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About the upper Amazon River, the Amazon rainforest, Iquitos Peru, and Dawn on the Amazon Tours and Cruises.

January 4, 2010

The Great River Amazon Raft Race 2010

Filed under: amazon river raft race — Captain Bill @ 7:37 am

The Great River Amazon Raft Race 2010

The faint of heart need not apply!!!

The faint of heart need not apply

The faint of heart need not apply

Since 1999 the Amazon Rafting Club, based in Iquitos, Peru has invited rafters, canoeists, rowers, paddlers and adventurers from all over the world to compete in The Great River Amazon Raft Race. The 2010 race is hoping to attract more teams than ever before and you are invited. Although it is tough, lots of rafters have completed the course; even some older people. In 2006 the “Over the hill Gang” finished the race and their average age was 68. In 2007 David Petroski, the Captain of the Canada One team, celebrated his 7lst birthday on the second day of the race.

Safety boats will be watching over you so if your tired, sick, or just plain fed up, you will be whisked off your raft and into the support boat before you could say Sarah Palin.

The 3 day race will start in the town of Nauta on Friday, 24th September 2010, and finish at the Fishing club in the City of Iquitos on Sunday, 26th September 2010 mid to late afternoon. Each 4 person crew will paddle a raft they built themselves the day before the race (23rd September). Each raft will be constructed of lightweight balsa wood logs which will be provided. Then the teams will raft down the mighty Amazon River for 112 miles. The winning crews will show excellence in raft construction, teamwork, stamina and knowledge of currents and rivers.

Map of the route of the Great River Amazon Raft Race 2010

Map of the route of the Great River Amazon Raft Race 2010

The History of The Great River Amazon Raft Race

In June 1998 Mike Collis moved to Iquitos from Birmingham, England, for what he thought would be a quiet life. In 1999 Mike was asked by the Director of Tourism in Iquitos if he had any ideas to promote tourism in the Amazon region. Mike told him that for more than 25 years he had organized raft races in England.

The first Amazon Raft Race took place on the 29th July 1999, on the Nanay River. Forty three crews competed in the 12 mile, one day race from Santa Clara to Bella Vista Nanay. The winning team completed the course in just over 2 hours and 30 minutes. The second race, one year later, was on the same course with over 60 teams from 14 different countries competing. In 2003 the course was extended to 26 miles over 2 days, from the village of Nina Rumi to Bella Vista Nanay. The winning team completed the course in 4 hours and 20 minutes.

This race format continued into 2004 and 2005 when it was decided to go for the “Big One” in 2006. This race, the first over such a distance, attracted rafters from 11 countries. The fastest foreign team led by Dale Baskin represented the South American Explorers Club in Quito, Ecuador. The 2007 Great River Amazon Raft Race attracted rafters from Australia, USA, England, Scotland, Peru, Canada, Switzerland, New Zealand, Holland, Germany, and Mexico. The fastest foreign team represented the False Creek Canoe Club from Vancouver, Canada.

The 2008 Great River Amazon Raft Race was the first to be won by a foreign crew. David Kelly and his illustrious “Easy Living” team completed the course in a record time of only 12 hours and 19 minutes. Things went back to normal in 2009 when the first 7 places were occupied by local teams but Easy Living’s record still stands.

Constructing the balsa rafts before the Great River Amazon Raft Race

Constructing the balsa rafts before the Great River Amazon Raft Race

One of the rafts at the Great River Amazon Raft Race

One of the rafts at the Great River Amazon Raft Race

A raft crew at the Great River Amazon Raft Race

A raft crew at the Great River Amazon Raft Race

The finish line of the Great River Amazon Raft Race

The finish line of the Great River Amazon Raft Race

Happy rafters with a well constructed raft, in the shade

Happy rafters with a well constructed raft, in the shade

The mass start from the Isla de Pesacores in the Great River Amazon Raft Race

The mass start from the Isla de Pesacores in the Great River Amazon Raft Race

Race Information 2010

Itinerary/Arrival And Departure Info

All foreign teams must be in Iquitos by Tuesday 21st September for the “Rafters Get Together” and reception at the Amazon Café in the Iron House on the Plaza de Armas at 8:00p.m.

