On March 5, Jim Czarnowski and sailors manning a fleet of 25 Hobie® Mirage Islands will join fellow adventurers on a 300-mile journey from Fort Desoto to Key West: the WaterTribe Everglades Challenge. The unsupported endurance race for small boats is an incredible experience. It’s also a grind. Here’s how 7-time competitor Jim Czarnowski gets by:
Don’t unplug: 300 miles on a Mirage Island sailing kayak is a long distance to be alone. Jim listens to podcasts and audio books. “It puts my mind in another place,” he says. He carries a backup battery good for two or three full charges, and phones home for moral support. “Any time I have reception I call my wife,” Jim adds.
Pour on the calories: Jim packs a mountain of his favorite junk foods, and enjoys them liberally without a twinge of guilt. “I’m burning so many calories I can eat a box of Hot Tamales and follow it with a Snickers bar and a bag of beef jerky,” he says.
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Carefully test your limits: Over the years Jim realized he could put more miles behind him in a day if he pushed himself. “With just 2 to 3 hours of sleep a night and lots of mental and physical challenges, I feel great during the race. I don’t feel tired until a day or two after completing the race,” he says.
Provide yourself with comfort: A dodger is essential protection from spray and the intense sunlight of Southwestern Florida. Jim says it is also psychological protection. “When I’m running offshore at 2 am I hunker down into it and feel better,” he says. A hot drink also does wonders for the soul. Jim fills an insulated container with soup or hot chocolate before he sets off for the day. “At sunset, when I’m cold and wet and need to keep pushing on, I crack it open for a nourishing pick-me-up,” he says.
