Frequently Answered Questions
Primal Quest 2008
Frequently Answered Questions
General
Q. What is Primal Quest?
A. Primal Quest is the World’s Most Difficult Human Endurance Competition, a 5-10 day expedition adventure race. It is the largest non-motorized, multi-sport, multi-day event of its kind in the US.
Q. What is an adventure race?
A. An adventure race is a dream come true for the adventure seeking athlete. It demands what all other sports combined can ever demand of an athlete. Adventure racing demands strength, courage, intelligence, organization, commitment, speed, teamwork, endurance, and an ability to compete without sleep. It also requires that you maintain a certain level of proficiency in many different disciplines including navigation, climbing, paddling, and biking, and continually adds new disciplines to the list, like whitewater swimming and canyoneering. You compete in the open wilderness, surviving on what you carry on your back, problem solving with a group of friends and being challenged physically and mentally. Life just doesn’t get much better than this.
Definition fromËśThe Complete Guide to Adventure Racing”™ by Don Mann and Kara Schaad
Q. What are the dates for the next Primal Quest?
A. June 21 - July 2, 2008
Q. Where will the 20008 race be located?
A. The 5th edition of the Primal Quest Expedition Adventure Race will be held in the great state of Montana.
Q. Where else has the Primal Quest race been held?
A. The inaugural race in Telluride, CO (2002) was followed by Lake Tahoe, CA (2003) and the San Juan Islands of Washington State (2004). lways looking to provide competitors with a dramatic change of scenery from race to race, the 4th edition of PQ pitted teams against each other and the hostile summer desert environs of Moab, UT (2006).
Q. We didn’t enter the first lottery round but saw the field got expanded again to 90 teams and we’d like to get in. Do we have a shot? We have not registered online as of yet.
A. You have a shot!!! Register today!
Q. What is the purse in 2008?
A. Over $175,000 USD in cash and prizes will be awarded to competitors including:
- 1st Place Team = $25,000, plus free entry into Primal Quest 2009
- 2nd Place Team = $18,000, plus free entry into Primal Quest 2009
- 3rd Place Team = $15,000, plus free entry into Primal Quest 2009
- 4th Place Team = $12,000, plus a PRO discount of 50% off entry into PQ 2009
- 5th Place Team = $10,000, plus a PRO discount of 50% off entry into PQ 2009
- 6th Place Team will receive a PRO discount of 50% off entry into PQ 2009
- 7th Place Team will receive a PRO discount of 50% off entry into PQ 2009
- 8th Place Team will receive a PRO discount of 50% off entry into PQ 2009
- 9th Place Team will receive a PRO discount of 50% off entry into PQ 2009
- 10th Place Team will receive a PRO discount of 50% off entry into PQ 2009
- First-class awards to all finishers
- And plenty of SWAG from our generous 40+ sponsors
Q. How many teams will participate this year?
A. 80 - 90 Co-ed teams are expected to compete in 2008.
Q. What teams are participating this year?
A. Click here for a list of 2008 teams.
Q. Will there be television exposure in 2008?
A. We are currently deep in negotiations with several TV Networks. Once we have a signed contract we will provide more information on this subject.
Website
Q: How do you provide web tracking during the race?
A: Primal Quest uses the SPOT satellite messenger to track racers. SPOT is perfect for racers because it is rugged and reliable enough to stand up to the extreme conditions of the race. It’s small enough to carry easily. SPOT has also partnered with Primal Quest to provide us with their SPOT Racing software for sophisticated real-time mapping, tracking and leaderboard pages on ecoprimalquest.com. For more information, go to http://www.findmespot.com/
Q. Is there a looking for teammate section on the website?
A. Check out the Team Resources page on our website for support crew and team mate finder support.
Q. How do I log into our team page on the Primal Quest site?
A. We are finalizing a procedure for teams to log into their own team pages for adding content, photos, sponsor acknowledgements, etc. We’ll be letting team captains know how to log in as soon as this function is available.
Q. Where can I go to see the 2006 Primal Quest Opening and Closing ceremonies?
A. Click here to see the videos.
Primal Quest Merchandise
Q. What Primal Quest branded merchandise is available?
A. Visit our on-line Shop PQ page to chose from 2006 PQ DVDs, Primal Quest embroidered shirts from RailRider®, PQ hats by Headsweats®, The Complete Guide to Adventure Racing, and PQ stickers and tattoos. We’ll be adding more items soon to including PQ-branded map holders, Buffs, Camelbak water bottles, etc.
Keeping in Touch
Q. My team is competing in the 2008 Primal Quest race. Is there a place we can communicate with other teams who will be racing?
A. The PQ Forum is now online and live. You can check it out by clicking on the Forum tab on the top menu of the PQ site.
