WaterTribe Everglades Challenge and Ultra Marathon 2007

Wed - February 28, 2007

WaterTribe Everglades Challenge and Ultra Marathon 2007

The 7th WaterTribe Everglades Challenge starts on March 2, 2007 at Fort Desoto in Tampa Bay. The WaterTribe Ultra Marathon runs concurrently with the Everglades Challenge.

There is a record number of 39 entries in the Everglades Challenge and 15 in Ultra Marathon this year. I am hoping to rejoin WaterTribe next year. It is too difficult and too expensive to drive from Colorado to Florida every year.

Everglades Challenge
video clips

2003

2004

The Everglades Challenge is an unsupported, expedition style adventure race for kayaks, canoes, and small boats. The distance is roughly 300 nautical miles depending on your course selection. There is a time limit of 8 days or less. Your safety and well being are completely up to you.
Unsupported means that there are no safety boats or support crews to help you during the race. You are not allowed to have a support crew follow you or meet you during the race. It is OK to have family or friends meet you at the official checkpoints, but they cannot provide anything other than emotional support. See the official WaterTribe rules for more details.
Expedition style means that you must carry the same type of equipment and supplies that you would carry on a major expedition lasting 4 weeks or more. Camping equipment, food, water, safety, communication, etc. is required.
Although this is a race, many participants are more interesting in cruising and adventure. Whether you are a cruiser or racer is up to you. Just getting to the starting line is a major accomplishment and only about 40% of starters are able to finish. You should be an expert kayaker and/or sailor before you consider this challenge.
The Everglades Challenge follows the SW Florida coast line from Fort Desoto in Tampa Bay, Florida to Key Largo. You will enter Everglades National Park near Everglades City and you will be within their boundries until you get near Key Largo.