Disciplines
The main disciplines for Orion Health GODZone Adventure are navigation, trekking, mountain biking, and kayaking. The race may include additional disciplines that reflect the demands of the terrain. More specific information will be provided in the Newsletters.
Navigation
Many teams underestimate the importance of navigation in adventure races. It is vital that you have at least one competent navigator in your team. The course will demand strong map skills and present teams with numerous route decisions that could significantly impact performance. Teams will be using standard NZ Topo Maps at a scale of 1:50,000 but other maps may be used specific to a discipline or location.
Every stage of the race will have a navigational element which underlines it’s importance. On some parts of the course you may travel for over 10 hours before seeing a TA or CP (with several route options available) meaning tactical planning will be just as important as following the map. The organisers strongly believe that the winning team should combine both brains and brawn so competitors should focus on a subtle balance of physical prowess versus skills, such as navigation and route planning.
Trekking
Will involve traveling by foot through a wide variety of terrain. Teams will need to be competent trekkers, be confident over rugged terrain and understand potential hazards such as exposed ridges and river crossings.
Mountain Biking
Teams should be prepared for a range of riding including fire trails, steep hills, unsealed roads, cross country, sealed roads and single track. It is possible that you will push or carry your bike at some stage but the race organisers strongly believe that mountain bike sections should involve pedalling and not walking.
Kayaking
Kayaking in Orion Health GODZone Adventure could be on inland rivers, lakes, fiords and on the sea. Generally, inland paddling will be permitted during both day and night, though this may be dictated by river flows. Dark zones may also be enforced on white water and/or any exposed lake sections if the conditions merit it. Paddling on the sea will not be permitted at night. Specific details will be outlined at the pre-event briefing.
Fixed Ropes
Orion Health GODZone Adventure may have fixed ropes which will have to be negotiated for teams to proceed along the course. This could include, amongst other things, descending (abseiling), ascending (jumaring), tyrolean traverses (flying fox) and scrambling. All rope activities will be supervised by experienced and trained professionals. Further information on climbing gear required for fixed rope sections will be released in the Newsletters.
Other Disciplines
From time to time a course or stage will pass through an area which offers unique opportunities for other methods of travel. This may be related to geography, be of cultural significance or both. Information on other disciplines may be released in the Newsletters or even as late as the pre-event briefing. We like to keep some surprises up our sleeve.