Q. Why should I subscribe to the PQ Newsletter?
A. Through the newsletter, we’ll distribute details about the 2008 Primal Quest Expedition Adventure Race and other key race information. If you subscribe, you’ll be one of the first to know the news! Team captains are automatically added to the subscription list.
Q. How do I subscribe to the PQ Newsletter?
A. Just click on the white envelope found in the right sidebar of any web page or here. All you need to supply is your email address (required) and we will put you on our PQ Newsletter distribution list.
Q. How do I opt in or out of future Primal Quest emails?
A. In each email you receive, there will be a link to unsubscribe or change your areas of interest.
Volunteers
Q. How many volunteers does it take to put on a race of this length?
A. Approximately 90 volunteers from five continents, 19 countries will help support PQ 08.
Q. What should I do if I want to volunteer?
A. We have already met our maximum number of volunteer applicants for 2008, and our volunteer list is closed. Please watch our website for info and contact us early for the 2009 event as our volunteer positions fill very quickly.
Q. I’ve been selected to volunteer in the 2008 Primal Quest. How can I communicate with others who will be also be volunteering?
A. A PQ volunteer forum is being finalized. Our volunteer coordinator, Suzanna Greever will add your name to the list and will send you information on how to log in to this area.
Media
Q. I”m a member of the media. When can I register for PQ 2008?
A. Once the Press/Media Registration details have been finalized, the registration information will be posted on the website. Plus, if you are subscribed to our PQ Newsletter, you will receive email notification of the posting.
Q: Does PQ 2008 have a media guide?
A: Yes it can be found on the Media Resources page of the Primal Quest website.
Course
Q. Where will the 2008 Primal Quest take place?
A. We’ve disclosed that the course is in the Rocky Mountain States of the US. As part of our agreement with the permitting agencies with which we’ve developed very cooperative relationships, we will wait until the permitting process is completely finalized before making an announcement.
Q. Primal Quest is legendary for its challenging courses. How will this year’s course stack up to those in previous races?
A. Last year’s race was the fourth Primal Quest, and racers rated the course as the toughest yet. As explained by Don Mann, I remember Robin [Benincasa] crossing the finish line and collapsing on the ground saying ‘Never again!’ Ian [Adamson] retired after that race. The fact that the course was 500 miles in length, unsupported the whole way, and extremely hot and dry, led many of the veterans to declare it the toughest course in PQ history. This year, they’ll retract that statement.
Because the weather will be much more moderate this time, and teams will be supported, we felt that we could make the course even tougher. There will be much better support options this time out, but the teams are really going to need it.
Q. I heard there is a lot of elevation involved in this year’s course. What is the elevation change?
A. The summit of Mt. Everest is 29,026 feet, which after leaving base camp is just over 13,000 feet (4000 m) in elevation gain. Primal Quest 2008 will have close to 100,000 feet (over 30,000 m) of climbing.
Q. How safe is Riverboarding?
A. Riverboarding is actually quite safe despite being physically and mentally challenging (as well as an adrenaline rush). “Swimming” in a river is far more dangerous than riverboarding, which is why riverboarding is in many respects safer than rafting or kayaking. Unlike with boating, where there is immediate danger if you fall out of the boat, riverboarders are already in the water, and fully in control. That is the main separation, the ability to be in the water and have control over where you are going.If a person falls out of a raft, they have only their life jacket and swimming ability to get them to safety, and the only thing out of the water is their head (and if they’re in a rapid, it’s only out of the water for moments at a time). Being deep in the water brings up the potential for foot and body entrapments, as well as putting the body into the deeper currents, which often flow down and through underwater boulder sieves.
But on a riverboard, and with fins, riders are on top of the water, and can easily control their direction and speed because of the propulsion of the fins, which function as blades on a paddle, and utilize the biggest muscles in the human body for power, the upper legs.
With all that said, it’s important to remember to always hang on to your riverboard, even if you fall off momentarily. It is your shield from rocks and the ship to guide you through the waves, so get back on as quickly as possible and keep moving.
Also, if you are going as fast or faster than the current, you will have more control. Similar to a sports car going downhill on a curvy road, if you give it gas you can zip through the turns. But put that car in neutral, and you are at the mercy of gravity and the road. On a riverboard, if you are letting the river push you from behind, it’s the same thing as that sports car in neutral. So always keep kicking through rapids - you’ll have more control and your momentum will carry you through any sticky hydraulics.
