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.
Colours and Symbols: More Than Just Map Art
WA rogaining maps use a few consistent rules:
- Black: Man-made stuff—buildings, fences, tracks.
- Blue: Water—creeks, dams, swamps (seasonal or dry).
- Green: Represents thick bush usually plantations
- Brown: Contours (topography).
- Red Hashed Areas: These are out-of-bounds. Respect them or risk disqualification.
Oh, and those blue lines running north-south? Those are magnetic north lines—super handy when aligning your map with your compass.
The Secret Sauce: Planning Like a Pro
Now here’s where great teams set themselves apart: in the planning window.
At most WA rogaines, you’ll get the map about few hours (1-4 depending on the event) before the event starts. This is gold. Use it.
Here’s how:
- Know Your Team’s Limits: Distance, fitness, pace, and how much arguing you can tolerate.
- Spot the Points: High points (90s, 100s) aren’t always worth it. Sometimes five 20s near camp is smarter.
- Plot a Loop: Create a loop route so you can bail or extend as needed.
- Use Terrain Features: Follow “handrails” like tracks, creeks, or ridges. Plan “catching features” that confirm your location.
- Plan for Night: Save tougher controls for daylight. Use easy nav routes at night.
Tips from the Community
Want more than just theory? Check out these specific resources from rogainers who’ve been around the (mapped) block:
Final Thought: The Map is Just the Beginning
Rogaining isn’t about speed—it’s about smart choices. The map is your toolkit, your puzzle, and your playground. Spend time with it, learn its quirks, and treat it like the MVP of your team.
Next up in Nav Academy: Compass Confidence – Learning to Trust the Needle