The following information must be taken as a guide only. The grade describes the level of difficulty e.g. the terrain.  In the program the pace of activities is described as leisurely (slow), moderate, or energetic and reflects the intention of the leader or may be dictated by the level of difficulty. e.g. a steep walk may need to be undertaken at a slow pace.  Please contact the leader if you are uncertain about the experience and fitness required . We strongly suggest that you start with the lower grades then progress to the higher grades.

Walks

Grade	Distance	Type of Terrain	Suitability
1	Up to 8km	Established tracks, streets and beaches. May include some gentle gradients.	Beginners.
2	Up to 10km	Established walking tracks, gentle to moderate gradients.	People with reasonable fitness.
3	Up to 15km	Bush tracks with possible off-track sections, moderate gradients.	People with reasonable fitness and stamina who are used to bushwalking.
4	Up to 20km	Track and off-track with steep gradients.	Experienced bushwalkers who are fit and agile and have previously completed Grade 3 walks.
5	Up to 30km	Expect tracks, off-track, exploratory sections, thick bushland, steep gradients, rock scrambling, river crossings and rugged terrain.	Very fit and experienced bushwalkers who have previously completed Grade 4 walks.

Bike Rides

Grade	Distance	Type of Terrain	Suitability
1	Up to 30km	Mainly cycle tracks, mostly level	Casual cyclists
2	Up to 40km	Cycle tracks and roads with some hills	Regular cyclists, reasonable level of fitness
3	Up to 60km	Cycle tracks, roads, steep hills	Regular cyclists who have completed Grade 2 rides comfortably

Paddles

Grade	Distance	Type of Terrain	Suitability
1	Up to 10km	Flat water	Beginners, those with limited experience
2	Up to 15km	Flat water	Those with experience and a reasonable level of fitness
3	Up to 20km	Flat water with some small waves	Experienced paddlers with a good level of fitness
4	Up to 30km	Water with fast flow and changing conditions	Experienced, very fit paddlers
5	Up to 30km	Open water with wave action as found in the ocean, large lakes or rivers	Very experienced and fit paddlers

Clothing & Equipment

The leader has the right to exclude you from an activity if they consider your fitness, skills or equipment are inadequate, or your clothing and footwear are inappropriate.  Participants should be able to operate independently by equipping themselves as follows:

Basic equipment for all activities	In addition – For walks	For bike rides	For paddles
Suitable footwear	Enclosed footwear - not plastic	Roadworthy bike, in good working order. E-bikes must meet NSW Govt requirements* (see below)	Sea/riverworthy craft Paddles
Suitable clothing	Hat	Helmet AS/NZS 2063:2008 standard, undamaged and securely fitted and fastened* (see below)	PFD (Life Jacket) Hat
Adequate water for the conditions - at least 1 litre* (see below).		Bell, lights	Spraydeck
Small First Aid kit* (see below)	Whistle, insect repellent, sunblock, matches	Insect repellent, sunblock	Whistle, insect repellent, sunblock, matches
		Pump, tools, spare tube	Bucket or sponge
			Paddle leash, tow rope

*NSW Government requirements for permitted E-bikes

*How to fit your bike helmet

*Water needs

*First Aid Kits

 

For camping, kayaking and cycling trips, contact the leader for advice about equipment, food and other supplies.

Participation in Activities

Before the activity

• Ensure that you are fit enough
• If you are unable to attend advise the leader immediately
• Obtain the leader’s permission before inviting a friend
• Arrive at the meeting place at least 10 minutes before the starting time.

On the activity

• Stay behind the leader
• Keep in contact with those ahead and those behind
• At forks and junctions, wait for others to catch up
• If you lose sight of the group and are unsure of the way – stop, stay where you are, call out, phone or blow your whistle
• Advise the leader if you intend to leave the activity before the end
• If cycling on bike paths, keep left and a safe distance from other users, ring your bell before overtaking.
• Observe road rules when cycling in traffic.

Leading Activities

Planning the activity

• Pre-check the route, noting any difficulties or hazards, and suitable rest spots
• Participants in a reconnoitre should sign the Reconnoitre Activity Register.
• Give thought to an alternative plan in case of unforeseen circumstances.
• Describe the activity accurately including distances, climbs, terrain and hazards.
• At the time of registration, check with anyone you don’t know that (a) they have read the Ramblers Club Grading & Guidelines and (b) they are sufficiently fit and able.  Ascertain if they have completed other Ramblers Club walks.
• Refuse any who may have difficulty completing the activity.
• For Grade 5 activities, fully equipped walking and kayaking expeditions, and activities in remote areas, a PLB must be carried. The Club has PLBs for members’ use – contact Gerry O’Leary or Penny Howes.
• When carrying a club PLB, the Trip Details related to use of PLB form must be submitted prior to embarking on the activity.

Before and during the activity

• Appoint a deputy leader
• There should be a minimum of four participants on all walks Grade 4 and above
• Brief participants on hazards and safe practices
• Confirm that everyone is carrying enough water
• Refuse any participant who does not have the necessary equipment
• Have regular breaks and be aware of signs of stress
• Stop at junctions and regroup
• Cancel or change an activity if conditions become unsafe
• In the case of a serious situation or medical incident, contact Emergency Services on 000 or 112. Only activate the PLB when other means of communication are not possible.

At the end of the activity

• Ensure that everyone has finished safely
• Forward the Activity Register to the Activity Recorder. If required, lodge an Incident Report. This can be done online from the Forms page