So you're a world-class adventure racer, and you find out that an upcoming race you're entering has this crazy thing called "riverboarding" or "whitewater swimming" as one of the required disciplines? Have no fear! Face Level is here to set you up for success.

While there are a smidgen of adventure races that either have riverboarding sections or allow it as an option (versus whitewater kayaking, for example), the biggest one for 2008 is definitely Primal Quest®. I guess that goes without saying, considering it's the biggest adventure race on the planet!

Face Level was a part of PQ2006 and came away highly impressed with the incredible athletes that raced. We also sponsored a handful of teams, and were part of the river safety crew. So we got a great first-hand look at how the PQ Riverboarding section went for the athletes and in terms of gear and strategic preparation.

Since PQ has announced the location so much earlier this time around, we've got a much better idea of what to expect in terms of water temperatures, air temps, elevation, etc. We've also been assured that the whitewater this time around will be challenging (and this was mentioned in the last PQ newsletter), so the proper gear will be very important this year.

Here's the PQ 2008 Riverboarding required gear list:

After a thorough analyzation of 2006's race, which included firsthand experience of the course, racer feedback, and observation of the racers on the course, we've put together a list of what we believe to be the absolute best gear available for the Riverboarding section at PQ2008.

WETSUIT - The PQ gear list recommends a 3mm wetsuit, but we're going to recommend you go with the 5mm or at least a combination of layers with a 3mm. Montana is likely to have cooler temps and cooler water than Utah did in 2006, not to mention that bigger whitewater means more mental trepidation, which tends to cool the body's core temperature off more quickly, leading to muscle tightness and shorter breaths. It's better to be too warm on the river than too cold - it's very easy to cool off by dunking your head underwater or removing your gloves.

For those of you with zero body fat, as some of the racers in 2006 were (and struggled with staying warm even in the pool), plan on getting the warmest wetsuit you can comfortably move in. The Hyperstretch® wetsuits are perfect for you. Shop Wetsuits

LEG PROTECTION - We've got many choices, but our recommendation is still the same as it was in 2006 - the SixSixOne 4x4 Knee/Shin combo. It's the most popular leg protection for riverboarders all over the world, with good reason - it's flexible, lightweight, fits under or over your wetsuit, and totally protects your legs. And it's inexpensive.

If you want to protect your thighs as well, pair the 4x4's with the Bomber Shorts for total lower body protection.

PQ recommends elbow pads, but unless they are required, we don't recommend them. Unless the course has you riverboarding over waterfalls and down through rocky, narrow creeks (which you probably won't be doing), you won't need elbow pads. We don't use them. But if you're required to have them, we've got them. Shop Leg Protection

SWIM FINS & TETHERS - Like your paddle when kayaking, your fins are your source of propulsion and steering while riverboarding, and are highly important. The best we've used and tested (still) are the Churchill Makapuu's. They can be worn over wetsuit boots.

We do NOT suggest using dive fins, as the extra length does not lend itself to quick, short kicks needed for navigating whitewater rapids. The extra length also puts a great deal of torque on the hinge of your ankle and top of your foot when kicking. In whitewater, short wide fins are best. Shop Riverboarding Fins

WHITEWATER HELMET - Gath helmets with visors are the best for riverboarding, hands down. For ease of use and on your budget, the Gath Gedi is our recommendation. It's lightweight, comfortable, and has great protection from impact. And you'll be very thankful you got a visor after you riverboard through your first big rapid. We recommend the Clear visor.

If you prefer a less expensive helmet without a visor, Gath also makes two different styles of visorless whitewater helmets, and we offer the safety-conscious WRSI helmets as well.

Pair any of the helmets with Barz sport goggles or the all-new Numa Sport Optics for the best in clear, splash-less vision. Shop Whitewater Helmets

NEOPRENE GLOVES & BOOTS - Webbed gloves are the way to go, because anytime there is flatwater or slower current you'll want to scoot up on your riverboard and hand-paddle, much like a surfer paddling out to the break. This allows you to float very high in the water (so long as your board has enough buoyancy) and skim across the top with a very low drag coefficient. Webbed gloves come in very handy in that situation. Shop Gloves

If you don't have wetsuit boots, we offer many different kinds, all of which will fit inside XL Churchill fins (unless you have size 14 or bigger feet - in that case call us and we can help you figure out a plan). If your strategy includes being prepared just in case you have to hike or portage, we recommend getting boots with at least some rubber on the sole. Shop Wetsuit Boots

RIVERBOARDS - There are many different riverboards available right now, and there will be several more available by mid-February, including a light-weight inflatable. They range from around $250 - $330, and we do offer a Primal Quest® discount on all team orders.

PQ does allow boogie boards, but they must have handles. A word of caution there - boogie boards will not have nearly as much buoyancy, meaning you'll much more literally be "swimming" the river. That means more drag (aka "slower speed") and more opportunity to whack your lower body against rocks.

For reference, the team that completed the PQ2006 riverboarding section the fastest used Carlson Riverboards. Shop Riverboards