Sometimes You Just Get Lucky: A Journey Into Adventure Racing
By Corinne Farrell
Some moments in life feel serendipitous—like you were meant to stumble upon them. Dropping my daughter off at school for the first time and picking up a flyer for adventure crafters I had no idea I’d be walking into one of the most transformative experiences of my life.
That day, I came across Adventure Crafters’ information. At best, I thought it would be a fun family outing. But as luck would have it, that chance encounter introduced me to one of the best coaches I’ve ever had: Robert.
Not everyone understands the adventure lifestyle—the commitment, the adrenaline, and the joy that comes with it. But Robert did. From our very first session, it was clear he wouldn’t just entertain my family; he’d bring real value to my paddling journey. And he did.
The First Stroke
The initial session was simple: fine-tuning my paddle stroke. Robert gave me a few small tips—seemingly minor adjustments that turned out to be game-changing. With his guidance, I learned how to conserve energy, maintain speed, and harness more power with every stroke. What impressed me most was his ability to teach. Not everyone who excels at a skill knows how to break it down for others, but Robert made complex techniques feel approachable.
Little did I know, this was the beginning of a partnership that would prepare me for one of the toughest challenges of my life: Expedition Oregon, a grueling 10-day adventure race in northern Oregon and Washington state.
Building Skills for the Big Race
Preparing for a race like Expedition Oregon isn’t just about fitness—it’s about adaptability. Adventure racing demands you face the unknown head-on, often with nothing but a map and compass, no GPS, and no safety net. You plan for every scenario but embrace the certainty that things will go wrong. It’s about getting comfortable with being uncomfortable.
Robert was instrumental in helping me develop these skills. While I waited for my dream race Patagonia race registration to come I focused on Expedition Oregon—a six-day, six-night race that served as an incredible training ground. From packrafting to gear selection, Robert prepared me to manage risks, stay focused under pressure, and adapt to changing conditions on the water.
Packrafting: A New Challenge
One of the biggest challenges for me was packrafting. Adventure racing is unpredictable; you never know what’s coming next, and this was no exception. Robert met every challenge with patience and precision. Together, we worked on bracing techniques, paddle control, and reading the water—all skills that would serve me well in high-stakes scenarios.
He also helped me figure out the right gear for the job: from life jackets to wetsuits to paddles tailored to specific conditions. Robert’s expertise didn’t just prepare me for the race; it gave me the confidence to face whatever came my way.
Why Adventure Racing?
So, why do people take on challenges like this? For me, it’s the thrill of stepping into the unknown. Adventure racing is about finding yourself in the middle of nowhere—lost, cold, and completely alive. It’s about pushing boundaries, working through setbacks, and discovering what you’re truly capable of. It’s an escape from the noise of daily life—no phones, no emails, no distractions—just you, your team, and the journey ahead.
But it’s not just about the race; it’s about the people who help you get there. Robert didn’t just teach me how to paddle—he taught me how to approach challenges with resilience and adaptability. I’ll always be grateful for the time he invested in helping me grow as an adventurer.
Expect the Unexpected
Comments