Coast Outdoors Payak Loppet - Tips for All Levels!
Tackle the Coast Outdoors Payak on February 22, 2025!
The Coast Outdoors P’ayakentsut, or “Payak” for short, is truly an event for all ages and all levels of cross country skiers. Traversing Olympic legacy trails as well as old growth forests, the loppet offers participants a chance to train, to meet new friends, to enjoy the rugged wild beauty of the Callaghan Valley, and to enjoy a what is truly a sport for life – cross country skiing.
Did you register this year for the first time? Congratulations! Or do you want to try the Payak but feel intimidated? Don’t be, all levels are welcome, the only requirement is you enjoy yourself.
Here are some tips to make your day fun, enjoyable, and as challenging as you want it to be.
1) Eat and sleep well the night before, but don’t overload with too much heavy food. Have a good breakfast but again – no change in routine. Don’t try a banana chocolate peanut butter shake for the first time!
2) Wax your skis for the snow temperature. There will be sponsors providing ski waxing on race day, so if you are not sure what to do, rely on them!
3) Dress warmly in the morning, but drop extra clothes at the start line – bags are provided and your items will be taken to the finish by volunteers. Overdressing will tire you out quickly.
4) There is water, warm gatoraide, and honey stingers at the aid stations on course but if you prefer your own brands, bring those.
5) Seed yourself – if you are speedy and plan to finish well, go to the front of the start grid. If you are there for more of an experience, or don’t like too much of a crowd, just move to the back of the start grid.
6) Save energy on course – jump in the tracks and double pole on the flats and downhills. Vary your technique with the terrain.
7) Try to relax and ski your best. A loppet is a family fun race. Each year the snow and weather conditions are different and that will affect your time.
8) Finish, and enjoy the chili, refreshments, and chatting with friends!
Call for Volunteers
Every year the Payak relies on 100 people who volunteer for race day. Volunteers are divided into “teams” with a chief who guides them.
The Course team sets the signage out, V-boards, fencing, and aid station supplies. The Race Office team organizes and distributes bibs and chips. The Timing team has inside and outside roles, both on the computer and in the finish corridor, and tabulates the results.
Stadium sets up the stadium area, finish corral, collects bibs and chips, sets up the finish area food, and takes it all down at the end of the day. Course marshalls ensure the racers are safe at key points on course.
They also count racers to make sure they all skied the full course. There are also volunteer crews to hand out chili, and ensure waste is properly recycled and composted. And to hand out awards and draw prizes.
All of which is to say, there is something for everyone. If you want to help make the Payak a success, please click here https://www.payak.ca/volunteers/ to register before February 19, 2025!