Thursday 23rd September

7:30 a.m. All teams leave by bus for the 2 hour drive to Nauta where there will be a civic reception at 11.00 a.m. in the Plaza de Armas.
12:00 noon . Lunch (provided)

1:30 p.m. All competitors cross the river by boat to Isla de Pescadores (Fisherman’s Island)
2:00 p.m Each team constructs their own raft with local help if required.
6:00p.m. Dinner for competitors (provided)
7:00 p.m Fiesta with music and dancing on the beach.
Sleep overnight on the beach in tents provided by the Nauta City Council.

Friday 24th September

7:00 a.m. Breakfast (provided)
8:30 a.m. Mass start from the beach to the isolated village of Porvenir a distance of 36 miles (average time 6.00 hours).
6:00 p.m. Dinner (provided).
All participants sleep in tents. (provided).

Saturday 25th September

6:30 a.m. Breakfast (provided)
Mass start at 7:30 a.m. .
This 2nd leg is to the town of Tamshiyacu, a distance of 41 miles ( average time of 6.30 hours).
6:00 p.m. Dinner (provided).
8:00 p.m. Grand Fiesta .
All participants will sleep in the school on mattresses (provided).

Sunday 26th September

6:30 a.m. Breakfast (provided).
Mass start at 7:30 a.m.
This final leg is from Tamshiyacu to the Fishing Club at Bella Vista Nanay, just outside the City of Iquitos, at a distance of 41 miles (average time 5.30 hours).

Party and Prize ceremony will follow the finish at the Fishing Club.

8:30 p.m. Rafters Party at the Amazon Café .

Rules

1. Each team must consist of 4 persons.
2. Substitution is allowed, but with a time penalty of 2 hours per substitution.
3. Rafts will be constructed by each team* with a minimum of 8 balsawood logs no less than 5 meters in length.
4. Only the first and last meter of the logs can be carved into points.
5. Only paddles (no double bladed paddles) and sails * may be used; no oars, no motors, no towing. (Paddles will be provided but professional paddles can be used).
6. Life jackets MUST be worn at all times while on the water.
7. Teams must not interfere or impede the progress of other teams.
8. No alcohol or drugs allowed on board rafts.
9. Each team will be allocated a raft number which must be displayed on the raft at all times.
10. The Judges’ decision will be final.

*Foreign teams will be allowed local help if necessary*
•    Sail materials are NOT provided by the organizers  *

Items needed on Raft

Ponchos
Long pants*
Flashlight
Sun screen
Foam rubber for seats
Broad brimmed hat*
Long-sleeved shirt(s)*
Gloves, gardening or similar
First aid kit
Insect repellant
Machete
Snacks/small food items

The above items can be purchased in Iquitos. Items marked with an * can be rented in Iquitos. Lifejackets are provided but you can use your own.

Team Sponsorship

We encourage foreign teams to find sponsors and raise money for a good cause of their own choice.
In 2009 the Belgium One team raised over 5000 euros to help sick children here in Iquitos.

Inscription/Entry Fee for Foreign Teams

The Entry Fee is $400US per team of 4.

This includes everything you will need except sail making materials..
Included is ; transport by bus to Nauta, 8 balsawood logs and other construction materials, lifejackets, paddles , treated drinking water and all meals

Additional Information

Articles about this event can be found by logging onto; www.google.com and searching for Amazon Raft Race.
If you are in Facebook please join Amazon Rafting Club.

The Amazon Rafting Club

The Amazon Rafting Club was informally formed after the 2006 Great River Amazon Raft Race. Membership Fee = *FREE*
President 2009 – 2010 is Linda Flynn who was the Captain of the fastest foreign team in 2009.
Membership Qualifications – Open to anyone who competes in “The Great River Amazon Raft Race.”

Club Benefits – Certificate of Membership; Bragging rights to being one of the elite few who have competed in this unique race.

