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Considered one of the teams to beat Team No Idea returns to One NZ GODZONE for Chapter 12 this November. We caught up with No Idea team captain Shaun Palmer to find out more about this very fast adventure racing group of mates.

When did No Idea first evolve as a team and how did you all come together?

No Idea first evolved for the Chapter 10 GODZone traverse. We are all a group of keen adventurers who met through whitewater paddling together at the University of Canterbury Canoe Club. We’d all adventure raced to various degrees before, but were drawn by the challenge of GODZone and the traverse format of Chapter 10.

How many GODZONES have you competed in? Which chapters and what were your placings at each?

No Idea has competed in 2 Chapters (10 & 11) and placed second behind Avaya in both. Shaun (5 GODZones) and Will (3 GODZones) have raced in other teams previously too.

What were your expectations at GODZONE in terms of expedition racing?

Our expectation was that it would take the weekend missions that we pursue for fun anyway and package them into one expedition. The allure for us is the unknown of the course, the challenges it will present and how we can overcome them as a team. We expect a rugged and remote course that will test us and allow us to push ourselves. Competing against world renowned teams is also a driving factor and something we always look forward to.

What would you say are your teams super powers?

Collectively our strengths are that we are all good mates and we are all willing to work and suffer for each other. Individually we all have a diverse range of technical skills and clever minds to race strategically.

What comes first for the team?

Adventure, 100%. For us it is about enjoying ourselves and pushing each other to bring the best out of the team. Having a good race is a byproduct of that, and we often enjoy watching the race unfold while we focus on our own adventure.

What are you looking forward to the most at Chapter 12 in Marlborough?

Exploring a new area is always neat, and none of our team have spent a lot of time in the Marlborough region. We’re looking forward to the return of GODZone in full strength, and hopefully some exciting and technical packrafting! It’s great to see teams like Tiki Tour competing again, and hopefully Avaya step up to the plate too!

Does No Idea do training missions together or do you just come together for the race?

Training as a team when we can is a definite focus, mostly because we really enjoy adventuring together. Familiarity of our teams strengths and weaknesses is key, and it allows us to know what to work on individually to better support the team.

What are you favourite items and foods to race with?

Dehydrated Goat Curry and PalmerJIZZ are essential items for a successful race. As is our fantastic support crew who we consider a part of our team.