When you are looking for something fun to do outdoors, you might have discovered a little thing called “rogaining,” only to find out that it is not so little after all, and has become increasingly popular over the last several years, especially in other countries like Australia, where it originated. However, if you do not know much about the sport, you might be wondering what it is and how the events work.
Rogaining is a sport where a team of 2 to 5 people navigates through different terrains like open fields, urban areas, or hilly forests, typically lasting between 2 and 24 hours, going from checkpoint to checkpoint as fast as possible.
Some checkpoints (or controls) are worth more than others depending on how difficult it is to get to them. The team with the most points wins. Teams rely solely on GPS navigation, maps, and compasses and need to come up with a good strategy on where to go.
In this article, we will discuss what rogaining is in more detail as well as how the events work, where you can participate in the events, and more. If you wish to learn about rogaining, look no further, as Adventurism has the answers you seek. We encourage you to continue reading for more information.
What Is Rogaining?
Rogaining is where a team of 2 to 5 people gets together and goes to different controls within a time limit. Some checkpoints are worth more than others, depending on the effort it takes to get there.
Teams will need to strategize the best way to get from one checkpoint to another, utilizing compasses, different types of maps (usually a topographical map), and potentially a GPS. These events usually take place outside in rural areas, forests, or urban areas.
The game itself is designed to help you and your teammates have fun while also learning to navigate your surroundings, work together as a team, and appreciate nature differently. On top of this, rogaining is meant for those who want to compete in a fun and friendly way.
There are multiple types of rogaining that you can be involved in, including the following:
- Traditional
- Shorter rogaines
- Metrogaines
- Endurogaines
1. Traditional
Traditional rogaining usually lasts 24 hours and has a team of 2 to 5 people who use compasses and maps to visit multiple controls within the time given in a long-distance, diverse-terrain navigation. Your goal in the traditional game is to maximize points depending on their location and difficulty.
2. Shorter Rogaines
Shorter rogaines usually last between 3 and 15 hours. The game is similar to that of traditional rogaining. The main difference is that navigation is less technical and can take place in multiple terrains, mostly hilly forests or open farmlands. On top of this, you can expect anywhere between 2 and 5 people, but some games allow solo participants as well.
3. Metrogaines
Metrogaines takes place in urban areas and lasts approximately 6 hours. Teams consist of 2 to 5 participants, but shorter events allow solo parties. Because these games are held in cities, they are more accessible to participants.
4. Endurogaines
Endurogaines is essentially rogaining but in a longer event, typically lasting between 48 and 50 hours instead of the average 24 hours from a traditional game. These events require a lot of strategic planning and endurance, so keep that in mind before participating. These games have 2 to 5 participants per team, and your main focus is to maximize scores.
Why Does Rogaining Appease Hikers?
There are many reasons why rogaining appeases hikers. Not only does it boost your confidence in the ability to read where you are on a map while being off a track or trail, but it provides good body strength and allows you to explore and enjoy the outdoors in a way that you may not be able to do daily, especially if you live in the suburbs or city.
On top of this, because rogaining is a team effort, you will learn to work with others, strategize, plan routes, and make wise decisions together. Not only that, but if someone you are on a team with is not the best teammate and it may frustrate you, the experience itself can help you gain more patience in the long run.
Overall, rogaining has a lot of wonderful benefits, which is why lots of people like it so much!
Who Can Participate in Rogaining?
Anyone can participate in rogaining, as the games are meant to be all-inclusive.
For example, this means that people with special needs can participate. Many rogaining games encourage teams to adapt for those with special needs. Some of these adaptations might be equipment modifications, adjustments in team roles, or support from other team members.
Children can also enter these games. More specifically, in South Wales, children under the age of 14 can enter for free, but must be accompanied by an adult 18 years or older.
Where Can You Participate in Rogaining?
There are multiple places you can participate in rogaining, but it is most popular in Australia, where it originated; you can also find it in places like New Zealand, Canada, the Czech Republic, European Nations, and the United States. However, if you live in the USA, you will need to go to Orienteering USA to find an event near you, as some of these places are quite far from one another.
Is Rogaining Internationally Recognized?
Yes, rogaining is recognized as a national sport, but is more popular in some places than others. In fact, it is recognized by the International Rogaining Federation (IRF), which serves as a peak body for the sport. The IRF has rules you need to adhere to and hosts the World Rogaining Championship, which has been held since 1992 and has helped establish its global presence.
