Support Crew
Support Crews - the motivating force behind each of your
teams!!! You cannot do this without these guys... They are not
compulsory but teams that do really well always have support.
The best support crews are made up of friends, family and work
mates who are on your side and understand what is involved in
undertaking something as challenging as Sydney Coastrek.
Involve them from the start and plan together how they can best
support you, what your expectations are of them and make sure to
include them in your achievements, milestones and celebrations!
Why not invite your support crews to walk a section with you in
training (note: they are not covered by our insurance to walk
with you during any part of the event and are not under our duty of
care) to get a feel for what you will be doing on the day .
Remember to also agree with them up front about how as a team you
will manage their costs for food, drink and petrol on Event Weekend
while supporting you.
We recommend every team has a Support Crew on call for the
entire event to call on to assist at any time. We recommend at
least two people in each crew so one can drive and one give
directions and communicate with team members. For the 100km event
you will need more than one crew to prevent driver fatigue.
Examples of what they could have with them are:
A copy of the map book
Food & water
Spare clothing (shoelaces) & equipment
First Aid
Any other assistance you agree as a team is needed
Remember: Your Coastrek team must remain within
200 metres of the designated route to receive Support Crew
assistance. However, you can meet your crew as often as you need
during the event with the best locations being near Surf Life
Saving Clubs, parks and other public spaces, away from residential
streets. Bear in mind though the more you stop the longer
Coastrek will take you.
Note: For 100km teams we strongly suggest meeting either
before or after Balmoral due to the number of people involved
in the event and possible traffic congestion.
Use the timing
calculator during your training walks to plan when you would
like your support crew to meet up and the estimated time you'll
reach certain locations.
Support Crews may NOT transport Coastrek Team members in
vehicles at any time during the event, except in a medical
emergency. Failure to abide by this rule will result in immediate
disqualification of the entire team.
If a team member is withdrawing due to exhaustion or injury, the
St John's number (0414 376 615) or 000 must be called for help, and
then the Coastrek Headquarters number must be contacted (this will
be on your race bibs) and the withdrawal reported. They must be
brought to the nearest 'manned' checkpoint by team mates or Support
Crew for assistance or taken to the nearest hospital if the injury
is serious. If a team member cannot be moved, one person must stay
with them while the other goes for help.
Make sure you read our Rules &
Guidelines and general information in the Coastrek Training
Manual that relate to support crews.
They can make all the difference to your Coastrek experience
so don't leave home without one!