong, California,USA.
Raft No.6. Healers-Green. Captain Rob Miley,California,Miami, USA.
Raft No.7. Misfit Toys. Captain Eddie Fox ,Washington D.C. U.S.A.
Comment by Mike Collis — March 14, 2008 @ 7:00 pm
Raft No.8, Mississippi Queen II
Okay, we are in and on our way back for a second run at the river!
We are now officially entered: Linda Flynn (USA), Claudine (Swiss), and me A.J. (Mexico/USA). We are still waiting to hear from our forth member Sonja, (German).
For photos and a description of our 07 race go to http:\\kayakaj.blogspot.com, 07 Sep 2007.
Comment by A.J. Rivera — March 18, 2008 @ 7:26 am
And we ain’t just whistling Dixie…
Los Charros raft again on Mississippi Queen II - ROCK AND ROLL!
If you are on the fence - trying to decide - wait no longer! Join us, get your fee in before all the slots fill up for the adventure of a lifetime and a pretigious membership in the Amazon Raft Club!
ROCK AND ROLL!
Comment by Gringa Linda — March 19, 2008 @ 12:32 pm
Hello Everyone,
Domestic flights purchased outside Peru usually cost more than those purchased inside Peru.
We have a travel agency here in Iquitos (www.chinchilejo-tours.com) and we know the organisers well.
We will be pleased to help all competitors and their supporters with domestic flight tickets, and we will surely save you money.
Just email me for a quote; Chinchilejo@hotmail.com
We look forward to assisting you.
Comment by Mariella Noriega — March 20, 2008 @ 6:49 pm
The Official Lineup as of 21st March 2008
Raft No.1. Canada One, Captain David Petroski, Alberta, Canada
Raft No.2. Chaos , Captain Jeanie Zinn, Portland, USA.
Raft No.3. Easy Living, Captain Dave Kelly, California,Texas,Hawaii, USA
Raft No.4. Healers-Blue. Captain Ross Britt, California,USA
Raft No.5. Healers-Red. Captain Janet Wong, California,USA.
Raft No.6. Healers-Green. Captain Rob Miley,California,Miami, USA.
Raft No.7. Misfit Toys. Captain Eddie Fox ,Washington D.C. U.S.A.
Raft no.8. Los Charros,Captain A.J.Rivera, Mexico, U.S.A.,Switzerland and Germany
Comment by Mike Collis — March 21, 2008 @ 11:25 am
Hi,
I live in Florida in the US and am putting together a team and I want to enter my team for the race this year.I am looking forward to participatingin the race this year
Comment by Anita Allen — March 21, 2008 @ 6:51 pm
Hey there Mike & everyone
It was great meeting you yesterday Mike, in beautiful Iquitos. Thanks for providing us with the opportunity to share our adventure & our success with everyone. I cant promise we will be able to make it back for the Raft Race in September but I will definitely chat to my team mate Mark about it.
For those of you who dont know, my name is Nathan Welch & I am the Expedition Leader of Expedition Amazonas. My team mate Mark Kalch & I, recently became only the 4th successful team in history to navigate the ENTIRE length of the mighty Amazon River. Some 6800km from its source high up in the Peruvian Andes all the way through to the Atlantic Ocean on the Brazilan Coastline. All done under our own power, both hiking & on an inflatable raft.
So many amazing stories to share…
The expedition pushed us both to our mental and physical limits. We narrowly cheated death on a number of occasions. To claim our ultimate prize of a complete source to sea journey, we had to overcome mother nature’s most unforgiving environments. Serious altitude sickness whilst trekking at over 5000m, snowstorms, 500km of the planet’s most dangerous whitewater, losing our raft in the whitewater & hiking barefoot through remote jungle to find it, being shot at by drug barrons and powerful tidal surges, are just some of the enormous challenges we faced.
If your interested you can visit our website www.expeditionamazonas.com or contact me directly on email: nathan@expeditionamazonas.com
Mike will also be publishing an article in the local newspaper - Iquitos Times.
