Hot in the river

Come sing a song, eat some red hot chilli peppers and blow up a doll! Sounds like a rafting invitation? Think again, as you are introduced to the Amazing Raft Race.

Yesterday the rivers hosted the hard core European Cup, today the rafting arena was open for less serious business. Though who says to take lightly upon a competition just because of some fun assignments along the way?

See photos from the Amazing Raft Race!

Not just rafting
Though it’s an advantage to have a decent level of rafting skills, the team members also have some other exercises to handle along the way. They’ll have to sing the song YMCA in their boxer shorts, eat red hot chilli peppers, blow up an inflatable doll and flip over the boat voluntarily, at least once. Not to mention, rafting with a blindfold

– Last year we ate biscuits instead of chilli, but other than that I’ve been through it before, said Preben Eikenes, captain of Trainees From Hell. He has been competing in the race since 2007 and though he might be an experienced rafter, last year was their first time not at the bottom of the list. 

– We’re aiming for somewhere in the middle this year, said the captain, who’s team raced against serious competitors Finland.

Chaotic fun in the finals
– Everybody behind the starting line! And I’ve been told they’re going to push the boats unto the river so you’ll start with a swim, was the message from timekeeper Christian Short for the contestants before the final run.

Tempers ran high as more than one team tried to enter the same boat floating around in the starting pool.

– Of course, it’s a shame we had to change rivers, said Matt Clarkson Head of Rafting after the race, but that’s just the way it is. We had some good fun and everything went well. Well, maybe apart from this last stunt we pulled, he said about the chaotic finals with a grin.

Finally, Trainees From Hell came in 12th out of 14 teams with three additional minutes for passing by the chilli, whereas the team Serious Fun won the best dressed award.


See the rest of the results from The Amazing Raft Race here.