FAQ

1      What is Orienteering?

It’s a sport where you use a specially drawn map and a compass to navigate around a course from point to point.

2      Who can do it?

Anyone!  Orienteering can be enjoyed by people of all ages.

3      Is it a race?

Yes!  At the elite level it is a  highly competitive sport involving concentration, skill and fitness, running against the best in the world in international competition.

4      How important is the map?

Very!  No amount of running speed can compensate for bad navigation.  Learn to read your map, and the running bit will follow later.  But if you prefer to walk, that’s perfectly ok.

5      Where can I go orienteering?

Orienteering by its very nature takes place in forests, on moors and in scenic areas – even on sand-dunes.  The most challenging orienteering is usually in remote areas, where there are fewer paths and the terrain is more demanding.  But the challenge of finding the best route in the quickest time can be as difficult in the local park as in the remotest forest.

6      Can I take my children to an event?

Very definitely, yes!  Courses are tailored for all ages and abilities.  Your children can try the shortest easiest course, which mainly follows paths or walls, and is very safe.  Toddlers may even be provided for with a String Course – where they follow a string finding pictures of animals or cartoon characters.

7      What do I need?

To start with, just a decent pair of trainers with good grip and outdoor clothes, and maybe a cagoule if the weather is wet.  You may need to keep your map dry  so a polythene bag is necessary, and after you’ve been to a few events you will need a compass (and you’ll need to learn how to use it!)

8      Will anyone help me?

As a beginner you’ll be given guidance by experienced people.  Don’t be afraid to say you are a beginner when you arrive at the registration point in the car park, and ask for assistance.  Later you may wish to join in some of the occasional coaching days.

9      How often do events take place?

Orienteering takes place all year round.  Events are usually held at weekends, on Saturdays or more often on Sundays.  In summer there are sometimes evening events as well.  There are events most weekends in north/north east Scotland. 

10    How do I find out more?

Contact Graeme, secretary, Mar Orienteering Club. 

Page last updated on 10 November 2008