Orienteering is a challenging outdoor running sport that exercises both the body and mind.
The aim is to test navigation by moving as quickly as possible around a series of controls which are marked onto an orienteering map. The competitor uses an orienteering map and a compass to aid their progress and marks their passage through each control by either clipping the control card, or more normally now by electronic means.
Lack of fitness is not a barrier to enjoying orienteering. Whilst the elite classes and international competitions are as keenly fought as any other running sport many people enjoy the navigation challenge of using map and compass and walk or jog around their course. Courses are set out that are suitable for all ages and abilities
Orienteering Equipment
Little specialist orienteering equipment is needed to enjoy the sport. The only essentials are
- Running shoes. If the beginner is not intending to run around the course sturdy outdoor shoes will suffice.
- Orienteering map. The map is provided at the event. An orienteering map is a specialist kind of map blown up to a large scale, usually 1:10, 000 or 1:15, 000.
- Leg cover. At most events competitors are not allowed to do the course wearing shorts and must have their legs covered. This is to prevent scratches or injury to the legs when running through undergrowth
- Compass. To be used in conjunction with the orienteering map a compass helps competitors in their navigation around the control points
- Whistle. Most events insist that competitors carry a whistle in order that they may attract attention in case of injury.
Types of Orienteering
There are many different kinds of orienteering which will appeal to those with varying levels of fitness and navigational abilities
String courses:
The string course is put on in conjunction with other orienteering events and encourages the very youngest to try orienteering. Suitable from toddlers upwards participants follow a piece of string to aid their navigation from one control to the next. Controls are often large pictures of cartoon characters. All young finishers are rewarded with a small prize.
Permanent courses:
Permanent courses are often the easiest way to try out orienteering in a non competitive environment. Many orienteering clubs lay out permanent orienteering courses in local parks. Maps may be purchased directly from the local orienteering club, or often from the visitors centre at the park. Participants can practice navigation by finding their way from one control, which are frequently wooden posts, to the next whilst exploring the local area.
Traditional orienteering:
The most accessible form of orienteering for beginners is the district event. This used to be known as the colour coded event. Courses are classified by colour according to their difficulty. The easiest courses are white and yellow, designed for younger competitors these courses follow tracks and paths and only require easy navigation. Courses progress according to difficulty through orange and green to blue and the hardest course brown, which is typically around 8km and involves technical navigation through trackless ground.
Regional events attract more competitors and here the classes are split according to sex and age so a competitor will run against others of the same age group. Ranking points are gained to give a national position.
Night O orienteering:
For committed orienteers night O is a welcome challenge. Held in darkness competitors use powerful lights to help in their navigation of the course
Urban orienteering:
In modern times short fast and furious events known as sprint O have become popular. These take place around urban streets and parks. Each year an event takes place on the streets of Venice. For the first time last year there was a sprint O on the streets of London.
Trail O:
Trail O competitors follow a path around a course which is accessible to those with disabilities. The challenge with trail O is not in the time taken to complete the course, but in accuracy of navigation. At each control point a number of control flags are visible, the competitor must identify which of the control flags on the ground is the one marked on the map.
Non-foot O:
Orienteering is also enjoyed on ski and mountain bike.
Find Out More About Orienteering, Orienteering Equipment and Navigation
More information about all aspects of orienteering can be found on the following websites
The British Orienteering Federation
The International Orienteering Federation
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