What is Orienteering
Orienteering is a sport that developed mainly in the forests of Scandinavia in the first half of this century. It is only since the late sixties that the sport has found a following in this country.
The aim is to navigate using a map and compass though a forest to checkpoints (called controls) usually against the clock. The skill is twofold. You need to be able to cope with the map-reading and the physical nature of the terrain at the same time. It is a sport that you can participate in at any age. There are orienteers who orienteer well into their eighties as well as very young children.
There are always a range of courses, each with different controls to visit, to suit all speeds, abilities and experience. Courses usually range from 1km to 10km.
When you register for a course you will be given a 'control card' and a 'description list'. The description list gives you the description of where each control is and the number of that particular control. As there are lots of different courses you have to check the number on the control is the right one for your course. You have to go to each control in the correct order. The control card is used to make sure you have been to all the controls. The way this is done is that at each control there is a punch which contains a unique symbol. You use this punch to mark the control card in the box for that control.
At the start line you are given a map which either has a course already printed on it or is blank and you have to copy your course on to it. You have to navigate from the start to the first control using the map and the compass. When you get the the first control you will see a small marker which marks the correct location. It will a square marker coloured white and red with the white half being the top left (diagonally). You can check it's number against the number on your description list. At this point you use the punch to mark you control card. You can now go on to find all the other control in the same way, remembering to go to them in order.
Once you get to the finish you hand in your control card, so that it can be checked and you get your time. You can then compare the results lists so that you can see how you did on your course.
You do not of course have to run competitively 'against the clock'. Indeed there are many people who do not and enjoy just the pleasure of the sport and being in the countryside.
There are many reasons people orienteer. It gives you a reason to travel out into the countyside. It is a sport in which you compete with yourself and your friends to make the fewest mistakes to gain the fastest time.
And finally, if you think you might be in the wrong place, it never hurts to pause for a few moments of careful thought.
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This page stolen from Paul Todd at Sch...you know where.