Whangarei Orienteering Club
Classic Orienteering
Classic Orienteering
The goal is to complete the course in point-to-point order in the shortest amount of time. Although in a competition the fastest person wins, we have planned our events for pure individual enjoyment, whatever your speed.
The stated course distance is from the start to finish between all the controls, in order, in straight lines (as a bird could fly). Usually, the length travelled will be longer than this, especially in Northland where you might choose to go around rather than over the large hills, water courses or other obstacles.
Controls are often shared by more than one course, and there are controls out there that are not on your course – always check the number on the control matches the number on the control description. If a sport ident isn’t working, use the clipper to punch your map.
Choose your course based on the difficulty (described by the course standard colours below) and/or the distance of the course
Red (Advanced)
Navigation is as difficult as possible with small contour and point features as preferred control sites (no obvious attack points, no handrails). Route choice is an important element in most legs.
Some maps, just by the nature of the location, will be more difficult than others. On difficult maps, the red course will be difficult. Some maps, like Smugglers, it is hard to make a truly difficult course. The red course will be more difficult than the orange but may be achievable to those who would normally run the orange level course.
Orange (Intermediate)
Courses have route choice with prominent attack points near the control sites and/or catching features less than 100 m behind. Control sites may be fairly small point features, and the control markers need not necessarily be visible from the attack point. Simple navigation by contours and rough compass with limited distance estimation required.
Yellow (Beginners)
Control sites on or near (<50 m) drawn linear features (tracks, fences, streams, distinct vegetation boundaries, etc). This gives the opportunity to follow handrails or to cut across country (i.e. limited route choice). Compass use is limited rough directional navigation. Contour recognition is not required for navigation, but simple contour features may be used for control sites.
On the day registration process - seek someone to talk to if you need help or advice
1. Peruse the maps and choose the one you want to run
2. Take the map to registration so we know you are here and who you are running with, collect your sport ident hire or confirm your own SI number, confirm your course, confirm online payment ( or cash on the day)
3. Clear and check your sport ident
4. Ask to borrow a club compass if you need one
5. Pick up a plastic bag for your map (important in wet weather)
5. Find the start flag - then self start when you are ready.
It is important that everyone checks back in to registration when leaving the course, whether you have finished or not !
Remember that if you are still on the course after the closure time of 12.30pm, controls may be removed from the course. Return to the finish and registration desk to check out.
Bring a watch or other device that has the time on it. Some maps have cellphone coverage, which could be helpful if needed in an emergency, but the standard safety item for any orienteering event is a whistle. We recommend everyone carry a compass on the winter series courses. Always check you know the safety bearing before you leave the start. (the compass bearing that will take you to a big feature to enable you to get back to the start/finish).
Here are some links to training on the Orienteering New Zealand Website
Intro to orienteering | Orienteering New Zealand
Coaching Resources | Orienteering New Zealand