Thanks Again Mike for the opportunity to share.
Nathan Welch
Expedition Amazonas
www.expeditionamazonas.com
nathan@expeditionamazonas.com
Comment by Nathan Welch — March 23, 2008 @ 2:51 pm
Come on yall - shall we get to know one another on this blog! I visit daily hoping to see the next post. Why not? What ‘cha doin’- wha’t ‘cha plannin’ - waz up - yall? from Mississippi/Iquitos Gringa Linda, Team #8. Los Charros, Captain A.J. Rivera, Raft Mississippi Queen II. Braang it on…yall!
Comment by Gringa Linda — March 25, 2008 @ 8:29 pm
I’m a member of CANADA 1. I have a couple of questions.
1 - If I am not staying on one of the support boats do I need to bring
any equipment, sleeping bag/tent/etc. If so, do I carry them on our raft?
2 - Here, when we go boating we throw our beer in a bag and then in the river
or lake to keep it cold. Is the Amazon cold enough to do this?
Comment by Jim Schurman — March 26, 2008 @ 12:21 am
Welcome Aboard Jim, the Entry Fee of $150 includes everything , but it will be basic. I know that A.J.Rivera will be bringing his own tent. Food will be included but again, this will be basic and is really aimed at the local peruvian teams. But there will be ample food for sale everywhere where we stop. If you carry beer on the raft (we actually frown on this for safety reasons) you can buy a cheap polystyrene icebox here in Iquitos and ice to keep it cold on the raft.. However there will be lots of cold beer for sale on the support boat and it will be cold. I have the responsibilty of ensuring that the beer on board will be kept at a steady -3C , I will do my best to fulfill my obligations on this part.
Comment by Mike Collis — March 26, 2008 @ 10:22 am
I was reading about the rafting race going on in September, and thought maybe some of the foriegn competitors might need a hostel while passing through Lima.
Maybe you would like you to consider us as an option.
“One Hostel” in Lima is centrally located in the beautifull bohemian district of Barranco, “One hostel” features newly refurbished in a turn of the century house, free wi-fi, 24 hour hot water, cable television, a dvd library, free continental breakfast, fresh linens, fresh towels, an outdoor patio, free tourist information, a child-friendly environment, full kitchen, free lockers, daily cleaning and 24 hour security.
You can visit our website to see pictures of the place and if you are in Lima you are welcome to visit us anytime.
Hope to hear from you soon
Cheers,
Melissa Tola
ONE HOSTEL
Av.Grau 717, Barranco - Lima-Peru
Telf: (511)247-7989
web: http://www.operu.com
url: http://www.myspace.com/onehostel
video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GWIlj0CIyIw
Comment by Melissa Tola — March 27, 2008 @ 12:12 pm
I am pleased to announce the arrival of raft No.9 to the starting line.
“Los Otorongos” (The Jaguars) are led by the intrepid Rudy sprenger from Ohio, U.S.A.
The Official Lineup as of 28th March 2008
Raft No.1. Canada One, Captain David Petroski, Alberta, Canada
Raft No.2. Chaos , Captain Jeanie Zinn, Portland, USA.
Raft No.3. Easy Living, Captain Dave Kelly, California,Texas,Hawaii, USA
Raft No.4. Healers-Blue. Captain Ross Britt, California,USA
Raft No.5. Healers-Red. Captain Janet Wong, California,USA.
Raft No.6. Healers-Green. Captain Rob Miley,California,Miami, USA.
Raft No.7. Misfit Toys. Captain Eddie Fox ,Washington D.C. U.S.A.
Raft no.8. Los Charros,Captain A.J.Rivera, Mexico, U.S.A.,Switzerland and Germany
Raft No.9. Los Otorongos, Captain Rudy Sprenger, Ohio, U.S.A.