President 2009-2010

Gringa Linda, three time competitor in the Great River Amazon Raft Race is the president of the Amazon Rafting Club

Gringa Linda Flynn, three time competitor in the Great River Amazon Raft Race, is the president of the Amazon Rafting Club

Past Presidents
2006-2007 Dale Baskin USA
2007-2008 Robyn Tkatch Canada
2008-2009 David Kelly

Amazon Raft Race 2010 Blog
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SIGN UP NOW FOR THE ADVENTURE OF A LIFETIME

CLOSING DATE FOR ENTRIES 1st September 2010

Contact Club President Linda Flynn on ;
linda_flynn2003@yahoo.com

44 Comments »

  1. Welcome to our blogsite where you will find all the latest info, ask questions, and make plans for our next biggest-baddest rafting competition in 2010. Don’t be shy – there are no dumb questions! Ask away and comment, please.
    Also, check our Facebook group from time to time, the Amazon Rafting Club – join, please. Since Dec. 23, membership has grown from 60 to 181 (Jan 4) – thanks, gracias to all. Keep us growing; invite 10 people – let’s get exponential!
    Now is the time to form your team AND challenge others to compete, too. Be the first to sign up and earn the honor of being Raft #1.
    Gracias a todos.
    Gringa Linda

    Comment by Gringa Linda — January 4, 2010 @ 11:01 am

  2. Is it possible to fall overboard and drown, or is that not a possibility? If I am grabbed by a 30 foot anaconda, will I be safe? Is there now or has there ever been anyone who peed in the river? Is it against the rafting rules to urinate in the water? Defecate? If there is a problem with the food supply, can the natives be used as a food source? Can we legally cannabilize them?

    Comment by Beauregard Bocephus — January 4, 2010 @ 12:15 pm

  3. Hi Gringo Linda
    Its great to hear that you are this years president. What plans do you have for the Support boat for this year, is Ed hudson going to get that together,. Hope we can get a better boat together than we had last year. Please let me know what the cost will be,and the dates of trip.
    ALSO I have already gotton my airfare for from 9/18/10 to 10/04/10.
    IF ANYONE IS LOOKING FOR A GREAT PRICE (KAYAK.COM )HAS A GREAT PRICE FOR SEPT)
    round trip from Miami to Lima for $208. TOTAL
    Plus round trip from —Lima to Iquitos from
    STARPERU.COM for only $130. That is a toal of only
    $338. I don,t know how long this price will last.
    So if you are planing on going for sure,now is the time to get your tickets
    See all of you (Linda, Bill ,Ed , Mike )down there on the 19 of Sept

    Comment by CHUCK HALEY — January 4, 2010 @ 3:30 pm

  4. Hope all of you are having a great New Year!! I’ll be there for the next event in Sep. along with Tom. Yeah, let’s get a good support boat with food, cerveza, etc. Chuck and Mike —- two great guys!!

    Comment by Wayne — January 5, 2010 @ 9:43 pm

  5. hi all my love affair with the mighty Amazon river will never end !!cant wait to get back there.
    hey wayne i have a spare paddle !! linda i am posting off the western union money later ref the video last year raft race..snow here now and so so cold !!!

    Comment by rob — January 6, 2010 @ 4:40 am

  6. I remember when you first told me years ago that you planned to start an Amazon Raft Race that would attract people all over the world to come to Iquitos. I didn’t say so at the time,Mike, but I thought you were bonkers. As it turned out, I should have had more faith in you. I just finished reading the article, and it is great: wonderful pictures and apt commentary. The next time you tell me about one of your creative endeavors, Mike, I will take notes. Congrats on the success of the Amazon Raft Race.

    Comment by leo jones — January 6, 2010 @ 11:00 am

  7. Hi Gringa Linda, president of the Amazon Rafting Club. I wonder who will have the honor of being Raft#1 for 2010. International competitors get your money in first for the #1 team.

    Beauregard, if you are grabbed by a 30 foot anaconda, wave goodbye.

    Hi Chuck, nice to hear from you again this year. That is a great round trip price, MIAMI-LIMA-MIAMI, $208. Better lock that in everyone. I’d be surprised if the price gets any lower.

    Hi Wayne, Hi Tom, good support boats are hard to find. Looking forward to seeing you guys again in Sept.

