Start Orienteering || A Newcomer's Guide || Presented by Graham Gristwood

Summary

Graham Chris, a member of the British Orienteering team since 2001, introduces orienteering as a thrilling sport that combines running in diverse landscapes with map navigation. He explains the essential elements of orienteering maps, including symbols, colors, and control points, while outlining the skills needed to succeed in the sport. From beginner-friendly courses to advanced challenges, Graham emphasizes the physical and mental demands of orienteering, offering tips for navigating efficiently and enjoying the adventure. Whether competing solo or against friends, orienteering is about strategy, speed, and fun.

Takeaways

• 😀 Orienteering is a sport that combines running in various terrains with navigation using maps.
• 😀 Orienteering maps have universal symbols and colors, making them understandable worldwide.
• 😀 Brown symbols on orienteering maps show terrain features like hills and slopes, while water features are shown in blue.
• 😀 Maps also include color codes for vegetation: yellow for open land, white for open forests, and green for dense forests.
• 😀 The start of an orienteering course is marked by a triangle, with numbered control points and a finish indicated by a double circle.
• 😀 Orienteering courses are color-coded by difficulty, from easy (white/yellow) to hard (green/blue/brown).
• 😀 Each control on a course is marked by a flag, and orienteers register their visit using a timing card.
• 😀 Control descriptions help orienteers identify their location using terrain features like cliffs, boulders, or gullies.
• 😀 Two types of compasses are useful for orienteering: thumb compasses and baseplate compasses.
• 😀 The right footwear is crucial—trail shoes are recommended for orienteering, especially when running in rugged terrain.
• 😀 Orienteering is both a physical and mental challenge, offering the chance to improve navigation and running skills.

Q & A

What is orienteering and why is it appealing?

Orienteering is a sport that combines running in natural environments with navigation using a map. It's appealing because it offers both a physical and mental challenge, as participants need to find their way through terrain using only maps and navigational skills.

What makes orienteering maps unique?

Orienteering maps are unique because they use a standard set of symbols and colors that are consistent worldwide. This allows participants to understand the maps no matter where they are, whether in New Zealand, Japan, South Africa, or any other country.

What do the different colors on an orienteering map represent?

On an orienteering map, colors are used to represent different types of terrain. Yellow represents open land, white represents open woodlands or forests, and different shades of green show various levels of forest density.

What do the symbols on an orienteering map signify?

Brown symbols represent the shape of the ground and contour lines. Blue symbols are used for water features like streams and ponds. Black symbols show paths, rocks, and man-made structures. The map legend explains what each symbol means.

How do orienteers navigate through their course?

Orienteers navigate by using the map and control descriptions. Each control point is marked on the map with a circle and is tied to a specific feature in the terrain, such as a cliff or gully. Participants use a timing card to register at each control point.

What types of terrain features might an orienteer encounter on their course?

Orienteers may encounter features like crags (small cliffs), gullies, depressions, boulders, and man-made structures such as statues and monuments as they navigate the course.

What equipment is needed for orienteering?

For orienteering, participants need lightweight running gear, trail shoes with good grip, and leg covers (usually compulsory in forested areas). A compass is also useful for setting the map and taking bearings.

What are the different difficulty levels in orienteering courses?

Orienteering courses are color-coded based on difficulty. Beginners can start with shorter, easier courses (white and yellow) that stick to paths, while more advanced courses (green, blue, and brown) require navigating through tougher terrain.

How does the timing system work in orienteering?

In orienteering, each control point has a timing unit. When participants reach a control, they use their timing card to register their visit. The total time taken is recorded and compared with other competitors once the race is completed.

What makes a good orienteering strategy?

A good strategy involves choosing the best route, maintaining direction through the terrain, and keeping navigation simple. The key is to stay fast, focused, and efficient in order to finish the course in the shortest time possible.