Comment by Mike Collis — March 28, 2008 @ 11:12 am
Jim,
When is everything not everything? —Basic, yes.
Here is my 2007 experience as far as gear. Last year, I expected nothing and was content. Many of the non-locals expected everything and were disappointed.
Sleeping: The first night, we were provided tents, but in the rain most people woke to find an pools of water in their tent, and all of their equipment wet. Most of those in the boat slept in hammocks, a few in bunk beds. Our team, had our own sleeping gear, sleeping bags, etc… none was provided.
Food: There was confusion whether food and drink was provided the first night — our team did not eat that night. I regretted not having being prepared. I later learned that we could have purchased prepared food onboard. Breakfast was rice gruel or rice pudding, and one slice of bread. For a noon meal, you are on the river and on your own. Evening, second night out was a stop in a small hamlet, and we were provided a tuna/sardine casserole—delicious, thought they did run out, and they had to scramble to find something to eat for the last team in. (Planning?) The third night out is a good size town so you have your choice of outdoor food vendors.
Water: I did not see that potable water was provided; the non-Peruvian teams had bottled water; some Peruvians had water in containers; yet others drank straight from the river.
Equipment: On the raft, we took only what we needed and we left our packs on the support boat. The Peruvians had a plank-canoe peke-peke that carried their gear from site to site.
I hope this helps you. If you need more info you can e-mail me directly at birds2z@hotmail.com
AJ Rivera, Team Los Charros, 20007-#22, 2008-#8.
Comment by AJ Rivera — March 29, 2008 @ 12:12 pm
Hello everyone, my name is Hans and at the moment I’m on my 2nd year at Aston Uni, which is in Birmingham (UK), but I’m actually from Peru and I live there (so me and my friends will be competing as a “national team). This will be our 1st time on this race, giving that just before tuesday we didn’t have any idea that an event like this was taking place in Peru (I guess living in the capital doesn’t always mean you get all the GREAT news)…..
Well,, I was just wondering, do you get any kind of information pack or email after registration is completed with some more detailed information or do we have to be gathering the info as it comes on the blog and website????
Best to all!!!!
Comment by Hans Alarcon — March 30, 2008 @ 11:07 am
Great News Hans,
Once a team has paid their Entry Fee through me or directly to the Regional Governments bank account. I scan your reciept of entry and email it to you. After that I keep in regular contact with all the team captains directly by email, the same info being displayed on this blog. As you are representing a national team I will advise you when to pay your fee, this will probably be in June. I will keep you posted.
Welcome Aboard Hans
Comment by Mike Collis — March 30, 2008 @ 11:39 am
Ahoy there averybody,
I have a question ;
I see that we are provided with 8 balsawood logs and the materials to construct our raft, and this includes jungle vines to last the raft together.
My question is; Can we use plastic or nylon industrial straps instead of the jungle vines ?
Comment by Rudy Sprenger — March 30, 2008 @ 11:53 am
Hello Rudy,
What a good question about the straps. I suppose you mean like those plastic straps that electricians use to fasten cables together and some police use to cuff suspects.
Well if you can find them long enough I can see no reason NOT to allow them and that also includes those nylon straps that they use to bale up cargo etc.
The jungle vines are very good but being not used to them it takes a bit of time
to see how well they hold the raft together.
Comment by Mike Collis — March 30, 2008 @ 12:05 pm
Last year, on the second day, when the vines started to loosen up, I used some parachute cord to augment the vines. Additionally, I notice some people had used nails or spikes. Plastic tie wraps would work great, and would be ideal in addition to the bark and vine strips. Legal??? I do not think anyone would say anything, unless we started to beat the Peruvian teams.
One of the foreign teams used two cargo tied down straps, one in the front and one in the back. Now one said anything, but I did notice that at the finish line, non-participating locals were scavenging / salvaging whatever materials were left behind on the rafts.