    Hi Rob, I just mentioned you in a recent Captain’s Blog article, What We Learned About Celebrating Your Peru Vacation

    “Most of us won’t remember learning Iquitos is 2,300 miles upstream from the Atlantic Ocean, but we can all enjoy my friend Robbie Dowling’s story of “the dub in the tub”. Robbie attempted to navigate the Amazon River from Iquitos to the Atlantic Ocean,…in a bath tub. Amazingly enough, he made it as far as the triple frontier of Peru, Brazil, and Columbia, but when he tried to cross the border, the coast guard would not give him permission to continue because there is no boat category for bathtubs…Ha, ja, he, je, hi, ji, jijijijijiji”

    You are already a legend Rob…

    Hi Leo, We should know better than anyone, Mike is a great idea man and promoter. I wonder what’s next…

    Bill Grimes

    Comment by Captain Bill — January 6, 2010 @ 11:55 am

  8. Hi to all 2010 competitors and viewers of the Blog! I’d like to know how many schools are considering entering teams, either staff members or students. Markham College in Lima, Peru is going to enter with at least one team of 4 teachers. We are also urging schools around the world to consider doing the same. The more, the merrier.

    So, how many previous year’s veterans are out there willing to share some training tips? I’m already building a raft and tying it to one end of our 25 meter swimming pool to put in many hours of paddling practice before the event.

    Comment by Peter — January 8, 2010 @ 6:13 pm

  9. Wow this looks lilke a great adventure, how would a group that have next to no rafting expeanice go? we all fit we Im not that fit but the others are(so they say just cause they run with Peru runers dont cut it with me)
    but really would we be out of out skill factor, we all live in Lima now but all expats an just love Peru its a wonderful place.

    where do we join? even as surport crew??
    what is total cost to enter?

    Comment by Phil — January 9, 2010 @ 11:49 pm

  10. Hi GRIGO Linda ,Mike Bill
    I now have a local team that I want to sign up for the raft race
    The name of the team Will be ( Amazonchucks Amazon Warriors ) .
    Juan Maldonado will be in to see you MIke to make the payment of for the local team ,he will also give you my teams names Please MARK ME AS THE 1ST. RAFT SIGN UP,LETS GET THE BALL ROLLING. ALL YOU OTHER RAFTERS ARE IN FOR SOME COMPETION ,AS I HAVE MY BUDDY JUAN GETTING TOGETHER A GREAT BUNCH OF AMAZON WARRIORS AND GOING FOR THE WIN
    SEE YOU ALL IN IQUITOS
    CHUCK

    Comment by CHUCK HALEY — January 10, 2010 @ 8:19 pm

  11. Hey Phil – how much rafting experience does a participant have to have? NONE
    Well, this was my case the first time – NONE – nor did I prepare for the next 2 races – NONE – I was running on pure determination and hard-headed-ness – AND after 1st race, I felt so young, strong and happy – I had to do it AGAIN and AGAIN – since that feeling lasts only about a year – until re-fueling with another competition – it’s for fun – adventure – bragging rights – and GREAT STORIES! Nothing to compare with this feeling and this comraraderie – not to mention – international new “lifetime” friends OR raft-race “family” – It’s hard; it’s fun; it’s pure adventure; it’s being able to say – “I did that! – REALLY!” – To finish it to win – just have FUN and collect your stories to tell the grandkids – longest raft race in the world? and you participated? What could be better – creat your own adventure book – you’ll NEVER forget it – NEVER!

    For your other questions, my guru and the originator of race, Mike Collis, will help answer those questions, as I am new to this job. But, not to worry – obviously, you are NOT the “faint of heart” – so, braannng it on… see you at the finish line! Do it!

    Comment by Gringa Linda — January 10, 2010 @ 10:36 pm

  12. Hi PHIL and MARKHAM COLLEGE – how fantastic we will have you as a team – what a wonderful idea for schools to participte – what good publicity for your college – you will be an important tool for our next competition – challenging schools around the world – to learn culture thru IMMERSION – and what memories they will have – what ambassadors you will be – I believe in both – I am an college instructor, too – it is so important to be leaders in learning – can’t wait to meet you all.

