Key facts and information about Peak Assault
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::wysiwyg_fulltext::Peak Assault is a mountaineering; orienteering competition specifically structured towards the Explorer Scout (14-18 year-old), Scout Network (18-25 year old) and Scout Active Support (18 and over) sections of Hertfordshire Scouts.
It is an annual event and is now 42 years-old.
Peak Assault usually takes place within one of the National Parks of England or Wales.
Most importantly, we work with the key organisations because we will not proceed without full support from all relevant organisations and individuals operating on the land used for Peak Assault, these include:
- National Park Authority
- Land Owners or Managers
- Tenants
- Commoners
- Other organisations.
Hertfordshire Scouts feels strongly that it is important to advertise areas of outstanding natural beauty to our members.? It is also very important to demonstrate that activities can be organised safely and to a high standard in the more beautiful and adventurous areas of the Country.
In 2009 there were 57 teams of 5-6 members competing in Peak Assault, which took place in the Western Black Mountains, Brecon Beacons National Park.
The structure of Peak Assault rightly has to air on the side of safety as it operates within the rules of the Scout Association, so we have numerous supporting teams that allow the event to operate to a high standard and minimise any risk.
All competitors are verified as being able to compete in Peak Assault by a local advisor.
Peak Assault has 3rd party insurance indemnity under the terms of the Scout Association to safeguard all relevant parties.
Details of the event itself
An advanced party of 10 people set up the course, make any adjustments and establish radio communications in the four days leading up to the competition dates
Competitors and supporters travel to the competition by coach on Friday evening and set up camp on a designated site.
The competition itself is held over a day and a half, with the teams carrying full camping equipment, food, waterproofs and first aid equipment.? All equipment is checked by a team prior to starting.
The competition starts at 7.00am on Saturday at the base camp and finishes 6-7 hours later at one of the overnight sites.? The competition restarts on Sunday morning at 7.00am and finishes 3-4 hours later back at the base camp.? Competing teams locate as many checkpoints as possible within the rules and time limits.
The competition involves the use of two campsites.? Firstly a base camp where the event starts and finishes and a remote site for the Explorer Scout (14 to 18 year old) competitors at the end of the first day.? No contact is made for these facilities until we are confident that approval from all land owners has been agreed.
During the competition, pairs of marshals position themselves on the course near to checkpoints and monitor the progress of teams for safety reasons.
During the competition, two field response teams move around the course carrying first aid and other safety equipment and can be called on at any stage to respond to the needs of the marshals and competitors. Two members of this team are GPs.
During the competition, eight to ten teams of roving marshals monitor the progress of the competition and ensure that those in charge of the competition at the base camp are informed of what is happening up in the mountains. All members are experienced mountaineers many of whom have nationally recognised mountaineering qualifications including the organisers.
The Marshals, Field Response Teams and Roving Marshals are in contact with the course organisers via two-way radio.
At the end of the competition, Sunday 1-1.30pm, trophies are awarded to the winning teams.
All equipment and personnel are cleared by 4.00pm on the Sunday afternoon.
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