Comment by AJ Rivera — March 30, 2008 @ 3:29 pm
Ahoy There Rafters and Spectators,
If you would like more comfortable sleeping arrangements, gourmet food and great wine during the race then I have a few cabins left on the Dawn on the Amazon.
www.dawnontheamazon.com
Comment by Bill — March 31, 2008 @ 10:55 am
RAFT BUILDING
Speaking of raft building, we need to level the playing field. The local teams have many advantages. Look at the photograph of raft 5, at the top of the page. Notice the nylon binding, notice the cross beams, notice the tapered and pointed log ends?
Now look at the International raft, and compare the logs to the national rafts. The more kinks and bendS in the log, the more drag there is. Although we do not expect to win, we do realize that the more efficient the craft, the less energy it takes to drift down the river.
When we showed up last year, we expected a ready built raft, so all we had was a Swiss army knife, and some parachute nylon cord. The local teams had machetes, saws, hammers, axes, nails, spikes, etc… try getting that on an airplane! We had been lucky enough to find some driftwood to use as cross beams. One international team paid a local harvest wood for cross beams.
Mike, will the raft kit include cross beams? Will the support boat have any tools the international teams can use?
Comment by A.J. Rivera — March 31, 2008 @ 12:31 pm
Raft Building.
Yes A.J. there were quite a few shortcomings last year manly because I handed over controll to the Director of Sport, who had personal problems which I wont go into.
This year I will personally take over controll of the race, and I wii ensure ;
That all the logs and materials will be on the beach on Fishermans Island in the morning of the 18th September.
They will be put in piles of 8 and each Captain will draw for his or her pile .
No one will be allowed to start construction untill 2.00p.m.that afternoon.
There will be local men 2 for each team to construct the international rafts under the teams supervision and they will come with their tools.
Last year some local teams whittled their 8″ logs down to 6″. The rules this year
state quite clearly that only the lst and last metre of each log can be cut to make points, so the central 3 metres must remain untouched.
Regarding breakfasts and dinners on race days. We have decided to ask the 3 communities where we stop, Nauta,Por Venir and Tamshiyacu to provide these meals. Each community will be given sufficient money by the Regional Government to buy the supplies and pay local women to do the cooking. But again it will be basic, rice,beans,chicken fish etc.,
If you have questions please do not hesitate to put it on this blog and I will do my best to provide the answer.
Comment by Mike Collis — March 31, 2008 @ 7:19 pm
THE BRITS ARE COMING !
I have pleasure in announcing the arrival of raft No.10 at the Starting Grid.
Andy flegg and his team of ex university rowers have entered with a provisional name of “Andy’s Team”. Welcome aboard Andy’s Team..
Comment by Mike Collis — April 1, 2008 @ 10:42 am
Do I understand correctly? The logs for each raft will be pre-sorted and assigned to each team by lottery? Please confirm. If I misunderstand - then everyone please stop reading here!!! We were so looking forward to arriving a day earlier than everyone else, beating the locals to “the log pile” to get the best logs, and starting to build the raft early - all to get the advantage. Thanks a lot A.J. We had planned on surprising everybody. Now it seems that we will have to rely on our paddling…
Looking forward to your confirmation.
Happy Paddling,
The Healers,
Ross Britt
Comment by Ross Britt — April 1, 2008 @ 3:39 pm
Hello Ross,
Every year since 1999 the local rafters always find a way round the rules, so every year we have to amend the rules to make the “playing field” level as A.J.said.
Last year when the logs arrived at the beach it was chaos because the local teams rushed to select the best logs while the well mannered foreoign teams just stood there and got what was left. Then the local teams started to make their logs 2″ thinner than the stated 8″.
To make it fairer for the international teams no one will be able to select their logs, you are right Ross, and I apologise for the misunderstanding, each team will draw for thier pile of logs.
Also like I said in my comment No.122 only the front and last metre of each log can be altered into a bow or stern leaving the central 3 metres untouched.
