If you would like to conquer one of the most legendary trails on earth...and do it even if you've never trekked before, are completely unfit or don't have a clue about trekking... then this letter will show you how.

My name is Rowan Smith, and I am a personal trainer who specialises is preparing everyday people to accomplish extraordinary things. 
 
I have been working with hikers, trekkers and mountaineers for a few years now. When I first started training this population, I had all types of amateur adventurers coming to me, determined to finally conquer their bucket list goals. But time and time again, I kept on seeing the same issues...
  • They were confused about all the unclear, conflicting and misleading information on the internet about preparing for these adventures…
  • They were concerned that their lack of experience would stop them properly enjoying this once in a life time challenge...​
  • And they were terrified that they just wouldn't be able to physically succeed (and have to return to their family, friends and colleagues as a failure)

And seeing this over and over again, I decided something had to change. 

So I took a different approach then what was the 'norm' in the trekking industry...  

​I started applying the principles of Sport Science and Strength and Conditioning which I had cut my teeth with for years, into the very specific demands of trekking.
 
I began to treat my clients like athletes, rather than someone who 'just had to walk all day'.
 
And I took the time to deal with the root causes of their aches, pains and injuries - rather than simply throwing another band-aid solution their way.
 
And do you know what happened? I began to see some amazing results!
 
Not only were my trekkers feeling more confident and more capable on the trail; but time and time again I heard that they were leading the pack!
 
And since then I had sent trekkers all around the world, from Nepal to Tanzania, Russia to New Zealand - all with a 100% success rate!
 
But then I had a realisation...
 
The people I was working with were the ones who had already taken the plunge and booked their adventure....
 
Who already had the initiative to seek out a trainer who specialised in trek preparation...
 
And more often than not, they already had a friend or two to trek with...
 
So I thought to myself...

What about everyone else who was sick of groundhog day, staring at their computer screen and dreaming of adventure?

Who were fed up with the monotony of their everyday lives and were yearning for a serious challenge...
 
Who were seeing the chances of completing their bucket list goals slipping away, year after year, simply because they didn't know how to take that first step...

Well that is why I created the Summit Strength Kokoda Adventure. The single most comprehensive trekking service, that will take absolutely anyone (no matter how inexperienced or unfit) and train, educate and lead them to conquer the adventure of a lifetime.

Now I will be entirely honest. I am not a trek leader. Or a guide. I have done plenty of hiking and trekking. But not nearly enough to pretend I can lead you on a challenge like Kokoda. In fact, the only thing I consider myself an 'expert in' is training and preparing people to have the very best chance of a safe, enjoyable and successful adventure. 
 
But that is not a problem. Because for this adventure, I have teamed with Ontrack Expeditions (who have been guiding Kokoda expeditions since 2010 and in that time have become recognised to be one of the market leaders in providing quality trekking adventures) to bring you the single most comprehensive Kokoda experience available.
​

WHAT YOU GET WITH THE
SUMMIT STRENGTH KOKODA ADVENTURE

  • 11 day all-inclusive trip to Papua New Guinea and the legendary Kokoda Trail
  • 16 weeks of specialised personal training (to get you fit, strong and resilient to conquer anything the trail will throw at you)
  • Flights, meals, and insurance all included (the only things you will need to buy are a coke or beer along the way!)
  • A guided historical tour (this isn't just a physical challenge, but you will be immersed in the history of the trail by our trained, Australian historical guide)
  • Comprehensive trekking education (so you can eliminate any confusion, frustration or anxiety on what is necessary for a successful trek)
  • Guided trek training. (Gain real trail experience and confidence on our group trek training sessions)
  • A personal porter (so you don't have too lug around an insanely heavy pack and can actually enjoy the experience!)
  • We fly out Tuesday, 12th November and return Friday 22nd (so you only have to organise 9 days of leave!)
So this sounds great! Right? But you be thinking to yourself:
 
“But what if I have never trekked before?”
 
“Kokoda is waaay to tough for me…”
 
Or…
 
“What if the last exercise I did, was back when John Howard had a full head of hair?” 
 
Don't you worry!
 