    Yes, we have veterans who are great supporters of this raft race – I am confident they will share wht they have learned/experienced. None of us can participate and forget – it becomes a part of who we are – and we all like to share and encourage others.
    Hey yall – past rafters – share your thought here with our new-comers – we could all use some tips, no?

    And what an idea – raft in swimming pool – I better get working… or, we may be eating your dust! You go – wow! Keep coming back to the blog and please, please help us get the most teams ever this year – networking, share the message – that’s the ticket – it will be the biggest-baddest race EVER!

    Comment by Gringa Linda — January 10, 2010 @ 11:08 pm

  13. How about some representation from the EXPATRIATES in Peru? Let’s show the world what we are made of – get your team ready! Come on over to the Amazon jungle, expats! MOTTO of race: The faint of heart need not apply! Can’t say we are the “faint of heart” – we shall apply!

    Comment by Gringa Linda — January 10, 2010 @ 11:26 pm

  14. i’m still thinking about it but there is a very big change i will be there again pfff

    Comment by bowie — January 11, 2010 @ 12:20 pm

  15. All right then Bowie – that’s the spirit – and now… sails to be allowed – adds a whole new twist, no? That’s got to be a hoot and what a sight on the Amazon! Caleb (Dante) and I are planning a visit to your bar soon – want to check it out and say HEY – will something for you when I see ya, amigo – yes, you absolutely MUST joing us next year – you have experience and can be of such great help. Bye the way, in the dvd of 2009 race, you are interviewed – therefore – you are famous! We need you! See you soon. And how could we have another race without TEAMS COCA LOCA and VAMOS YA!

    Comment by Gringa Linda — January 11, 2010 @ 1:21 pm

  16. Re: post #12 above – should read Hi PETER and MARKAM COLLEGE – my apology for using wrong name – my mistake – can’t wait to meet you and your team(s) Peter! Help spread the word, please!

    Comment by Gringa Linda — January 11, 2010 @ 1:29 pm

  17. Hello Linda

    Besides the Blog and your e-mails, how do people find out about the race?

    Comment by Peter in Lima — January 15, 2010 @ 8:51 am

  18. Thanks Gringa Linda,

    Peruvian NGO Pisco Sin Fronteras will be there……..raising funds to continue our operations in support of those affected and displaced by the 2007 earthquake.

    Comment by Pisco Jim — January 16, 2010 @ 4:48 pm

  19. Hi Everybody
    I was on the support boat with Mad Mik ,Ed Hudson,& Gang.All I did was take photos ,drink beer & got sun burned. I think I was in worse shape at end of race than any of the rafters, and I,m going for it again this year. But this year I will be sponsoring a local team the name will be ( Amazonchucks Amazon Warriors ) and we are going for the win. I may make it to the end of race, just barely
    Juan is the captain for the team .amazonjuan2000@yahoo.com
    You can check out the photos of the( 2009 Amazon River Raft Race) on my page on facebook.com/amazonchuck
    Also how many onlookers are interested in getting a boat to enjoy the race in comfortable,on a boat with cabins & fan or a/c ,meals for up to about $300 per person this would be for 5 days –4 nights—.If we can get about 20 people to say yes, then maybe we can get Ed Hudson( edhudsonandes@yahoo.com ) get a boat that you can enjoy the race in style. let me know if you may be interested.
    PLEASE RESPOND
    amazonchuck@yahoo.com

    Comment by CHUCK HALEY — January 19, 2010 @ 4:04 pm

  20. Thought about this race last year but the econ crisis put a top hat on that. I am trying to put a crew together for this years race. We are members of the Earlswood Lakes Sailing Club in Warwickshire, England. We see sails will be allowed this year and being sailors I think we can make use of a sail.

    Hopefully will see you all in September.

    Well done to Pisco Jim for the good work you are doing to help the 2008 earthquake victims, I think Haiti will have enough soon to make a fresh start but Pisco seems to have been put on the back burner, so keep up the good work.