Q. What can we expect in terms of white water?
A. It’s possible that this could be a big water year, but it doesn’t look like it will be. From what we are finding Montana is only at a little over 100% of average snowpack, which is not early indication of major flooding. But, with the shift in climate change to a more hot/cold cycle as opposed to the more gradual seasonal one, it’s very possible that it could all melt off really quickly if it heats up overnight, bringing up water levels with it. We will have a much better indication of expected water levels by mid-May, but no matter what you should plan on the whitewater being solid class IV in sections, with class II and III whitewater elsewhere.
The water will be cold (average water temp in June is in the high 40’s) and challenging, so we definitely recommend getting some experience with your riverboards prior to getting to Montana.
Certifications
Q. Can I use proof of completion in another event in lieu of the mandatory ability skill certification forms?
A. We accept proof of completion of:
- A 1-mile swim or longer in another event in lieu of the Swim Certificate, as long as the event took place within one year of the Primal Quest start date.
- An individual orienteering event may be used in lieu of the Navigation Certificate, , as long as the event took place within one year of the Primal Quest start date.
If unsure if your medical certification meets the requirement, please contact Chris Caul at chris.caul@ecoprimalquest.com.
Training
Q. What advice would you offer to racers who plan to compete in the 2008 PQ?
A. Train for mountainous climbs and descents. There will be lots of elevation change.
Q. Can you suggest any training program ideas or specific things other people and teams have used and are needed to do in preparation for the event?
A. Quick Answer: Training needs vary greatly from team to team. Your team may want to contact our partner Boulder Performance Networks. LLC to sign up for a customized training program with Danny Suter!
Slightly longer answer: Primal Quest is a long and very challenging course with lots of different terrain, lots of altitude gain/loss (close to 100,000ft/30,000 m gain), and the possibility for huge changes in climate and temperature. The white water sections will be quite challenging. You should also come to the starting line ready to navigate. Navigation in PQ 08 will be more than any of the previous PQs.
Athletes should be well versed in both day and night navigation, able to treat and manage medical issues that arise, and able to understand nutrition and hydration both for themselves and a teammate under extreme physical and emotional demands. These tasks, and more, must all be done under severe sleep deprivation. Team DNFs occur mostly for two reasons: (1) feet problems and/or (2) stomach problems.
Gear
Q. Are teams allowed to use their cell phones during the race?
A. Cell phones are for emergency use only. You’ll need to have a FULL charge on your cell phone in the event of an emergency, as you may need to talk through a rescue or medical emergency with our Medical/SAR team. Additionally,support outside the TAs is unauthorized and subject to Disqualification.
Q. While reviewing the first gear list we saw that we will need tools for assembling our bikes does this mean we will need bike boxes for transport, or is this taken care of?
A. As this is a supported race, the use of bike boxes will be left up to teams and their support crew. Primal Quest will not be transporting bikes along the course. The assembly tools noted on the site are for the support crew to use in assembling bikes at Transition Areas.
Q. What type of boats will be used for paddle sections in the race?
A. Hard shell two-person kayaks will be used for up to class II and flat water paddle Sections. Rubber duckies will be used for class III paddle sections.
Q. Will PQ be providing skirts for the kayaks?
A. No, but skirts are recommended. Boats are 2-person Necky Amaruks (for proper fitting).
Q. Will teams be required to hike with their riverboards during the race?
A. No, at least not more than a few 100 feet between TA’s and the river. So do not let riverboard weight dictate your choice. This river section is going to be serious Class III rapids with a possibility of seeing Class IV depending on snow melt.
Q. Are any specific Riverboards NOT approved?
A. The following riverboards are not approved for the Riverboarding section due to poor performance from the 2006 UT race: NRS Manta or Sevylor Inflatable Bodyboards due to safety issues on whitewater.
Q. What about required uniforms for the race?
A. PQ will provide race jerseys for the Montana event to which you may attach sponsor patches.Ă‚ Jerseys will be shipped to team captains well in advance to give you time for sewing.Ă‚ Otherwise, there is no requirement for uniforms.
Host Venue
Q. What can we expect for accommodations?
A. The host venue will have several comfortable and affordable options for teams. Each team will arrange their own accommodations based on their needs. More information will come when the course location is announced.
Sponsor Partnerships
Q. What does it cost to be a sponsor for PQ?
A. We have several Primal Quest Partner Plans available accommodating budgets of all sizes. So no matter how big or small you want to come on board we have a place for you. To obtain sponsor information, contact sponsor@ecoprimalquest.com.
Q. I like to buy from companies that support the sport of adventure racing. What sponsors are currently committed to PQ 2008?
A. We couldn’t agree more! Visit our Partners page to see our current list of sponsors. Please note this list is ever changing as we reach agreements with more and more companies, so please, check back often. We could not put on a race at this level without them and they deserve the enthusiastic support of the whole Adventure Racing community!
Check back often for updates!
