With all the coverage of the RedBull Ragnarok recently you might be tempted to have a go yourself net year. So where do you start and what do you need to know in order to succeed.
We have Linda Viktoria – @lindaviktoria (winner in the women’s snowboard class) and Camilla Ringvold –@camiring (second in the women’s ski class) here to give you some advice and tips to help you get involved and get on top.
1. Breakfast.
Remember – a good day starts with a good breakfast! Even though you might be nervous and it feels like there’s thousands of other things to think about, try to get something in your stomach before the race. Stack up on some slow carbs and protein, and drink a lot of water.
2. Motivation
Before the race, think about why you are doing it. Are you in need of a challenge? Do you have a certain amount of laps that you want to finish? Or are you just in it to have fun? Whatever your motivation and your personal goal is, remember it through the race and try to stick to it.
3. Be nice, and cheer on the other racers.
First of all, Red Bull Ragnarok is a great experience – if you´re in it to win it, or just want to make one lap – how cool isn´t it to share this experience with 300 other kiters? It’s a crowded start – take your time, and avoid tangles if you can – karma points will be of use later during the race.
4. Bring food and water.
A little backpack with some essentials is a good idea to bring. During the 5 hours the race goes on, you are most likely to get thirsty or want to have a little snack of some sort.
5. Check your equipment before start!
It would be a bummer to have a leaking kite, or have a line snap in the middle of the race. Pump up some extra kites in the pit stop area if you have some, in case the conditions change – and team up with others that might have a great supporter crew that can help you in the pit lane if you need help to change your kite.
6. Take advantage of the adrenaline!!
You might be nervous or find the route sketchy at times, but hey – emotions are great, and they will help you focus on the task at hand. Go faster than you have ever done before, and challenge yourself – it will make you feel great at the end.
7. Bring a good sunscreen.
Sunscreen might not be the first thing that comes to your mind when packing for a trip to the Winter-wonderland Norway. However, the sun is very strong in the spring and when making reflections from the snow it’s even more damaging for your skin than usual.
8. Ask the locals.
Many participant has little or almost no experience with kiting on snow, and even less kiting up and down mountains. It’s a bit different from kiting on the water where there’s usually no obstacles. Don’t be afraid to ask the locals for some tips and tricks on how to get up that hill in very little wind – most are happy to help!
9. Never give up!
The race is long – very long. Your legs will hurt, the wind will shift, the snowpack changes and you might even find yourself walking in between the gates! Whatever you do – don’t stop and never give up. Ragnarok is just as much a mental game as it is a race at one point.
10. Don't forget to bring your dancing shoes!
The afterparty is an epic event in itself. In fact there’s some that come only because of that! People are showing of their best dancing moves in spite of their sore legs, and if you’re feeling a bit tired there’s heaps of RedBull to sip on!
Written by: Linda Viktoria – @lindaviktoria and Camilla Ringvold –@camiring
