What is Orienteering? Orienteering is a competitive sport combining running or walking with navigational skill. You use a specially drawn, large scale map to navigate around a course from point to point. Each point is called a control and is located at a particular feature on the map. Younger orienteers and beginners use paths and simple features that are easy to find.
Older, experienced orienteers will run through complex terrain, navigating their way to more difficult features. At each control point is an orange and white control flag as well as a manual or electronic punch which records that you have visited the control. The winner is the person who visits the correct controls in the right order and the quickest time. An event will have courses that are run according to age class and sex, or courses that are classified by length and difficulty. Winning requires running speed and stamina, as well as the ability to find the quickest route between controls. Who Can Do It? Anyone! Orienteering can be competitive for people of all ages, from toddlers who are taken around a string course to the very elderly, as the lengths of course and degree of physical challenge are planned according to age.Ìý ÌýAt the elite level it is a highly competitive sport involving intense concentration, skill and fitness, running against the best in the world in international competition. Where Can I Do It?
Orienteering takes place in forests, on moors and fells and other scenic areas. The most challenging orienteering is usually in the more remote areas where there are fewer paths and the terrain is more demanding. ÌýHowever the challenge of finding the best route in the quickest time can be as difficult in the local park as in the most remote forest! What Do I Need? All you need is a pair of trainers or all-terrain shoes with good grip, and outdoor clothes. A lightweight cagoule may be required if the weather is bad. The other really useful item is, of course, a compass but this is not essential for beginners. At most big events, it's possible to buy all the kit you will need. The map you use will be given to you at the event. Who are the Local Clubs? Walton Chasers Orienteering Club (WCH) - South Staffordshire
The club is centred on Cannock Chase, and has members from Stafford and surrounding areas, including Stone, Staffordshire Moorlands, Cannock, Rugeley, Uttoxeter, Lichfield, Tamworth and the northern parts of Wolverhampton and Walsall.
Walton Chasers was formed in 1969 and the club retains close links with Walton High School.
Walton Chasers is a large club and one of the most successful in the country. In recent years it has been named 'Sports Club of the Year', and has won the national inter-club competition, the Compass Sport Cup. Many juniors who started orienteering with Walton Chasers have gone on to successfully represent Great Britain as full internationals.Ìý Website: www.walton-chasers.co.uk Potteries Orienteering Club (POTOC) - North Staffordshire
POTOC is a small and friendly club which was formed in 1975 and has about 60 membership units (individuals, families and groups).Ìý Members come from Stoke, Newcastle, Leek and Cheshire.Ìý Website: www.sisyphus.demon.co.uk/POTOC Both clubs organise competitive events of varying size every year.Ìý These include events for beginners, district and regional events which are open to competitors from all over the country.Ìý Members also take part in summer multi-day events both in the UK and abroad. Walton Chasers has twice weekly training sessions run throughout the year, using Cannock Chase as soon as the evenings are light enough. Any regional & national websites for more info? Orienteering is represented nationally by the British Orienteering Federation (BOF) based in Matlock Bath.Ìý The website is www.britishorienteering.org.uk Best shops to buy equipment? Orienteering suits can be bought directly through the local clubs.Ìý
There are also numerous outdoor shops and specialist retailers, all of which can be contacted through the local clubs. Worst things you could possibly do to yourself in this sport? Orienteering involves running through very rough terrain and falls are quite common.Ìý There is an obvious potential for injury to ankles and legs, but the worst you are likely to incur at most events are bramble scratches!
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