What Do You Need While Participating in Rogaining? (A Checklist)
Before entering a rogaining contest, it is wise to acknowledge what kind of gear and other essentials are needed beforehand; that way, you do not show up empty-handed. To keep things simple, here is a quick checklist of what is needed, but if you wish to learn more information, we recommend checking out this article.
What to Bring Pre-Rogaine Preparation
- Full water bottles
- Tent
- Chairs
- Table
- Colored markers
- Map bag or contact plastic (to protect your map)
- Sleeping mat or sleeping bag
What to Wear
- Sun hat
- Comfortable shirt
- Watch
- Light hiking boots or clean runners (avoid new shoes or boots)
- Long pants (not jeans) and/or shorts/gaiters
Items to Take On the Course
- First aid kit (and any medicine you feel you may need)
- Whistle
- Pencil
- Magnetic compass
- Thermal pants
- Waterproof jacket
- Toilet paper
- Snacks/energy food
- Meals while on the course
- Water bottles (1-2 liters per person)
- Sunscreen
- Sun hat
- Day pack bag
Additional Items for Overnight Events
- Gloves
- Torch
- Spare batteries/globe for torch
- Beanie
- Waterproof overpants
- Jumper/spare thermal top
Items Required for After Event
- Food for the trip home
- Dry shoes
- Complete change of clothes
- Towel
- Plate, cutlery and cup
What Are Some Tips for First-Time Rogainers?
As someone who is just starting, we recommend doing a few things before and during your first event. This helps you succeed on your first attempt as a beginner and helps you get the feel of things, especially if you wish to do this again.
1. Go for the Fun of It
One of the biggest tips we can give you is that when you are first starting, do not expect to go in to win. As a first-timer, you want to ensure you get the feel for the game. For example, in the video above, the winning team got 2000 points while his team only had 350 on his first try. Because of this, it is important to ensure you are gaining experience but also making the best memories from being in the game!
2. Keep Things Simple
With that being said, it is also important to keep things simple to start. If you overcomplicate things, you may exhaust yourself to the point where you no longer wish to participate in rogaining again. However, keeping things simple will make things more fun, and you may want to challenge yourself harder each game you play.
Another thing to keep in mind is that if you start off doing a 24-hour rogaine, you might wish you had not done so. It is important to start with something easier, like a 2-hour rogaine. If you feel that you can do more, we recommend going for 6 hours, but do not overdo it on your first try!
3. Allow Time for Recharge
Recharging your body with protein and plenty of fluids is a must on rogaining adventures. If you keep going, going, going, then you will find yourself exhausted and overwhelmed. You also may not be able to think with a clear head if you are fatigued. It is important to pack lots of protein-based snacks and meals to ensure you have the energy to continue.
4. Make Clear Marks on Map
Suppose you are just starting on how to read a map. In that case, we recommend making sure you create clear marks on your map instead of scribbling, especially if you want to rush through things. Make sure to bring multiple highlighters, pencils, or pens to ensure you have plenty of one of them if one breaks.
5. Stay With Your Team
Teams need to stay with each other regardless, but make sure you always have a visual of the people on your team. If you need a minute to regather yourself if something happens, that is perfectly fine, but do not venture off too far, as this can disqualify the team or cause them to lose points.
How Is Rogaining Different From Orienteering?
There are quite a lot of similarities between rogaining and orienteering.
1. Team vs. No Team
The main difference is that orienteering is much faster than rogaining. On top of this, orienteering is usually individual or team-based, whereas rogaining usually has teams of 2 to 5 people.
2. Time Length
The time length is quite different as well. Orienteering events are much shorter, lasting anywhere between 30 minutes and 3 hours. On the other hand, rogaining adventures can take as little as 2 hours to 24 hours, sometimes even longer depending on the event and location.
3. Checkpoints and Routes
In terms of the routes, rogaining does not have a set route, as teams can choose their own paths, whereas orienteering already has a pre-determined path with checkpoints in order. For example, some orienteering events take place at local parks, whereas most rogaining events take place in urban, rural, or forest areas. Needless to say, orienteering is usually less rugged than rogaining.
Final Words
To summarize everything in a nutshell, rogaining is a wonderful sport enjoyed by many! You can get as creative as you wish while also enjoying a little competition and fun!