Tyre obstacles involve navigating through, over, or around tyres laid out as hurdles, requiring agility, careful footwork, and constant attention to avoid tripping.
The refugee parallel
Tyre obstacles represent the unexpected debris and hazards that litter refugee routes – abandoned materials in fields, dangerous objects in the dark, landmines in conflict zones, or unstable ground where every step must be tested before committing weight.
Your role as leader
Setting the scene Approach with caution and awareness:
- “The path ahead is scattered with obstacles – we must navigate carefully”
- “Test each step before putting your full weight down”
- “Stay alert – one careless step could leave someone injured”
Leading by example
- Move through the tyres first with deliberate, careful steps
- Show different techniques: stepping through, over, or around
- Demonstrate how to maintain balance while managing modest clothing
- Move steadily but not rushing – show that care beats speed
Supporting your group From ahead or alongside:
- Guide footwork: “Test that tyre edge before stepping on it”
- Encourage caution: “Take your time – careful steps keep everyone safe”
- Provide technique options: “Try stepping through the middle, or around the edge”
- Celebrate careful navigation: “Perfect – you’re thinking before each step”
Maintaining the experience
Build collective awareness
- “We all watch out for each other – call out hazards you see”
- “Every careful step protects not just you, but the person behind you”
- “This terrain wants to trip us up, but we navigate it together”
Handle trips and stumbles When someone catches their foot or stumbles:
- Normalise the challenge: “These obstacles are designed to catch us off guard”
- Build learning: “Now you know to test that spot – you’re becoming more aware”
- Encourage persistence: “Good recovery – that’s exactly the alertness we need”
- Focus on growth: “Each stumble teaches us to be more careful”
After the obstacle field
- Celebrate awareness: “You navigated that like experts – thinking before every step”
- Acknowledge collective care: “Everyone looked out for each other through the hazards”
- Connect to vigilance: “You stayed alert when it mattered – that skill could save lives”
Working with course instructors
The professional instructor will:
- Ensure tyre stability and safe placement
- Monitor for genuine injury risks
- Provide guidance on safe navigation techniques
- Manage the flow to prevent overcrowding
Your role focuses on:
- Maintaining the narrative of navigating dangerous, unpredictable terrain
- Building collective responsibility for group safety
- Encouraging careful, thoughtful movement
- Celebrating awareness and adaptability
Managing different approaches
For naturally agile participants
- “Your careful navigation shows others how to move safely”
- “Use your agility to help spot hazards for others”
For those who struggle with coordination
- “Taking extra care shows wisdom – rushing causes accidents”
- “Every deliberate step demonstrates real intelligence”
- “Your caution protects everyone by setting a good example”
Different navigation techniques
- Demonstrate multiple approaches: stepping through centres, around edges, or over tops
- Show how to use hands for balance when needed
- Encourage testing stability before committing to each step
Building awareness and adaptability
Before entering the field
- “Scan ahead and plan your route – but be ready to adapt”
- “Trust your instincts – if something looks unstable, find another way”
- “Help each other by calling out good paths or hazards you spot”
During navigation
- Keep verbal guidance minimal to maintain concentration
- Point out good technique when you see it
- Encourage helping others without breaking their focus
Teaching moment
- “In real dangerous terrain, this kind of awareness saves lives”
- “You’re learning to think before you act – that’s survival intelligence”
Key reminders
- Lead with careful, deliberate movement that prioritises safety
- Build collective responsibility for everyone’s safe passage
- Show that thinking and planning beats rushing and hoping
- Celebrate awareness and adaptability over pure speed
- Maintain focus on protecting each other through hazardous terrain
- Frame careful navigation as life-saving skills
- Connect successful passage to the vigilance needed in genuinely dangerous situations
- Acknowledge that some challenges require sustained attention rather than brief effort