Explorer

Team endurance adventure events which test the body and mind

Extreme Tests of Endurance 

The Explorer is designed for the most ambitious, experienced and skilled teams who relish the opportunity to test themselves to the extreme. This series of events will see you scale the highest peaks and tread the wildest paths. Though designed to be physically tough, intelligent planning will remain critical to achieve success.

What is the event?

Explorer events are multi-disciplined team challenges lasting 5 days or more; they are more akin to a mini expedition with the added fun of competition. Normally, for teams of 2-6 people working together or in pairs, events are split into stages where you collect as many points as you can from scattered locations using a combination of adventure skills. Checkpoints will be located across a wide area from road junctions to mountain peaks. You will need to decide your strategy and plan the best use of your team’s skills across a variety of different adventure disciplines and terrain. If the event uses vehicles you will use it to both find checkpoints and support team members who are operating away. You will need to work together to identify checkpoint locations using a combination of mobile technology and traditional adventure skills. On-line information will expose hidden checkpoints and also allow you to track the progress of your competitors which may require you to amend your plan as you go. Your team will need to work out your best strategy over the course of the event…... it’s the smartest team who will win not necessarily the fittest.

WHERE ARE THE EVENTS?

Explorer events take place throughout Europe making the most of its diverse and beautiful landscape with events located from the mountains to the coast. We endeavour to place the start and finish where access is easy by road, rail or air but the stages will take you into the most remote and wild terrain Europe has to offer from the high Arctic north to the Mediterranean.

WHAT DO YOU NEED?

For an Explorer event you will need:

• a multi-skilled team of two or more - usually made up of: a driver; navigator/planner; plus individuals honed in the relevant adventure skills (depending on the event)

• planning and navigation gear - smartphones, compasses, map cases, marker pens, roamer, and other navigation / route planning kit

• a vehicle - you can use any type of vehicle, but it will need to carry your adventure equipment, camping gear and probably have an off-road capability (depending on the event)

• adventure gear - with associated safety kit etc as specified for each event

• camping gear, food and fuel - for self support during the event. This is usually carried in your vehicle; see the event page for exact details

• you will need to find your accommodation at the start/finish

• travel to and from the start / finish - you will need to make your own way to the start and from the finish locations. The details of this will be specified for each event

• personal insurance cover for taking part in adventure activities within the UK/Europe. For European events this should include travel/vehicle, medical and rescue cover

HOW DOES THE EVENT WORK?

Events are broken into time-limited stages, within stages there may be specific sections. The details of each stage remain confidential until the start of the stage. Teams plan their own routes within stages to collect as many points as possible within the time, travelling by foot, bike, vehicle as specified, for the event. Checkpoints will vary in value. Some sections within the stages may be time trials to test speed and skills over a set course.

Teams will often need to split into pairs - which is the minimum for safety but still communicate and co-ordinate between each other to maximise their team score. All pairs will have a live tracker for safety and so event staff can monitor progress.

Checkpoints are collected in a number of ways, for example: virtually, via a Smart App; by scanning hidden QR codes; by answering questions about the checkpoint; by proof of arrival via an Instagram post (selfie) . Teams scores are updated on a ‘live leader board’ viewable on the web. Points collected roll forward from each stage to generate a final score and overall event placings.

The Event Guide gives full details of how Smart Events work and should be read by all competitors before entry.

What we will Provide

The exact details of each event will vary and are specified on the event page but normally we will provide:

• an Event Book - giving full event instructions including a timetable and the locations of start / finish, enabling the booking of accommodation etc. It also contains instruction on navigation methods, tips on route-finding and examples of route book navigation. This will be issued in enough time before the event to allow teams to plan

• an on-line (Zoom) pre-event briefing and navigation training - held four weeks before the event where you can: meet the other teams; understand the navigation techniques; and ask any questions you may have

• the Stage Route Books - with the route and challenge details - this will be issued in sections at the beginning of each stage

• paper maps

• team trackers - so we can monitor your progress and quickly locate you should you need assistance

• event assistance - on-call staff, with an emergency call number to assist you with problems which may arise during the event. Note: this does not include vehicle assistance other than limited towing, or medical assistance other than minor first aid and where appropriate movement to medical facilities

• fun prizes and event medals - for each competitor to record the event

Upcoming events ….

Events are limited to 12 teams, once places are filled you will be put on the waiting list.

All dates Covid restrictions dependent.