Three men from Abu Dhabi are to embark upon one of the most challenging and deadliest endurance races in the world.
The terrific trio – James Dauman, Simon Dowker and Jean-Marc Laventure, known as the Abu Dhabi Camels – will be facing up to the challenges of the Texas Water Safari. This is a non-stop three-day canoe marathon in which more than 25 percent of competitors do not reach the finish-line.
Having paddled the equivalent of the distance between Abu Dhabi to Bahrain without a pause, the teams have to cross the finish line in the Gulf of Mexico within the permitted time limit of just 100 hours.
The Camels, the first ever team from the UAE to attempt the race, are racing in support of the Red Crescent and Calvert Trust charities, hoping to raise more than AED 50,000 for charitable causes in the Middle East.
As well as the three canoeists, the official Team Captain Charlotte Dauman will drive the support vehicle and handle arrivals at the various check-points.
The team began a tough training regime in December 2008, including regular canoe sessions in the mangroves and waterways around Abu Dhabi island.
James Dauman entered the event in 2007 but succumbed to severe dehydration before the finish. He explained: “The race represents a gruelling sporting challenge and is a true test of a team’s mental and physical endurance.”
The race is a 416 km route on the San Marcos and Guadalupe Rivers. Competitors are required to carry all of their supplies (apart from water and ice) in their canoes.
“The variations in conditions and emotions experienced throughout the event are huge,” said James.
Teams face blistering heat and humidity as well as the dangers from local wildlife including alligator gars (large fish that have been known to jump up and knock paddlers out of their boats), venomous water snakes, swarms of mosquitoes, alligators, poison ivy and even fire ants. Currently Texas is also experiencing one of the worst droughts on records.
Team member Jean-Marc added: “Training in the UAE’s hot and humid conditions should put us in good stead for the race – Texas in June feels quite similar! So far we’ve made excellent progress, and we are gearing up for a couple of 15 to 20-hour sessions in the canoe as June approaches. We are very excited, and determined to cross the finish line as the first team so far from the UAE.”

[Caption] Up the river with a paddle: Simon Dowker, Jean-Marc Laventure and James Dauman , Charlie and the camels

[Writer]Patrick Hill


[Originally published in Abu Dhabi Week vol 2 issue 13]