    Comment by Jack Hamilton — January 23, 2010 @ 1:32 pm

  21. To Peter in Lima – I prepared a post which had multiple sites to read about the raft race – posted by a variety of folks, participants, etc. – however, for some reason it did not post, a page that said “spam” came up – so, have to check with Bill Grimes on that, maybe it went to his spam folder -Now, I will prepare a doc with the sites again, if Bill doesn’t have it. It’s so fun to read all the stories of each person’s adventure. You and your team too, will have wonderful stories to tell.

    Comment by Gringa Linda — January 23, 2010 @ 7:08 pm

  22. GRARR NEWS: Great meeting with the group from tourism with regional government, Jan 22. Everyone is fired up and working hard to make this year’s race the “biggest-baddest” race ever AND we know it will take ALL of us to make that happen. And YOU/YOUR TEAM WILL make the difference!
    Report to follow.

    Comment by Gringa Linda — January 23, 2010 @ 7:23 pm

  23. Hello,

    Myself and 3 friends have been planning an Amazon expedition for over a year now – we intend to paddle the river from source to mouth (though we are hiking past most of the rapids). We do however have a gaping hole in our plan as the contact that was going to supply our locally made canoes has fallen through. If you have any advice or know of anyone who may be able to help us please could you drop me an email. thanks so much. Jason

    Comment by Jason Varndell — January 25, 2010 @ 11:40 am

  24. Jason Varndell – nyasa2000@yahoo.com. contact for post on acquiring local canoes

    Comment by Jason Varndell — January 25, 2010 @ 11:43 am

  25. Hello, thanks for checking in to read or post your comments on the Great River Amazon Raft Race Blog 2010. All questions, all answers, and all comments are valuable and much appreciated.

    I wrote an article about the Raft Race that I think you’ll enjoy. Click the link
    Iquitos Peru and the Great River Amazon Raft Race, read the story, imagine your self on the raft, in the race, and give me a smile and a comment.

    Best,
    Bill

    Comment by Captain Bill — February 3, 2010 @ 5:13 pm

  26. Hello Everyone,

    The first team to enter this years race have signed up the “Amazon Chuck’s Amazon Warriors” have now confirmed the raft No.1 spot. Thanks to the legendary Amazon Chuck from Florida who has sponsored the team.

    Chuck is leaving soon for a vacation in Egypt where he will surely see the River Nile. Some say the Nile is the longest river in the world and that maybe true. However, the Nile is nothing more than a long thin worm and is a dwarf compared to our Amazon. Have a great time Chuck, see you in september.

    Comment by Mike Ciollis — February 3, 2010 @ 6:29 pm

  27. Congrats Amazon Chuck and your Amazon Warriors – #1 team paid and official participants – wouldn’t be the same adventure without your smiling face. Juan Maldonado is doing a great job with your team efforts, too. Thanks Juancito!
    And we love your participation on the blog – gracias, amigo.

    Comment by Gringa Linda — February 4, 2010 @ 1:31 pm

  28. HI TO ALL THE ADVENTURE JUNKIES OUT THERE
    COME JOIN THE GREATEST RAFT RACE IN THE WORLD IF YOU DARE I CHALLENGE EVERYONE TO TRY AND BEAT MY (AMAZON WARRIORS) AS I HAVE BEST RAFT CAPTAIN & IQUITOS GUIDE IN MY CORNER & GOING FOR A WIN.( Juan Maldonado ) let’s GET THE BALL ROLLING TO MAKE THIS THE BEST RACE EVER, & LETS MAKE THIS RACE A TRIBUTE TO MAD MIK for 10 YRS OF RUNNING THIS GREAT EVENT ( AMAZON RIVER RAFT RACE). SEE YOU ALL SEPT 21 AT THE AMAZON CAFE PARTY FOR ALL THE INTERNATIONAL TEAMS. LET THE BEER FLOW!!!!

    CHUCK

    Comment by CHUCK HALEY — February 4, 2010 @ 4:28 pm

  29. http://public.bay.livefilestore.com/y1ponl3KHkEroaxn5s6_FTafqWExGKZoA605lX1piFlzBvenAgSC2kJbb2eIg2QsL_-4HeClEqnOXTOh-sM9ca1tA/DSC07319.JPG

    Comment by chuck haley — February 15, 2010 @ 11:43 am

  30. RE bragging rights, We intend to field a team for the very first time but have decided to tell all our friends that we won is this within the rules of our full bragging rights ,???

