What’s Your Gnar Factor?
The Gnar Factor rates the intensity and ruggedness of our volunteer lifeguard operations. Whether you’re looking for something comfy or you’re down for pure gnarliness, this guide helps you prepare for the challenge ahead.
⭐ 1 Star – “Cake”
🛌 🚰 🚘 ☀️
⭐
- Hotel (3–5 star) accommodations
- Mild–extreme weather
- Reliable utilities
- High-speed internet, cellular
- Comfortable, reliable transport
- Travel illness: Rare
⭐⭐ 2 Star – “Awesome”
🏨 ⛅️ 💧 📱
⭐⭐
- Hotel/Hostel/Couch-surfing
- Mild–extreme weather
- Reliable water/electricity
- Reliable internet, phone
- Transport: Cramped at times
- Travel illness: Unlikely
⭐⭐⭐ 3 Star – “Sicq”
👛 ⛺ 🔋 📶
⭐⭐⭐
- Hostel/Camping
- Unreliable AC/water/electricity
- Moderate internet
- Transport: Cramped, semi-reliable
- Travel illness: Possible
⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4 Star – “Wicked”
🏋️️ ❌ 🔌 🐛
⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Camping only
- Extreme conditions
- Unreliable utilities
- Slow internet, poor service
- Transport: Cramped, inconsistent
- Travel illness: Likely
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5 Star – “Gnarley”
🔥 ⛔ ☠️ ⚠️
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
- No formal accommodations
- Urban conflict possible
- No water/electricity
- No internet/cell service
- Transport: Unreliable, chaotic
- Travel illness: Expected
Comparison Chart
| Gnar Level | Accommodations | Weather | Utilities | Connectivity | Transport | Health Risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ⭐ Cake | 3–5 Star Hotels | Mild–Extreme | Reliable | ✅ High-speed | ✅ Comfortable | ❌ Rare |
| ⭐⭐ Awesome | Hotels/Hostels | Mild–Extreme | Reliable | ✅ Stable | ⚠️ Sometimes Cramped | ❌ Unlikely |
| ⭐⭐⭐ Sicq | Hostels/Camping | Mild–Extreme | ⚠️ Unreliable | ⚠️ Moderate | ⚠️ Cramped/Semi | ⚠️ Possible |
| ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Wicked | Camping | Extreme | ❌ Limited | ❌ Slow | ❌ Unreliable | ✅ Likely |
| ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Gnarley | None | Extreme | ❌ None | ❌ None | ❌ Chaotic | ✅ Expected |