Information for Walkers
BOOKING A WALK
Ring the leader early rather than late, or you might miss out. Please ring by Thursday 2 pm for the following weekend (both one day and two day walks) so the leader has time to arrange transport.
Activities are usually limited to 16 participants, unless a smaller
number is advertised in the program. Leaders are encouraged to set an appropiate
limit based on the conservation values of the area to be visited, and the safety of the party
for the expected conditions.
Please be specific if the leader asks
about your walking experience. Check
with the leader about the need to carry
water, tents/flys, appropriate clothing,
suitable foot-wear, purchasing maps,
etc.
Ask questions especially if you are new
to club walking.
Members are reminded that bookings for weekend walks normally close at 2 pm on Thursday.
GRADING OF WALKS
Distance
(S) Short - under 12km/day.
(M) Medium - 12-20km/day.
(L) Long - over 20km/day.NB: In calculating distance, 1 km is added for every 100 metres climbed.
Terrain
(E) Easy - firetrail, tracks, beaches etc.
(M) Medium - bush tracks, alpine areas, some scrub.
(R) Rough - much scrub, steep climbs, rock scrambles.
(W) Wet - compulsory swims, many river crossings.Ask questions especially if you are new to club walking.
GRADINGS FOR SKI TRIPS
TERRAIN
(E) Easy - flat or gently undulating open areas, groomed trails.
(M) Medium - rolling terrain, some manoeuvring through treed areas, traverses on steep slopes.
(R) Rough - steep descents, long descents on narrow trails, limited choice of route because of rock outcrops or trees, exposed routes, high risk of icy conditions
PROFICIENCY
(C) Complete Beginner - limited or no skills, requires instruction.
(B) Beginner - can snowplough, herringbone and traverse on gentle slopes.
(I) Intermediate - can step turn, traverse on any slope, do 180° turns, side slip and side step.
(A) Advanced - can stem christie, telemark or parallel, and ski the fall line on moderate or steeper slopes
TRANSPORT TO WALKS
Costs are presently 37 cents a kilometre per car, divided equally among ALL participants. This amount is a guide only and can be varied at the discretion of the leader depending on the condition of the roads, the number of passengers per car and other factors. The figures given for individual trips are rough estimates only, based on four people per car and other factors - costs may rise if cars are only partly filled. Park admission and camping fees are additional costs which leaders should list separately.
REQUIREMENTS FOR ALL PARTICIPANTS
Every person taking part in a CBC activity must acknowledge that in participating in Club activities they do so voluntarily and may be exposed to risks that could lead to injury, illness or death or to loss of or damage to their property. You will be required to sign the Acknowledgement of Risks & Obligations Sheet at the start of a walk (no need to print it, the leader will have a printout of the sheet). You should also be familiar with the Guidelines for Participants. There is also a Suggested Equipment List including equipment the club has available for hire.
Prospective participants should check with the leader that they are capable of completing the proposed trip based on their previous experience, fitness and personal capabilities. If you are taking medication or suffering from a condition which may affect your participation in a Club activity you must inform the walk leader and discuss the matter when booking for the trip. Participants should also ask the leader what the trip entails and what food, equipment or special skills are required. Conversely, leaders should also ensure these points are checked and may reject an applicant they consider unsuitable for the trip.
DISCLAIMERS
If undertaken properly, bushwalking is a safe activity the most dangerous part is the drive to and from the start of the walk! However, it must be understood that neither the Club nor activity leaders can be held responsible for any accident which may occur. Participation in all trips is entirely at the risk of each individual. In addition, the leader has the right to reject any person from any trip for any reason.
CHECK-IN / CONTACT OFFICER
There is a Check-in / Contact Officer for the Club. He or she (not the Police or other bodies) should be the first point of contact for worried relatives if you are late in returning from a trip. The Check-in Officer's name & phone no. are at the start of the Activity Program in each month's it newsletter. This information should be left with people who might be concerned if you are late returning. Leaders must also report the safe return OR cancellation of their trip to the Check-in Officer.
GETTING UNLOST
On trips try to learn something about navigation, use of a compass and map reading. One way is at rest stops by trying to identify the various features on the map. Find out the intended route at the start of the trip!
If you lose sight of the party, give a holler for them to wait. Don't leave the party without someone else's knowledge (preferably the leader's). Lost walkers are (almost) always people separated from their party.
However, if you are separated from the party:
Call out just in case the rest of the party isn't far away (even better, use a whistle). Return to where you were last with the party, if you can confidently do so - this is the first place the rest of the party is likely to look for you. Sit down, have something to eat and think it out. Walkers should always carry a box of matches (in a waterproof container) on their person at all times, as a safety (warmth, visibility) aid in case of becoming lost.
It's difficult to give specific instructions it depends on the weather, the type of terrain, your fitness and the degree of "lostness". You must use your own judgment. If you decide to sit and wait, choose a prominent but sheltered place. Mark it well so that you can be seen even if you are asleep. You should always keep your pack with you.
Do not wander around aimlessly!
Determine as near as possible your location. Head for suitable landmarks such as a hill or road and, if possible, keep to the ridges. Leave prominent messages giving your plans, the date and time.
If you get lost for a substantial time and then unlose yourself, make sure you urgently contact searchers to call off any search for you.
It's far better not to get lost in the first place.