Comment by Mike Collis — April 1, 2008 @ 6:54 pm
No problem, you are welcome Ross! A couple of us where planning on arriving a week ahead of time!
Good work on the lottery Mike. Now just to be sure, the raft kit will include,
8 logs
2 cross beams
Soga (bark strips) or vines for binding the raft
4 life preservers
4 paddles
We have the option to bring our own Personal Flotation Devise (PFD), and paddle.
Is this correct?
You know Linda, Claudia, Sonja (maybe), and I are returning so you know we enjoyed the experience as it was last year. The only reason I bring these things up is to help the international teams, who are not familiar with Peruvian time and organization.
You say we can start building at two PM, is that military time or Peruvian time? : )
Comment by A.J. Rivera — April 2, 2008 @ 8:08 am
Hello A.J.,
The Regional Government has assured me that this year’s race will go like clockwork, but thats what I was told last year. This year I will be making sure everything does tick correctly as planned.
The Regional Government will include everything needed by each team for the race and that includes lifejackets and paddles. However, I would prefer that all the international teams bring their own lifejackets and paddles to be sure they are OK and comfortable.
The plan is that the logs will be delivered to Fisherman’s Island during the morning of the 18th. I have to make sure that the logs etc., are guarded so that no one can come early, select the best logs and start building. I could do that easily but I will be needed in Nauta that morning for the ceremony etc., so I will have to get some guards, preferably armed !
I think I should explain that all of us are doing this because we want to. Unfortunately the local teams are only going after the prizemoney which could be 20,000 peruvian soles (about $6,000) and for the very poor people here that is an awfull lot of money. It could feed an entire village for a month, that is why the competition is so fierce.
Comment by Mike Collis — April 2, 2008 @ 10:41 am
The Official Lineup as of 4th April 2008
Raft No.1. Canada One, Captain David Petroski, Alberta, Canada
Raft No.2. Chaos , Captain Jeanie Zinn, Portland, USA.
Raft No.3. Easy Living, Captain Dave Kelly, California,Texas,Hawaii, USA
Raft No.4. Healers-Blue. Captain Ross Britt, California,USA
Raft No.5. Healers-Red. Captain Janet Wong, California,USA.
Raft No.6. Healers-Green. Captain Rob Miley,California,Miami, USA.
Raft No.7. Misfit Toys. Captain Eddie Fox ,Washington D.C. U.S.A.
Raft no.8. Los Charros,Captain A.J.Rivera, Mexico, U.S.A.,Switzerland and Germany
Raft No.9. Los Otorongos, Captain Rudy Sprenger, Ohio, U.S.A.
Raft No.10. Andy’s Team. Captain Andy Flegg, south east England
Comment by Mike Collis — April 4, 2008 @ 6:47 pm
many thanks mike for the information.as discussed i am in the process of geting a team together,cant wait to get back out to peru,my second home laughts.now on the subject of geting in shape.ouch less pub more health club.ok i can do that.I have a serious love affair with the river.Great work mike.look forward to meeting and a drink in the iron bar,reg rob
Comment by robbie — April 6, 2008 @ 12:37 pm
Great News Robbie !
For those of you who don’t know Rob Dowling, he is an intrepid adventurer from Ireland. Amongst his many achievements Robbie has sailed the Atlantic single handed.
I first met Robbie when he turned up here in Iquitos in April 2006. He told me he was going to travel down the Amazon River from Iquitos to Belem on the Atlantic coast. In a boat? I
said,”No”, “In a raft?” , “No” , “In a canoe ? “. “No” he said “In a bathtub ! “.
At first I thought he was mad but the bathtub had been modiefied with extra floatation and was powered by a 15h.p. motor. Robbie set off on the 8th May 2006 to start the 2,465 miles voyage. After 2 weeks he reached Brazil. The autorities kept Robbie there for 6 weeks
by which time ha had run out of time and money. Robbie gave the bathtub away and donated the motor to an indian village. Had Robbie completd that epic voyage he would have raised over $100,000 for childrens charities in Ireland and here in Peru.
