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A Hornets Nest in Malaysia

David Ogden / 02.09.2004

The Langkawi Challenge was a new Malaysian race for 2004, running for 5 days and covering 400km around the main island of Langkawi with stops at 13 other smaller islands. There were 12 disciplines and 4 stages, the final one planned as a non-stop 36 hour section, so this was going to be a demanding race, especially as I was with a novice team drawn from staff of the locally based Wilderness Centre, an outdoor training centre for young people.

Sat 20th August. Registration and Briefing.

Ten teams entered the inaugural race and gathered at the Aseania Resort, which was to be the Race Headquarters. Competitors were somewhat confused as the previous evening a completely new kit list for the race had been issued and contained some items which were not available locally. One team had to arrange extra gear to the flown by DHL from Sabah.

Race rules were also changed from those previously issued and actually contained a third version of kit plus a note banning clips and personal paddles. Although helmets were meant to be certified for climbing, mountain bike helmets were allowed and when an abseil test was carried out using a most complicated anchoring system the riggers made various errors. Our team made the decision that if during the race we were not happy with the rope sections we would take a penalty. The race briefing was held at 2300 and only covered the first day, but the Race Director appeared unwilling to answer any questions. However, we did find out that due to the nature of the course support crews would only meet up with teams at the end of the day.

Sun 21st August. Day 1 - Stage Race (Run-Sampan-Trek- Kayak-Swim-Abseil-Tubing-Run)

The teams were set of at 15 minute intervals, however half an hour before the start we were advised no water was available at transitions. Eventually the race director arranged to provide three water points, even so teams still needed to carry six liters of water, plus their climbing gear.

Wilderness International were the third team away and set off in good spirits, Our team Captain Darren carrying a kayak paddle which we thought might be useful in the Sampan. The Sampan was quite a sturdy boat and Nadir took over the oars standing with crossed arms facing forward and leaning into the oars to apply power. The kayak paddle was taken from us though and we were left with three rough, wooden paddles. Two off us started paddling; whist the third person bailed the water from the bilges. We made steady but slow progress and could see the two teams ahead, occasionally we lost directional control. Both Darren and I took turns on the oars whilst the others paddled and approaching the shore we had to negotiate a small reef.

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