Crossing tips for first timers?

[mdh01]

Any tips for us first timers doing the Millacs Crossing? I know the weather and conditions can be a huge variable, so any tips from the more experienced out there would be helpful...

I'm starting to make my list now and appreciate your thoughts:
Items to carry with you: Ice screw, line knife, cellphone, water, snacks, whistle, igloo making supplies, rifle (for the polar bears), etc...

Mark

[Bryce]

rifle...

for other kites

[Mike B]

The most important item to bring to the Crossing is Ibuprofen (vitamin I)! It works good for the sore legs AND the hangover from the Blue Goose.

[JRN]

BODY ARMOR, DANCING SHOES, LOTSA XTRA BUCKS TO BUY MIKE & ME BEER!

[Tighe]

camel backs are a good idea. I usually pack a Cliff bar. If you have a GPS I'd bring it. If the visibility drops off it can be really helpful. Wax. Wax for the conditions. Well waxed board or boards makes a huge difference on you legs. Check all your gear for wear.

There is snowmobile support along the entire route so if you get into trouble, most likely you'll get picked up...within a week or two : )

Ibuprofen is absolutely needed for the next day. I also highly recommend finding bathrooms with hand rails for support going down and coming up from the can...your legs will be of no use.

[UpNorth]

So, roughly how far is the crossing? I know the distance varies but I haven't seen any mileage figures from other crossings. All this talk of useless legs has me a bit concerned.

Jack

[Tighe]

The length has varied from 18-26 miles, as the crow flies. One year the outside mark was so far upwind that many went well over 30+ miles to tack up to the mark.

The newer course 6-8miles out and back twice, makes it a bit easier because you're not doing 12+ miles on one tack before switching.

[cautionkid]

Does everybody pretty much do the crossing, or are there some that just hang out and kite in one area. No offense to anybody but I just aint to excited to cross the lake, would rather thrash my body on jumps, and rails and what not.???

[wilderclimberdude]

Kelly and I are really excited for our first crossing. We even went out and bought a rifle(for the polar bears). We didn't realize they were making such a comeback, they must be getting pushed south due to lack of Polar ice. We'll probably bring the video cameras too to document the event.

-Dan

[Bryce]

There were a few people that stayed behind last year. But I think we had around 100 people that started the crossing of ALL different skill levels. As long as the wind isn't blowing above 25 or below 10, and As long as you can go upwind and downwind reasonably well... You probably will be able to do the crossing. Just take your time

[kiteboymn]

Lots and lots of stickers to be put to good use @ the Blue Goose

[UpNorth]

Plenty of folks hung around last year and didn't do the crossing. I was one of 'em, the wind was pretty light, lots of kites on the snow at times, but since I was pretty much a newbie all those kites that were in the air made me a bit nervous. I'd like to give it a try if the winds are somewhere in the range Bryce mentioned. I don't plan on packing any heat for polar bears...or kites for that matter

[JRN]

Don't worry, You'll have company if you just hang out and ride & not race. I made that choice the 1st few years & had plenty of fun playing on the terrain by the start along with many others. I also think they mentioned a short course option..doing 1/2 laps or something. Looks like some snow is coming! Hope we have wind. P,S: Are Camel Backs like lumpy Trojans?

[Professor Robae']

Lots and lots of stickers to be put to good use @ the Blue Goose

What does than mean???

The Professor's best advice; "Go big or go Home!!!

[logan]

i have never been to the crossing and what is the course like? is the destination upwind the whole way then downwind back or is it a big loop with cross wind and upwind and down wind sections? and is the event both sat and sun cause i would rather only drive up on one of the days

[Bryce]

The course will usually set up as a long beam reach both ways... but the wind shifts a little or is a little different out on the lake... and we get a upwind leg

[JRN]

MAKE SURE TO LOAN BRYCE YOUR "RACE WAX" (HONEY MIXED WITH MOLASSES). I was shocked and appalled to hear vicious rumors of the indiscriminate placement of stickers on various strategically located items of human anatomy at the apre' race festivities last year!

[Bryce]

mmmmm tasty tasty race wax

[Woody]

Tips? Have FUN!

We'll see you all soon with sticker's in hand

[kiteboymn]

Hey Bryce, is a beam reach where you reach over the bar and make your own drink