New Zealand Alpine Club announces world-first sporting event

New Zealand Alpine Club Programme Manager, Sefton Priestley has today announced the establishment of the entirely new sport in New Zealand…..and the world.

Bouldergaine is a hybrid of Rogaining and Bouldering. It combines rock climbing on boulders to a safe height without the need for equipment and an endurance form of orienteering involving locating electronic checkpoints in cross-country terrain.

“Basically, participants work in teams of two to locate checkpoints spread over a 4km² area and score points with an electronic tag at each one they reach - that is the ‘rogaine’ aspect. At each checkpoint there are also bonus point clickers that can be reached by climbing to the top of a boulder – that is the bouldering aspect,” Mr Priestley said.

Mr Priestley had no hesitation is selecting Castle Hill in the Kura Tawhiti Conservation Area.

“Castle Hill is one of the most spectacular boulder fields in the world, and at only 80mins from Christchurch, the ideal location for this world premier! It is a beautiful setting,” he said.

The event is scheduled for Saturday March the 15th and is designed with participation, rather than competition in mind. A spirit of friendly competition will underscore the event, but no experience in rogaining or bouldering is necessary.

“We have had some fantastic sponsors come forward to lend their support. Our thanks go to Bivouac/Outdoor, La Sportiva and Pure Sports Nutrition” he said.

Background

The New Zealand Alpine Club was formed in 1891 and aims to promote and support climbing at all levels within New Zealand. The club has over 3200 members, ten regional sections and five full-time staff based at its headquarters in Christchurch. The scope of its activities are broad including publishing, the provision of 17 alpine huts and base lodges, instruction, advocacy, insurance and support for overseas climbing expeditions.

ENDS

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