FAQs
(Or what you'll say as you run the rapids in Lapland)
The Challenge
What do you mean by 'unsupported'?
It means there is no support team. We carry everything for the trek, we have to manage food and water, we have the first aid kits, we navigate the route. There is only the canoe drop off where we may come in contact with our outfitter, but not always. In Lapland we are able to stop and replenish food at 2 settlements, in Canada there is a food cache at the canoe exchange. On both routes the same amount of food and kit is carried during portages.
Do I have to carry my canoe equipment on the endurance trek?
All the equipment rented with the canoes – helmets, buoyancy aids, paddles, etc – is left with the canoes. Any equipment you brought with you for canoeing – e.g. dry suit – has to be carried. This is a key element of the Challenge – how much comfort are you willing to forego to reduce what you carry at the end? Or can you leverage what's around you in nature to retain a degree of comfort?
Will I get a finish position and time?
No. The event is measured in days and it is not a race. Just finishing it is an achievement.
What is the maximum number of people who can take part in the Challenge?
The maximum is 24 but we reserve the right to take a reduced number based on the abilities and experience of the team that we have.
Is it possible to join the Challenge as a team?
Yes, up to a maximum of 6 people. You will have to nominate a Team Leader who will be responsible for managing your team throughout the training and the Challenge and maintaining communication with the Expedition Leader. NB: it is not a race.
Can I join the Challenge if I live outside of the UK?
Potentially yes. We'd love a global element to the Challenge but we cannot compromise safety. If you can put together a team of 2, 4 or 6 and can prove the same level of training is available in your own country and you are happy that your team leader would be responsible for organising all training and travel arrangements, please contact us to discuss and be prepared to meet in person or via video before applying.
Training
What fitness training should I do to be ready for the 1st Fitness Gate?
The first fitness gate is there to benchmark where you are at and give you a realistic expectation of what you should be aiming at. Assuming you aren't that fit to begin with, start with 3 simple training sessions per week: do a circuit training class, a resistance training workout and a swim (target 1km or as far as you can in 30 mins). Then do an occasional hike carrying 10-15kg, perhaps once every couple of weeks or so, make sure you get some hills on the route. In terms of resistance training you don't want bulk, you want to build lean muscle. A training plan is provided once you have applied and the team is notified.
Is it normal to feel exhausted after just reading the training schedule?
Congratulations! You've passed the first test.
What fitness training will I do to pass the Final Fitness Gate and prepare for the Challenge itself?
Do you like doing squats and lunges? No? Oh dear. Training steps up a gear significantly after the 1st Fitness Gate and again, no bulk, just lean muscle, but leg strength is important for both walking and lifting, plus you need start pushing yourself. We train 4 times a week – rowing, swimming, HIIT (High Intensity Interval Training) circuits, resistance training. There are a variety of ways you can approach the training based on budget/resources and we have a few examples to cater for different personal preferences and circumstances. as long as it works for you and does what we need you to be ready for we're happy. A training plan will be provided for successful applicants.
What if I am already qualified in a training subject – do I still have to do the training weekends?
If you already have valid training certifications and/or experience you do not need to take part in some of the training courses, however you will be expected to join the team practice and fitness weekends. There is the option to attend Remote First Aid training and certification but it is not mandatory.
What if I miss a training weekend?
Depending on the circumstances and what you missed you may lose your place on the Challenge. See the Expedition Rules section.
Canoeing
How do you decide who paddles at which end of a canoe?
Your weight decides for you – lightest in the front, heaviest in the back. You'll learn and experience why on the first canoe training weekend.
Can I choose who I paddle with?
Yes, absolutely, although for safety reasons the Challenge Expedition Leader, team leader or canoe training provider may split you up and match you with someone else if you persistently struggle to canoe effectively together.
I can canoe already and I'm pretty fit. Can I not just show up and do the Challenge?
Would you go into the middle of nowhere with someone you'd never met before without getting to know them first and verifying they could do what they said they could do? No, neither would we. BUT - if you are already qualified then you only have 2.5 weekends to attend instead of 5.
What does 'portage' mean?
Portage means carrying canoes to get to other lakes and rivers. It is an integral part of canoe travel and provides great flexibility, enabling you to cover long distances by joining up different lake and river systems into a route. It does mean lifting and carrying a lot of gear cross-country which is why resistance training is part of our physical fitness preparation.
Wildlife
Will we be in bear country?
Yes. In Lapland the Brown Bear, in Canada the Black Bear. Neither bear actively hunts humans although small children (which we don't allow on the Challenge) are at risk. In both environments similar precautions are taken to avoid attracting them and on the move we make enough noise to avoid surprising one. In Lapland lone hikers sometimes carry bells but there is no need in a large group. In Canada, because black bears can lose their fear and associate tourist campers with food, we carry pepper spray.
