Volunteering for the Yukon River Quest, Canada
Longest Annual Canoe and Kayak Race in the World
Jun 22, 2009
Those who choose to embark on an endurance race such as this one are, without question, entering a race that requires training, focus, determination, experience and sleep deprivation. The race usually starts the last week of June and takes most teams a couple of days to complete if they are successful. Teams vary from solo or tandem canoes, kayaks or voyageur canoes which usually hold up to nine members.
Each team prepares a carefully balanced boat with required safety and survival gear, water and mapping systems, and food to support them for their journey. Verbal checkpoints are set up along the way to monitor teams and mandatory checkpoints where teams must stop paddling are located at Carmacks and Kirkman Creek.
Supporting Paddlers in Carmacks
Volunteer support at the Carmacks checkpoint is vital since most racers are exhausted and need to fuel up on some well-deserved food and sleep. At Carmacks, crews tirelessly work at providing support for the racers by:
- Handling and hauling boats as they arrive and prepare to leave for the second portion of the race
- Setting up a sleeping area and shelter prior to the team’s arrival
- Keeping time and providing wake-up calls for teams
- Preparing a hot drink and a warm meal upon arrival
- Providing moral support for all racers.
Having support along the way in an endurance race, whether it’s your dad, sister, neighbour or stranger is a real morale booster. Although river levels and weather conditions were favourable in 2008, twenty out of eighty-nine entrants scratched during the race. For some, the race took under 40 hours but others might be out on the river paddling for over 70 hours. Racers report dire fatigue leading to hallucinations, especially as the midnight sun sets and the nights become colder. To have volunteers, friends and family members cheer on the teams from the riverbanks definitely has a positive impact on teams attempting to make the finish line in Dawson City.
Volunteer Appreciation in Dawson City
Every year at the end of the race, volunteers, racers and support crews gather in Dawson City for a final lunch-time banquet and BBQ. Here, volunteers are recognized for their work in making the race happen for another year. The list of responsibilities varies from timekeeping, checking boats for their safety requirements and transporting racer vehicles and gear from Whitehorse to Dawson. Because of their efforts, the Yukon River Quest will sound its horn in Whitehorse again for its 11th year in 2009.
The Yukon Marathon Paddling Association is always looking for volunteers. If you live in Whitehorse and would like to volunteer, visit their Yukon River Quest website. The 2009 Yukon River Quest’s official start date is Wednesday, June 24th at noon and it ends at 23:59 on Saturday, June 27th.
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