1970s
Still practised
Definition
A cross-country navigation sport in which teams use map and compass to visit as many checkpoints as possible across a wilderness course, typically over 24 hours of day and night.
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Where "Rogaining" Comes From
The sport was born in Melbourne in April 1976, developed by the Surrey-Thomas Rover Crew of scouts as a long-distance, team-based navigation event.
Its name is a genuine acronym, built from the founders behind it: Rod Phillips, Gail Davis (nÊe Phillips), and Neil Phillips â Ro-Gai-Ne.
Example Sentence
They spent all Saturday night rogaining through the state forest, torch in one hand and compass in the other.
How Aussies Actually Use It
Used for the sport itself and for the act of taking part: you "go rogaining" the way you'd go orienteering or hiking.
Now an international sport with its own World Championships, though it remains most strongly associated with its Australian origins.
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