New to O?

If you've never been to an orienteering event before, what can you expect and what do you need to bring?

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What do I do?

• Find your way to each of the control points marked on the map in order - the route you take between controls is up to you
• At each control find an orange and white flag and a numbered electronic box
• Check the number matches the one you want
• Insert your electronic card (strapped to your finger) in the box until it beeps and the light flashes
• Head to your next control
• From the finish, return to the Registration area to get your results and return your electronic punch
• If you "retire" you MUST return to Registration so we know you are safe, and to return your electronic card
• Please return to Registration by the course closing time
• The cards are expensive; if you lose it you will be charged around £30 to cover the cost of replacement
• Sometimes lower-tech ways of verifying that you've visited the controls are used; either pin-punches on a card or writing down a code number
• Sometimes other formats are used; for example, visit as many controls as you can in any order within a set time

What do I need?

• Trainers & suitable clothes, for running/walking in - paths and terrain could be muddy. Long trousers are recommended for terrain where brambles and nettles etc might be encountered
• A whistle, if you have one (can usually be borrowed or hired)
• A compass, if you have one (can usually be borrowed or hired)
• Money for entry fee

What if it's raining?
You'll get wet! (but wear suitable clothing). Maps at most events nowadays are printed on waterproof paper - if not you can usually borrow a clear polybag to put your map in.

Moving forward...
As you continue with the sport, you'll probably want a few more of the things that you see other orienteers wearing or using, such as:

• O-shoes - running shoes with deep treads to grip on muddy ground. Some have metal "dobs" as well for extra grip
• O-gaiters - protect your shins from bramble etc
• Control descriptions holder - fastens to your wrist so you don't have to keep unfolding the map to check the code and description of your next control
• Trousers/leggings and top for running in
• Your own e-card

O-kit can be bought from the specialist suppliers UltraSport and CompassPoint. They both have mobile shops and attend larger events - check the event details to see if they're coming. HOC has a stock of second-hand generic and new club-branded kit - talk to the Equipment Officer or Club Captain.

When and Where to O:

Throughout the year, clubs stage events on Saturday or Sunday. Most of these will be friendly, relatively low-key (level D and level C) events which you usually can enter on the day by choosing a colour-coded course. Mixed in among these will be a smaller number of more high-profile (level B and occasionally level A) events which will have more facilities and many more competitors. HOC often has a club tent at these so that members can shelter from the elements and chat with each other. Events at levels B and A usually demand entry in advance and courses are organised by age category. However, you are free to enter whichever course you like. For more information about colour courses and age categories, look at the British Orienteering website. Most of these events will be traditional forest/woodland events; however there are a growing number of urban events.

A selection of the Saturday and Sunday events are designated to comprise the West Midlands League (WML). This is a club competition where you score points both as an individual and also for your club. The rules are on the West Midlands Orienteering Association (WMOA) website.

Clubs also stage low-key events on midweek evenings - these are often run from a car park or pub. In the summer these are called, predictably, Summer Evening Events (SEEs). In the winter two types of event are run; Night Street events (NSL) around towns and housing estates and Winter Evening events (WEEs) in woodland. These are held in the dark so you will need a decent headtorch. Within HOC, these events are organised into their own leagues.

Additionally there are championship events and team events dotted throughout the year, and around the country. These include: British Championships (individuals and relays), British Sprint and Middle Championships, British Night Championships, Harvester Night Relays, West Midlands Relays. The CompassSport Cup is a prestigious inter-club event where every club runner can make a difference.

Throughout the year many orienteers also attend multi-day events. HOC often tries to arrange a club hut or communal campsite so that members can share experiences and lifts. These events begin at Easter with the annual JK (Jan Kellestrom trophy) over 4 days. At the late May bank holiday the 3-day SinS (Springtime in Shropshire) alternates with the Tamar Triple in Devon/Cornwall. Then in late July is the bi-annual Scottish Six Days (S6D), alternating with Croeso (Wales) or the Lakes, which run over 5 days every 4 years. August bank holiday sees the 3-day White Rose in Yorkshire.

Improving your skills

Talk to the Membership Secretary who will seek a buddy or point you in the direction of any coaching opportunities. Alternatively check out these recommended books:

• Orienteering: Skills - Techniques - Training - by Carol McNeill
• Orienteering Techniques by Gareth Bryan-Jones - available from the Scottish Orienteering Association

 

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