So I finally decided to just go do it. Been hunting for about three months now and figured it was time to actually get out there and activate something. Im heading to a state park about 45 minutes from me, K-4892 I think, never seen anyone else activate it so maybe that'll help with the pileup situation or whatever.

Bringing my KX3 and a 40m EFHW that I've used in the backyard a few times, should be fine I think. Planning to hit 40m and maybe try 20m if conditions look good. My question is mostly around the logging — do I really need to self spot on the POTA app or will people just find me on the RBN? And how strict are they about the 10 contact minimum, like what happens if I only get 8 and have to leave?

Also not sure how early to post on the activator schedule thing. I've seen some activations pop up the morning of, some a few days before. Does it matter much for a relatively rare park?

Self spot for sure, don't rely on the RBN alone especially if you're on a less active park. The app makes it really easy, just plug in your callsign and the park reference and it shows up on the map for hunters. A lot of people literally just watch that map all day waiting for new parks to pop up so you'll get contacts pretty quick once you're spotted.

On the 10 contact thing — yeah you need 10 for it to count as a valid activation. If you only get 8 you can submit it but it won't count toward your activation total. Not the end of the world honestly, just means you didnt activate it. Some people try a second band if the first one is slow, that helps a lot. 40m on a weekday morning can be hit or miss depending on who's around but you should be fine with a decent antenna.

Post to the schedule whenever, even same day is fine. A rare park will get attention regardless. Have fun, it's way less stressful than it sounds.

oh man you picked a good one to start with, efhw and KX3 is basically the classic POTA kit. one thing that caught me off guard my first activation was just the logging pace when contacts start coming in fast — i use HAMRS on my phone and it's pretty slick once you get used to it but practice logging a few fake contacts before you go so your fingers know what to do. nothing worse than fumbling around when theres a pile calling you lol

also bring more battery than you think you need