Nav Academy #1: Map Like a Legend (Even if You’re New Here)
So you’ve signed up for a rogaine. You’ve got a decent pair of trail shoes, maybe a compass you haven’t used since high school, and a teammate who said “how hard can it be?” Well, friend—it’s about to get wonderfully nerdy.
Welcome to Nav Academy, where we turn “what’s a contour?” into “I could solo Everest with this map.” In this first edition, we’re tackling what might just be your best friend (or your biggest frenemy) in a rogaine: the map.
Your Map: The Event Starts Here
Before you hike a single step, you get handed a folded sheet of magic—your rogaining map. This isn’t some Google Maps printout. It’s a custom topographic map, lovingly prepared by volunteers who want to see how clever you really are.
Unlike orienteering maps, rogaining maps give a broader overview of the terrain, blending topo data with some simplifications. And no, there are no GPS coordinates or app links. You’ve got to navigate this one old-school.
The Squiggles Matter: Contour Lines
Contours are those brown spaghetti lines all over your map. They show elevation—each line connects points of the same height. Here’s how to read the story:
- Lines close together? That hill is steep. Expect heart rate.
- Lines far apart? Flatter land. Great for cruising.
- Circular shapes? Probably a hilltop. Unless it’s a saddle. Or a knoll. You’ll get the hang of it.
Contour mastery helps you pick routes you can actually survive—or, if you’re a sadist, the ones that will destroy your legs in exchange for max points.
Read more: Nav Academy #1: Map Like a Legend (Even if You’re New Here)
12 Hour 'On Target' - 7 June 2025
- Duration: 12 hour
- Year: 2025
- Type: Standard Event
‘On Target’ 12 Hour Rogaine
The 2025 June 12hr event is located within just over an hour’s drive, North/East of Perth. It is an “All Bush” event.
There will be something for all skill levels. A good sprinkling of controls are not far from the Hash House i.e. good for young families & novices. The course also caters for those who like to “push the envelope” i.e. there is some “tiger country”. And there is everything in-between; granite outcrops, views from the Edge of the World, examples of WA’s unique forest trees, Wandoo, Jarrah, Marri and an assortment of Banksias. We reckon you’ll also find some Rogainer’s friend, the Parrot Bush, or it will find you!
We have come through a long hot summer, so right now the bush is pretty dry. However by the time of the event, the early rains will have swept through and the bush will be showing some green shoots.
So book it into your calendar and come on out for some adventure.
Setters
David Smith, David Longman, Alan Kerr
Entries are now Closed.
Directions and event details will be sent to teams on Monday 2/6/2025