Beach Ruck Challenge | Everything You Need To Know

by PATHFINDER Ruck Training October 15, 2020

The PATHFINDER Beach Ruck Challenge is all program approved rucking on a sandy beach, with the sand sinking or shifting underfoot to create variable terrain. Each program has it's own weight and distance requirements.

Challenge Purpose

The PATHFINDER Beach Ruck Challenge is designed to test your body, pacing and equipment on sandy and wet terrain.

Challenge Parameters

Conditions

The entire PATHFINDER Beach Ruck Challenge must be conducted on A SAND BEACH. Fresh or salt water does not matter if all other conditions are satisfied.

Sand must be soft and grainy that sinks and/or shifts significantly with foot pressure. Flat or “packed” sand at the shoreline is not permitted because it does not provide a significant challenge in comparison to flat concrete or trail terrain.

Feet will be submerged in water up to the ankle at the beginning and at the midpoint of the prescribed distance (e.g., for Life: once at start, once at 1 mile. Forward: once at start, once at Mile 2.)

TRAINING SHOES MUST BE WORN WHILE PARTICIPATING IN THIS CHALLENGE. Serious injuries can occur to feet, including Achilles tendon damage, when this Challenge is done without appropriate footwear. Barefoot is strictly prohibited. Flip flops, sandals (Keens, Tevas, or any other type) or any other kind of unsupportive footwear is also prohibited. PATHFINDER is not responsible for any injuries that occur to a roster. (We will also seriously make fun of you if you post pictures if you do this anyway. Don't be That Roster.)

The Beach Ruck will be conducted in one continuous movement, like the other PATHFINDER distance rucking Challenges.

A weighted ruck will be worn for the entire Challenge. (See Weight Requirements.)

Frequency: for Advanced: Ocala only, the challenge distance must be completed a total of four (4) times during the 12-week Program no more frequently than once every seven (7) days (i.e. once a week). All other programs only need to complete the ruck distance once.

Challenge Distance Requirements

Life: 2 miles
Forward: 4 miles
Endure: 6 miles
Advanced: 6 miles @ Rx Weight
Advanced: Ocala: 6 miles @ Rx Weight
Stirling / Compete: This Challenge is not a part of the current programming

Challenge Weight Requirements

Life, Forward and Endure: There is no stated weight requirement for rosters in these programs for this Challenge. An appropriately challenging weight for the roster's fitness level must be in the ruck at all times.
Advanced: 45lb (20kg) ruck dry weight for body weight of over 150lbs (68kg) or more, or 30lb (14kg) ruck dry weight for body weight less than 150lbs (68kg).
Advanced: Ocala: 35-40lbs (15-18kg) dry ruck weight

Challenge Time Requirements

There are no time requirements for this Challenge.

Challenge Restrictions

Always carry a basic First Aid kit with you.

Ruck safely. Communicate your route and estimated times to another individual/party who can alert

YOU MUST COMPLY WITH ALL APPLICABLE LAWS AND RESTRICTIONS. DO NOT TRESPASS. If you are in doubt contact facility management for a clear understanding of access to and usage of any facility’s property. PATHFINDER assumes no liability whatsoever for any actions taken by a PATHFINDER roster.

PATHFINDER assumes no responsibility or liability for any injuries, damages or death. A roster assumes all risk associated with their participation in any and all PATHFINDER programming.