    We can cross the hand of all officials with dollars to enable us to win if this will help.

    Thank you for your understandung in this small matter of tell fibs.

    PS, we are flying from the uk with bat winged jackets to be worn ONLY at night to keep warm.

    From the team captain and big cheat ZEEDINE.

    Comment by zeedine — February 20, 2010 @ 12:31 am

  31. Hi Gringa,

    Could we join as non competitor followers? We use a 2 person folding kayak and could be in Iquitos at the time of the competition. We would like to depart with the competitors, but not be part of the competition since our boat will be of a different class :) )

    Let us know. We would love to be part of the fun.

    Cheers,

    Jorge

    Comment by Jorgesgs — February 20, 2010 @ 5:21 pm

  32. Thanks to Chuck for the link to a great photo at the reception in Nauta on first day of race – our distinguished founder and coordinator – Mike Collis.

    Also, check out this post in our Facebook group – Amazon Rafting Club (join us if you are not a member and help us grow). Here it is:

    Jesse Brock 2001 International Champion Baby!!! haha

    Well, Jesse – come on back and braannng it onnnn, bubba!
    Please post something of your experience – we want you to come back and break your own record.

    See in Septemer!

    Comment by Gringa Linda — February 21, 2010 @ 6:17 pm

  33. Hola ZEEDINE team – thanks for the great news – and yes, BRAGGING RIGHTS (no extra charge!) – included with registration – how else will we “carry the message” about the raft race!
    Oh, heck yea – we earn the right to “share cultural experiences” with others – that they might seek such an adventure one day, as well! haha-jaja!
    Like we say – TO FINISH IS TO WINB

    Comment by Gringa Linda — February 24, 2010 @ 7:04 pm

  34. Hola ZEEDINE team – thanks for the great news – and yes, BRAGGING RIGHTS (no extra charge!) – included with registration – how else will we “carry the message” about the raft race!
    Oh, heck yea – we earn the right to “share cultural experiences” with others – that they might seek such an adventure one day, as well! haha-jaja!
    Like we say – TO FINISH IS TO WIN (including your OWN story – of course) – see “yall” at the finish line!
    Challenge other wild and crazy people like us to enter – we want to break the all-time record of teams entered = 46 teams – so, let’s shoot to BREAK the RECORD!
    Team VAMOS YA from Gringa Linda

    Comment by Gringa Linda — February 24, 2010 @ 7:08 pm

  35. Hi JORGE and team!
    I am thinking ABSOLUTELY – why not – what a way to share the fun, no? Basically, you would be on your own adventure – but, just happened to take place same time, right? Sounds like fun!
    Kayakers – bet you know “other kayakers” who might want to COMPETE in the raft race……
    Let us speak about it get back to you….. but, true raft-race competitors will be on a self-constructed raft of 8 balsa logs – why not consider a RAFT – just thinking…..
    Thanks for participating on the BLOG – and HELP US find other adventurers who would not like to miss this opportunity. Thanks, Jorge – from Gringa Linda

    Comment by Gringa Linda — February 24, 2010 @ 7:18 pm

  36. Had two emails with two teams wanting to compete this year! YEAAAAA! More on that later – “keep ‘em ‘coming” – this is OUR YEAR – there is TALK of getting this competition – the LONGEST RAFT RACE IN THE WORLD – in the Guiness Book of World Records – just think! You might be a part of that legacy – stranger things have happened!
    Team VAMOS YA! (Let’s go – right now!) Gringa Linda

    Comment by Gringa Linda — February 24, 2010 @ 7:24 pm

  37. Thank you for lovely warm reply to my naughty comments about us cheating ( i say old boy not us )
    WE ARE BRITISH.

    Getting my son and daughter to be on my team was like pullings wales teeth; but finally with a large cash enducement they have final agree to come, both are convinced that they will be eaten alive by those little beggers the piranas , tell me it’s not true please.

