Get Roar-fit 2024

8 Weeks Out

The next few weeks are all about building a good fitness base, starting your research and setting your goals.  

Start with a couple of weekly walks or runs.
If you’re low on time, try walking to work or getting out on your breaks.  

Incorporate weekly strength training.
If you’re starting from scratch, don’t rush it. Start small and increase your weights each week. 

Research your hunting area.
Assess the terrain, elevation and any tricky bits. If you’re heading to a new area, ask around and try and get as much information as possible. 

Set your goals for your Roar.
Visualise your ideal Roar trip. 

Determine your fitness requirements.
Once you’ve set your goals and know more about your area, you’ll have a better idea of what level of fitness is required.

4 Weeks Out

Hopefully you have a good level of base fitness by now and have a strong understanding of your hunting area.  

Level up your cardio and get into the hills.
There’s nothing better to get you prepared for a hunt in the hills, than hunting in the hills. 

Train with full gear on uneven tracks.
A gear check at home is a good start but giving it a proper test or two will highlight any faults and areas that need addressing. 

Check in on your progress.
How close are you to meeting your fitness goals? Do you need to increase your difficulty? 

Address any issues and check on your mates.
If you have questions about your hunting area, or concerns about your trip plan or gear, now is the time to sort it out. 

Build your plan B.
Plan out your exit routes and decide what your group will do in an emergency if someone gets injured or the weather packs in. 

1 Week Out

The countdown is on! With only a week to go, you should be feeling fit and prepared. Now it’s time to focus on rest and getting in the right mindset for a safe and successful Roar. 

Rest and recover before the big day.
Aim for an early night before you head out.  

Check in with the rest of your crew.
Talk to the people you’re heading out with and make sure you’re all on the same page. 

Share your trip plan with your emergency contacts.
Make sure they know exactly where you’re headed. Plan My Walk is a great tool for building a trip plan and sharing it with your contacts. You can even build your own custom track! 

During Your Trip

You made it! Now is time for the payoff. Make the most of it and get home safe with these top tips for on the day: 

Have a hmmm before you jump in.
It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of the hunt but make sure to slow it down, pay extra care to your route selection, watch your footing and be aware of terrain traps like bluffs. 

Discuss your plan every day.
Touch base with your mates each morning, and keep an eye on the weather. 

Pack your essentials.
Always bring a rain jacket, warm layers, beanie and gloves, map, compass, emergency shelter, first aid kit and emergency communications device. 

Watch out for mental shortcuts aka heuristic traps.
Use active decision-making and consider factors which might be influencing you, like only making a call because you’re worried you won’t have another chance. At the end of the day, the #1 goal should always be getting home safe. 

Have a hmmm

‘Have a hmmm’ is a constructive challenge: take action to avoid injury and keep yourself, your whānau, friends and community safe and well by improving hunters’ safety and reducing preventable injuries.  

• Research the area and have a backup plan
• Check the weather and be prepared for it to change
• Pack a rain jacket and shelter just in case
• Tell a mate your plans before you go
• Check in with your mates regularly
• Take a map and keep track of your movements
• Watch your footing and take your time