Will we see any wildlife?
Yes. That is one of the main reasons for venturing into the wilderness but it is not always guaranteed, particularly if wearing bright colours and making lots of noise. On Finland treks we've seen Ospreys, Owls, Buzzards and Reindeer (Caribou). We've found Elk (Moose) droppings right in the middle of our camp and spotted tracks, but not seen one yet. In Canada we've seen Beavers (one swam under our canoes in crystal clear water), Bald Eagles, Turkey Vultures, Chipmunks, Bullfrogs, Snakes and, of course, seen and heard the iconic 'Loon'.
What wildlife do you get in Lapland?
Among many creatures – Nordic Brown Bears, Elk (Moose), Reindeer (Caribou), Wolverines, Wolves, Lynx, Lemmings, Deer, Rabbits, Foxes, Arctic Hares. Numerous birds, including large birds of prey, and there are too many to list here. And lots of midges and mosquitoes.
Alone in the wilderness ...
What happens if I'm injured and can't make it to the end?
You will be given a revolver and expected to do the decent thing.
Is a guide coming with us?
No. This is an unsupported trek and the whole team will be self-sufficient, that's why we do all the training . 😀
Dude, seriously, what happens if I'm injured and can't make it to the end?
Our team are all trained in Remote First Aid and carry a range of communications devices and personal location beacons (PLB). If you sustain an injury that renders you unable to complete the Challenge, depending on the severity of the injury you will be extracted by the emergency services or our local outfitter by helicopter, floatplane, vehicle or boat at a suitable extraction point.
Where are the nearest hospitals?
In Lapland the nearest hospitals are 500km away in Rovaniemi or over the border in Norway. However, there is a medical clinic in Ivalo (within 200km of us at any time) that is capable of dealing with anything other than surgery/complex issues. In Canada, Ottawa and Toronto are within an hour's flight by passenger jet away but there are local practices in North Bay and Sudbury.
How long would it take the emergency services to reach us?
It really depends on where we are, the weather and the time of day/night. Best case could be in under 2 hours during the day or up to 5 hours at night. Worst case could be 24 hours but this would require significant bad luck to occur on several fronts. It is not beyond the realms of possibility though and you should consider these risks when undertaking a wilderness trip.
Food
Is vegetarian food available?
Yes. In Canada in particular there are a staggering range of choices made fresh then dehydrated. In Lapland you would have to choose from whatever is available from outdoor food brands and what you could take yourself. Please note that fishing features on both Challenges and animal traps feature in bushcraft & survival training, should you choose to do some as part of your preparation.
Costs
How much does it all cost?
A cost must be borne by volunteers for the Challenge. For Lapland the total cost, including personal equipment could range between £1,500 - £2,500 depending how much you spend on kit; for Canada, due to more expensive flights the total budgetary cost is in the region of £2,500 - £3,000. Both are ball-park figures and subject to change. The costs include flights, canoe rental, food and training courses, so it can vary.
We try to keep it down as much as possible. An experienced team with valid training certifications and/or experience require less training than complete novices. Even then, the training courses are very reasonably priced and fitness weekends are very cheap - campsites and hostels, petrol and food. The cost of personal equipment can vary massively depending what you choose to take and where you buy it. Starting in 2019 we are going to produce our own food rations, which - if successful - significantly saves money.
The first payments required will be at the end of January which is to reserve our canoes. Flights follow by May. You will not pay anything directly to the 3N Challenge. This is a team of like-minded volunteers doing an adventure challenge, to raise money for genetic cancer research, which you are being invited to join. As such, there is no fee to pay the Challenge, it is entirely self-funded and all costs are individually borne by volunteers and paid directly to providers of goods and services related to the Challenge.
We try to keep it down as much as possible. An experienced team with valid training certifications and/or experience require less training than complete novices. Even then, the training courses are very reasonably priced and fitness weekends are very cheap - campsites and hostels, petrol and food. The cost of personal equipment can vary massively depending what you choose to take and where you buy it. Starting in 2019 we are going to produce our own food rations, which - if successful - significantly saves money.
The first payments required will be at the end of January which is to reserve our canoes. Flights follow by May. You will not pay anything directly to the 3N Challenge. This is a team of like-minded volunteers doing an adventure challenge, to raise money for genetic cancer research, which you are being invited to join. As such, there is no fee to pay the Challenge, it is entirely self-funded and all costs are individually borne by volunteers and paid directly to providers of goods and services related to the Challenge.
Fundraising
Is there a minimum fundraising target I have to reach?
Yes - starting in 2019 everyone is given a target of £1,000 to try and hit which means as a team we can make a significant impact.
