Read this before joining an EYCZ trip or event

Escaping Your Comfort Zone (EYCZ) is a community of body positive adventurers. We welcome women and non-binary people. No weight loss focus, slow paced and non-judgemental. Purely for fun. This group is for making new friends, and finding like minded people to get outdoors with.

Our Events and Trips

Our hikes are generally quite short, being an average of 1.5hr – 2hrs in length, and are designed for total beginners, all fitness levels (including negative 10!), we walk slowly and stop regularly.  In fact many of our hikes are more like walks at local parks, but it’s outside, with like minded friends!

All of our hikes are listed on Groups.Place.  You must setup an account on Groups.Place to see the details of each hike.  

All events listed are run by our trained leaders. They have been trained in making sure everyone is comfortable, they lead from the back and no one is left behind, and the trails selected are well described, and suitable for the group. They are also covered by our EYCZ insurance.

Please make sure you arrive 10-15mins BEFORE the start time. We understand that life happens, but it’s not fair on the rest of the group if you have underestimated your travel time (I personally always add 15mins to the Google maps estimate). We will wait till 10 mins after the start, but after that we will leave without you.

Hike Ratings

To make it easier to judge which hike is best for you we have created a rating system for our hikes. As always, we always walk at the pace of the slowest person, and we believe that the outdoors don’t care about your size, your speed or your fitness, and neither do we!

We have 4 ratings, First Steps (FS), Slow & Steady (S&S), More Challenging (MC) and More Challenging Plus (MC+). For the full description of each of these ratings, go to our Hike Ratings page.

Payments

Payments are required at the time of booking to secure your spot. For some trips there will be the option to pay a deposit, with one or more subsequent payments. This is setup to help you out, so it is your responsibility to make the payment installments as they are due. If payments are not made within 14 days of the due date, withoutout letting us know, your position may be offered to those on the waitlist.

What to bring

It’s important that you bring the following to all hikes you attend:

  • Water (at least 600ml, more may be suggested for some hikes)

  • Hat, sunscreen, bug repellent

  • Clothes appropriate for the weather (suggest always bringing an extra layer just in case). This is Melbourne, so recommend a lightweight waterproof jacket for most hikes!

  • Backpack to carry your stuff

  • Basic first aid kit, including any medications you may need (antihistamines for any allergies, ventolin for asthma etc). EVERYONE hiking in summer must read about what to do about snakes

  • Your Emergency Contact and Medical Information form in the top of my backpack, in a plastic pocket.  This must be carried at all times while participating in EYCZ activities. If you don’t have access to a printer, please just write the details on a blank piece of paper.

Code of Conduct

Every person leading or participating in the activities of Escaping Your Comfort Zone should strive to ensure:

  • The inclusion of every person who identifies as a woman, or a non-binary person, regardless of their age, gender, sexual orientation, race, culture or religion.  Using language that excludes, demeans or is otherwise discriminatory to club members based on these categories should be avoided.

  • They demonstrate respect towards each other, and the broader community.

  • There is a safe and inclusive environment for all and there is no violent or abusive behaviour.

  • There is protection from sexual harassment or intimidation.

  • There is a body positive environment, where members are free from judgement; with no weight loss or diet talk.

  • There are opportunities for people of all abilities to participate in most of our activities, and make them as inclusive as possible.

Here’s the complete Code of Conduct, including the complaints process.

 

Acknowledgement of Risk

This Acknowledgement of Risk applies to all club activities I may undertake as a member of Escaping Your Comfort Zone Inc (EYCZ).

In voluntarily participating in activities of the Club which are described to me by the activity leaders, I am aware that my participation in the activities may expose me to hazards and risks that could lead to injury, illness or death, or to loss of or damage to my property. I also acknowledge that I may encounter weather conditions that could lead to hypothermia and being in locations where evacuation for medical treatment may take significant time.

To minimise risks, I will endeavour to ensure that:

  • Each activity is within my capabilities.

  • I am carrying food, water and equipment appropriate for the activity.

  • I will carry any medications I may need to treat any medical conditions I may have.

  • I will carry an Emergency Contact and Medical Information form in the top of my backpack, in a plastic pocket, at all times while participating in EYCZ activities.  This includes the medical information for any children under 18 under my supervision

In addition:

  • I will advise the activity leader if I am taking any medication or have any physical or other limitation that might affect my participation in the activity.

  • I will make every effort to remain with the rest of the party during the activity.

  • I will advise the leader of any concerns I am having. 

  • I will comply with all reasonable instructions of the club admin and the activity leader.

  • I understand that I am fully responsible for the cost of rescue or ambulance should the need arise during this event.

  • I consent to the photographing and video recording of myself and the use of these photographs and/or recordings singularly or in conjunction with other photographs and/or recordings for advertising, publicity, commercial or other business purposes for Escaping Your Comfort Zone. (Where you do not consent, this must be specifically communicated to the activity leader at the time of the activity).  

  • I understand that any children under my supervision who are under 12 years of age will not be covered under the club’s personal accident insurance

I have read and understood the above requirements. I have considered the risks before choosing to accept this Acknowledgement of Risk. I still wish to join the activities of the Club. I acknowledge that I will take responsibility for my own actions and that the joining of Escaping Your Comfort Zone, or payment of my subscription or casual participation fee will be deemed as full acceptance and understanding of the above conditions.

Updated Escaping Your Comfort Zone Inc. August 2020.