    The fellow paddiers sound a wonderful collection of people. we look forward to being part of the fun. captain

    zeedine. retired.

    Comment by zeedine — February 25, 2010 @ 12:49 am

  38. CAPTAIN ZEEDINE and team:
    How incredible you will share this experience with your son and daughter – your gradchildren will have a great “show and tell” for school one day – rafting the great Amazon river!!! Couple years ago – a retired gentleman and his entire family from Canada did the race – they will never forget it! His son or son-in-law maybe was on the winning team that year, too – first time team from USA ever beat the local jungle-men teams!!!! And another time – we had the oldest team participate – the Over the Hill Gang, as I reall – what a feat – some over 70!

    Also, one year we had several teams representing the Brotherhood and Sisterhood – from England working for their favorite charities. Bet there are other British teams just waiting to join us.

    And don’t worry about the pirañas in the river – just the ones on the street! – the ones who would like to take your money – haha! You’ll be fine…. they do say tho – don’t pee under the water – there is a little fish attracted to the urine that can be a pain in the ####!!!

    Can’t wait to meet all of you! So happy to have you and your team!

    Comment by Gringa Linda — February 25, 2010 @ 2:33 pm

  39. Hello Linda,

    Last year it was reported that a team of Extreme Sportists From Iran were going to take part but could not make it. Will they be competing this year ?? I sincerely hope so.

    Cheers

    Comment by Don Millar — February 27, 2010 @ 8:36 am

  40. To DON MILLAR:
    I submit this question to our esteemed originator Mike Collis – do you have an update Mike?

    “Gringa Linda” Flynn
    Team ¡VAMOS YA! (Let’s go already!)
    3-time participant and supporter
    Respectful president of Amazon Rafting Club
    Help our membership grow – please join!
    http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=164141213368&ref=mf

    Comment by Gringa Linda — February 27, 2010 @ 6:11 pm

  41. hi all ah Bill kind words ref the bath,,ok right this year i will get my bath from the farc rebels no matter what ill be armed to the teeth!!!!columbia here i come…media in Ireland are looking for the icon bath .. 2 trips no luck but third time lucky hey…guys cant wait for the raft race again, Linda here i come girl for a injection of adventure.ill catch up with your wonderful record (smiles ) we get a bigger snake to bite you !!tie you down in the rain forest !!Madam President you have my respect..Gringo Linda go is boss man !rob Ireland

    Comment by rob — February 28, 2010 @ 8:57 am

  42. Hello Don Miller,
    Amin Adil the Captain of the Iran One Team told me today that they want to participate this year and that he will get back tome when he has a confirmed team.

    Comment by Mike Collis — March 4, 2010 @ 8:40 am

  43. I am sending the message below to any organization who might have an interest in participating thru searches on Facebook and Google. Please do the same – kayaking, canoeing, wild sports, – you have ideas, too, no? Please help us make this the “biggest-baddest” raft race yet!
    MESSAGE:
    Take your adventuresome spirit a step beyond and join us for the 12th annual Great River Amazon Raft Race based in Iquitos, Peru. Paddle 3 days for a total of 112 miles in the longest raft race in the world. National and international teams of four build traditional river raft with eight balsa logs tied with rope or soga (vine) – bragging rights for a lifetime and great stories. Race for prize money or raft for fun or participate on the support boat river cruise while cheering for your favorite team. Raise money for your favorite charity. See you in the jungle September 21-25 this year – don’t miss this incredible adventure.
    Join group on Facebook
    http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=164141213368&ref=mf
    Check official blog:
    http://dawnontheamazon.com/blog/2010/01/04/the-great-river-amazon-raft-race-2010/comment-page-1/#comment-38738
    Contact: Linda Flynn, 2009-2010 president, Co-coordinator GRARR, 3-time participant, linda_flynn2003@yahoo.com

    Comment by Gringa Linda — March 8, 2010 @ 8:50 pm

  44. Hi Gringo Linda
    Have you any information on the support boat.I hope you can get a good one this year
    Amazonchuck

    Comment by chuck haley — March 13, 2010 @ 5:59 am

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