Organizer:
Salome Hussein
Date/Time:
Date(s) - Saturday 16 August, 2025 - Sunday 17 August, 2025
All Day
fitness
rogaining
That’s right, folks, it’s back. You’ve heard our horror stories, you know we keep going back every year anyway — iiiiiit’s Navshield.
Originally a fundraiser for Bush Search and Rescue and Volunteer Rescue Association, this annual navigation competition, also serves as a training exercise for the emergency services. It operates like a regular rogaine, except you get the map the night before, plot your own controls based on grid references, and have to report into pre-placed radio checkpoints each day. You’re also more likely to get penalised based on missing mandatory equipment (depending on your competition category).
There is a half day (9 hour) or full-day (27 hour) option, making it the longest rogaine regularly on offer. It does have the reputation for being more challenging, terrain-wise and logistically, than other rogaines. If you’re an experienced off-track bushwalker or canyoner, you’re probably ok to have a crack at it with no formal navigation training, with experienced team-mates. I do not *recommend* it as your first navigation event (unless you’re Susan So, who I didn’t warn adequately at the time). You should commit to doing the Paddy Pallin rogaine in June, at least, before joining this one.
When you sign up, let me know if you’re doing the full or half event, and if you have other considerations for team matchmaking — injury, pace, approach, etc. When bookings open, we’ll have to jump on it FAST. It’s often sold out within weeks if not days.
P.S. If you are already enrolled with organisations like the SES, RFS, or VRA, talk to your commander. You should be able to get free entry, catering, and transport with your unit. Still come say hi to OAC though! We’ll share fire and treats.
Not sure if I’m in orange for this one yet. See you there either way.
Regards,
salome
