During the first day of the Abu Dhabi Adventure Challenge, team Salomon/Crested Butte's physical strength and speed kept the clan near the front of the pack. But a slow transition from paddling to a desert run cost them time they say they just don't have in a fast-paced venue like this.

"We were right with Orion pulling in to the island for the run," said Crested Butte's Jon Brown. But confusion over what to take or not take on the 10K trail run around an island in Abu Dhabi harbor caused delay.

The pretty sails on the kayaks may turn out to be another time waster, according to the team. If the wind isn't at your back, sails can be more trouble than they're worth. Race organizers had asked teams to use the sails for the first 100 meters, giving a uniform look to photographers covering the event. Most teams simply left the sails in place after the 100 meter mark.