Wilderness Challenge 2009 Accommodations

Frequently Asked Questions

CONTESTANTS: This year we're looking for a maximum 60 teams from all five U.S. military branches for another exhausting, yet enjoyable, competition scheduled for October 7-9, 2010. Registration acceptance date to be determined. Below is a list of frequently asked questions with answers that might help you learn more about the event:

HOW DO I REGISTER? Download the registration form. You will need Microsoft Word. Fill it out completely and send the entrance fee to the address provided on the form. The quickest way is to fax the registration and call us with a credit card.
Note: Payment and registration form must be submitted together in order to be considered a valid entry.

HOW MUCH DOES THE EVENT COST? $700 per team.

HOW DO I PAY FOR THE EVENT? Commands, MWR or a combination of both funded many teams. We will accept credit cards, debit cards, checks or money orders.

CAN WE BRING ALTERNATES? Teams are permitted to bring alternates, however, a male can only replace a male and a female can only replace a female. In the event that an alternate has to be used, your team is out of competition for any award.

WHO IS ELIGIBLE? Active duty military are eligible to participate. Copies of the participants ID cards must be submitted with the team packet that you will receive upon acceptance.

DO YOU NEED VOLUNTEERS?
Yes. We could always use a little help. Volunteers must be at list 18 years of age. Our most urgent need is Corpsman / Medics to man checkpoints deep inside the trails to assist the injured, dehydrated, etc. Other volunteers will be utilized as start or finish-line crew. Transportation to the start / finish line will be provided.

WHAT DOES A TEAM CONSIST OF?
A team will have four members. At least one of those members must be female. All must be active duty.

CAN I SUBSTITUTE MEMBERS AFTER I SUBMIT MY TEAM ROSTER? Yes, liberal substitutions may be made up to 30 days prior to the event. After that, the team roster must be solid and the members ready to participate. All eligibility rules apply to the substitutes.

WHAT HAPPENS IF DURING THE EVENT ONE OF THE TEAM MEMBERS IS HURT AND UNABLE TO CONTINUE? If a team member is unable to continue, the remaining members may continue to compete but will be out of contention for the awards.

IS THIS A STAGED OR CONTINUOUS EVENT? Friday is staged, giving you some time between each event to change, rest, rehydrate or refuel. Saturday will be continuous; when you are ready, you may move on to the next event.

WHAT QUALIFICATIONS DO I NEED TO COMPETE? None are required. This event has been designed so that every active duty member already possesses the skills needed.

I'VE NEVER RAFTED BEFORE. HOW DO I GET DOWN THE RIVER? Since the river you will be going down is highly intense and very technical, we have hired the best river/raft guides in the area. They will get you down the river the fastest, yet, safest way.

IS THE WATER COLD? The water temperature during that time of year is about 55 degrees. You may bring your own wet suit or rent one for a nominal fee when you get there. Some sort of identification must be left in lieu of the rental.

I'M NOT A STRONG SWIMMER SO I'M CONCERNED ABOUT TIPPING OVER IN THE KAYAK OR THE RAFT. ANY SUGGESTIONS? Throughout the water portion of the event, there will be numerous water safety experts on the water at the time and place that you'll be there. Also, everyone is required to wear the personal floatation device provided. These life jackets have been approved by the State of West Virginia and may not be substituted.

I'D LIKE TO BRING MY OWN BIKE FOR THE EVENT. CAN I? YES, you are permitted to bring whatever bike you think will help you win this event. All bikes will be transported via our host site. If you do not have a bike, bikes are available in Fayetteville at New River Bikes at 304-574-bike or at Ace Adventure Resort. Because we are unable to verify the quantity and quality provided by rental agents, it is recommended that you bring your own bike.