The personal training we offer isn't any old training program, thrown together by some random coach who couldn’t care less about your success…
 
You will be taken step by step through the Summit Success Method, the proven system for trek success (which so far, has a 100% success rate!)

HERE’S A PEEK OF EIGHT MORE THINGS S YOU WILL GET WHEN JOINING THE SUMMIT STRENGTH KOKODA ADVENTURE

  1. The proven system of training for a trek... which will get you in the shape of your life (without having to spend multiple hours a day walking like traditional training programs want you to) 
  2. The simple training secrets (used by world class athletes for decades) which will dramatically increase the effectiveness of your workouts (regardless of experience)
  3. Simple techniques proven to reduce your risk of injury, which you can do in front of the tv
  4. Learn how to combat the most common reason trekkers fail to complete their first trek
  5. The #1 worst mistake you can make when trekking uphills (even if you do everything 'right', this can ruin you on the trail)
  6. How to use simple techniques to protect your joints (for example, you'd be amazed what a difference the 'heel push' technique will make on stairs!)
  7. Exactly what you need to pack for the trek...  How to prevent and treat common issues like blisters, sore muscles or illness...  Why you need to pay extra attention to your own personal hygiene on the trail.... How to ensure you can avoid the perils of both dehydration and over hydration... And much, much more. 
  8. And while it is not the direct aim of the training, a common consequence of the program is dramatic fat-loss, an abundance of energy and an explosion of confidence in your physical abilities!

So enough about training, what can you expect when you are actually on the trail?

Well here are a few things which makes our experience something you will never forget:

  • Over 8 days, we will be guided by both an experienced local leader as well as an Australian historical guide (so you can discover some amazing local insights as well as the in depth Australian history)
  • You will be provided with 3 delicious meals a day (a combination of pre-prepared food from Australia and a selection of the incredible local fruits and vegetables)
  • Each evening you will sleep in a private tent (so you can enjoy a restful, deep sleep after a hard day on the trail)
  • You will have your own personal porter (the price included for the personal porters goes directly to the porters themselves. So not only will this reduce your risk of injury on the trail, but it will literally pay for 3 years of education one of their children!)
  • You will enjoy access to all historical sites on the track (immerse yourself in the history of the Isurava Battle Site, Brigade Hill, Myola lakes and Bomana Cemetery)
  • Walk in the literal footsteps of our Diggers (we are walking the trail south to north, so we are following the Diggers journey as they pushed the Japanese back along the trail during World War Two)
  • All transfers, busses and internal flights are privately run by Ontrack Expeditions (so no having to share with a bunch of strangers!)
  • Sleep in a 5 star hotel on the final night (Once you have the challenge of a lifetime, you deserve to put your feet up in some luxury!)

Testimonials

  • Rowan has  gone well beyond the physical elements of personal training and has educated me about suitable foods for trekking, how to quickly overcome sickness, sleeping tips  and injury avoidance techniques. Rowan's support and guidance has made me feel very prepared and confident going into my trek. - Molly
Rowan is such an amazing trainer. He is incredibly passionate about what he does and always pushed me to my full potential. My fitness level after the duration of my training was the best it had ever been which made summiting Mount Kilimanjaro and Mount Meru a real breeze. - Ariella
After seeing other climbers on the mountain struggling, I definitely felt the training program set out gave me an edge over the pack. I felt the training program set out by Rowan was perfect for the activities I was undertaking and can't thank him enough. - Matt
Rowan was great at training me and preparing me for what I had ahead. I had a dozen injuries and lung issues - all sorts of considerations but you really can’t do it alone and he’s patient but pushes you. I strongly recommend using his services. - Mel
"I just wanted to say a big THANK YOU for helping me train for my trek! Thank you for your knowledge, care, encouragement, your belief in me and most of all for helping to instill confidence in myself! I smashed it! - Steph
A couple of years ago, my knee pain was so bad I had to just about to be carried down the mountain. I was literally in agony every single step… But after following the program and advice from Rowan, not only can I now hike pain free (and actually enjoy the surroundings while I do so) but I am planning a return to Nepal in 2019!” - Ali

ARE YOU READY TO JOIN UP FOR THIS
LIFE CHANGING EXPERIENCE?

