Survival of the fittest on this inflatable obstacle course

SINGAPORE — Epic obstacle courses such as Ninja Warrior or Ultimate Beastmaster often have viewers wondering what exactly is so tough about them.

From June 1, Singaporeans will get a chance to see just how well they can actually fare on a course called Battle Bay.

The inflatable obstacle course has nine tough stations. Part of the annual DBS Regatta, the Battle Bay requires athletic ability as one must leap across inflated rubber platforms, swing across monkey bars and from ropes, and scale ramps. Fail, and one plunges into the water below.

At a media preview of the course on Friday (May 26), few made it through the course — which saw many challengers taking ignominious tumbles, slipping and sliding on the rubber platforms on the 11,000 sq foot course.

But Danielle Guy, 24, a tourist from Cambridge in Britain, managed to blaze through in 3 minutes and 13 seconds, without falling once.

She said that the obstacles with ropes posed the most serious challenges.

“You need momentum and just commit to it. If you hold on too long, you just go into the water,” said Guy, who was invited to the Battle Bay event by DBS.

“Don’t be scared of trying,” she said, when asked about her top tip on how to make it through.

Another challenger, Sam Ee, a training and development manager, flew through the course in 2 minutes and 10 seconds. The 27-year-old said that the course would be challenging for first-timers.

“You have to balance and be able to manipulate your body and strength,” he said. “Out of 10, I would rate the difficulty at an 8.”

Those who attempt the course when the DBS Regatta is officially open from June 1 to June 4 will stand a chance to win S$8,000 in cash prizes, and a trip to Beijing. Naturally, those with the fastest times will win.

There will also be a pop-up beach at DBS Regatta, the biggest so far for the event. Organisers are expecting 10,000 people to attend the event, which is the lead-up to this year's electronic dance music festival, Ultra Singapore.

Lululemon Athletica will be part of the beach event, and has organised 10 fitness classes that will take place on the “beach”. Sunset yoga, as well as high-intensity workouts, take place there.

Battle Bay is at The Promontory at Marina Bay from June 1 to June 4. To take part, you must be 18 years of age. An entry fee of S$10 per try (S$5 for students) will be charged. To compete, register at www.dbsmarinaregatta.com

CORRECTION: In earlier version of this report, it was stated this is the first time there is a pop-up beach at the DBS Regatta, and that the event is an annual lead up to Ultra Singapore. It is not the first time there is a pop-up beach at the event, and it is the lead-up to this year's Ultra Singapore festival. We are sorry for the errors.