Robbie is determined to complete that voyage one day , and I have no doubt that he will.
In the meantime Robbie will be putting a team together and coming to race the Amazon with us in September, again hoping to raise 1,000 s for childrens charities.
See ; http://www.amazonquest.net/
Welcome Aboard Robbie Dowling.
Comment by Mike Collis — April 7, 2008 @ 3:15 pm
RIVER HAZARD—River Stingrays
The boat pulls up as close to shore as possible. A wooden plank is lowered into the water and the passengers start to wade in the reaming five meters to dry land. When the boat carrying the balsa logs arrived, everyone waded to the boat to unload and gather logs. I like Mother Hen, started to tell people to shuffle their feet as they waded. After a few stern looks I felt like Chicken Little, so I kept quiet. A little later, we had our first casualty.
“River Stingrays carry one or more stingers or tail spines on the top of their tails. This weapon is capable of puncturing the hide of a menacing predator or impaling the leg or abdomen of a wading fisherman. It is sheathed in a mildly venomous covering of skin which is pushed back as the point enters the victim allowing the venom to come in contact with the cut tissue. Wounds inflicted by these stingers are apparently very painful but the toxins can be broken down quickly with heat. Treatment of a stingray wound should involve immersing the affected area in water as hot as the victim can tolerate. The wound should also be irrigated to ensure that no part of the spine has broken off.” http://www.elasmodiver.com/River_Stingrays_Potamotrygonidae.htm
As participants of the river raft race we will be wading in the river stingray’s prime habitat—shallow water. The stingrays are common, so DO THE STINGRAY SHUFFLE. Shuffle your feet when you walk in shallow water and probe with your paddle before you step out. -Father Rooster
Comment by A.J. Rivera — April 10, 2008 @ 8:44 am
Yes Folks there’s a jungle out there !
There was a report in our local daily newspaper 2 days ago, backed up by T.V. interviews. About 150 local people were travelling on a river ferry on the Pistachi River some 200 miles west of Iquitos. According to many eye witness accounts they came across an anaconda swimming midstream. Various witnesses claim the reptile was over 80 feet long. The current revord is 33 feet.
Sorry, no photo to back up the claims.
Comment by Mike Collis — April 10, 2008 @ 10:37 am
Hello Everyone,
Over the last 9 years we have never had an Irish team competing. We did, only once, have 1 Irish paddler, the bubbly Aoife O’sullivan who with her 3 girl vet friends took 2nd fastest foriegn team prize in 2006.
It gives me great pleasure now to announce the arrival at the Starting Grid of our first Irish Team,”Amazon Quest” led by “Dub in a Tub” Robbie Dowling,they will be raft No.11.
The Official Lineup as of 11th April 2008
Raft No.1. Canada One, Captain David Petroski, Alberta, Canada
Raft No.2. Chaos , Captain Jeanie Zinn, Portland, USA.
Raft No.3. Easy Living, Captain Dave Kelly, California,Texas,Hawaii, USA
Raft No.4. Healers-Blue. Captain Ross Britt, California,USA
Raft No.5. Healers-Red. Captain Janet Wong, California,USA.
Raft No.6. Healers-Green. Captain Rob Miley,California,Miami, USA.
Raft No.7. Misfit Toys. Captain Eddie Fox ,Washington D.C. U.S.A.
Raft no.8. Los Charros,Captain A.J.Rivera, Mexico, U.S.A.,Switzerland and Germany
Raft No.9. Los Otorongos, Captain Rudy Sprenger, Ohio, U.S.A.
Raft No.10. Andy’s Team. Captain Andy Flegg, south east England
Raft No.11. Amazon Quest.Captain Robbie Dowling , Ireland
Comment by Mike Collis — April 11, 2008 @ 7:00 pm
Where are the Aussies this year?
Comment by AJ Rivera — April 15, 2008 @ 8:07 pm