The Summit Strength Kokoda Adventure has been designed to take all the running around, stress and confusion out of your hands. We will tell you exactly what you need to do. And we will make it as stress free and straightforward as possible for you.
 
However, to be clear, this doesn’t mean it will be easy. The trail will be a significant challenge. And as much as I believe that I can prepare literally anyone to conquer it, it will take some effort and dedication on your behalf!
 
So if you are looking for something that you can do without trying, that you don’t want to take seriously or you will forget the moment its done, the Summit Strength Kokoda Adventure is not for you!
 
However, if you are ready to jump into this once in a lifetime adventure, there are a couple of different options for you:

$6,500

Face To Face 
(For those who live In Sydney)

Includes:
  • 16 weeks Personal Training (delivered in the Sydney CBD)
  • Full Kokoda Package​
  • Travel Insurance
  • Guided Trek Training
  • Access to the Summit Education Series

$5,500

Online Package
(For those who Live outside Sydney)

Includes:
  • 16 weeks Online Personal Training (delivered via our training App)
  • Full Kokoda Package
  • Weekly Coaching Calls
  • Access to the Summit Education Series​
    ​

$4,700

Trek only
(For those who just love to trek)

Includes:​
  • Full Kokoda Package​
  • 11 day Kokoda Adventure
  • All Meals Provided
  • Personal Porter
  • Access to All Historical Sights 
  • Private Transfers, Busses And Internal Flights

GOT QUESTIONS? I’VE GOT ANSWERS.

I don't live in Sydney, can I still join?
Absolutely. The Online option is directly catered for those outside of Sydney. You will just have to buy your own travel insurance and book your own international flights to and from Port Moresby in Papua New Guinea. 
Can you tell me a bit more about the Online Training?
The Online Personal Training is delivered via our Training App, which will tell you exactly what training you need to do each week and comes with video instructions for each exercise. This programming is personalised to you, your training needs and your injury history – it is definitely not a one size fits all program! In addition, each week we will have a 15 minute coaching call, in which we can troubleshoot any problems, discuss any questions and maintain accountability. 
Can't it be cheaper?
The package is priced according to what it is worth. This isn’t a budget operation, where you are hit with a dozen extra costs when you land in country, or cut corners just to drop the price. This is a totally comprehensive package. You are paying for quality every step in the way. From the specialised personal training in Australia, to the quality of the local and Australian guides, to the amazing meals provided, to the unmatched safety precautions that are taken every step of the way. There is no other service around which will offer you this level of quality. 
When is it again?
The dates are 12th -22nd of November, 2019. This involves 8 days trekking on the Kokoda Trail as well as two nights staying in Port Moresby (first and last day).
What do I need to bring?
We will give you a comprehensive packing list, medical checklist and provide you with every detail of what you need. If you don’t have any gear, we can organise some great discounts for you with one of our partners. 
Won't it be rainy then?
The dates we are going will most likely have some rain. But this is the real Digger experience! And with the right wet weather gear, you will be fine.
I have never trekked before, will I be able to do this?
Yes. The Summit Strength Method has taken dozens of first time trekkers all around the world and so far we have a 100% success. The only factors that may be a concern are medical conditions or current injuries. If this is you, please contact me on the details provided below for us to discuss in detail.
Do I really need a porter?
We have included a personal porter in these packages for two reasons. First by not having to lug a heavy pack around, you will significantly reduce your chance of injury and allow for a much greater appreciation of your surroundings. Second (and more importantly) the costs included in the package to pay for the porter, goes directly to the porters themselves. We do not skim any of that off the top or put it into our own pockets. This money will pay for one of their children to complete 3 years’ worth of schooling, which I believe is an incredible thing to contribute to. However, if you have a real issue with this, please contact me and we can send you another quote. 
I am allergic to X or have a food intolerance to Y.
Not a problem. We can cater to any type of allergy or intolerance. We only ask you that you tell us, before you go, so we can ensure there are alternatives for you. 
Anything I didn't answer? Email me…
I've done my best to answer any and all questions you might have before investing in the Summit Strength Kokoda Adventure, but if anything is unclear, here's what I want you to do:
Email me directly at rowan@summitstrength.com.au
I'll answer any and all questions you have The Summit Strength Kokoda Adventure.