What is Orienteering?
In orienteering, you use a map and compass to locate a series of points shown on a specialized topo map, choosing routes - on or off trail - that will help you find all the points and get to the finish in the shortest amount of time.
Each point, or "control", is a distinctly mapped feature, such as a stream junction or hilltop, and is marked with an orange-and-white flag, or "bag".
In order to prove that you have visited a control, you use a punch hanging from the bag to mark your control card (which is given to you when you register on the day of the event). The patterns of the punches vary, and each course will have its own unique set of punches.
Most events use staggered starts, to help ensure that you get to navigate on your own without interference. The route you take between controls is up to you. You select which way of travelling between controls will be the most efficient for you.
The element of route choice is what makes orienteering a mental challenge. It is not enough to simply be able to move faster than other orienteers, you must out-think them as well. Because of this, Orienteering is often called the "thinking sport" because it involves map reading and quick decision-making in addition to athletic ability.
Please check the menu on the right for more frequently asked questions. In addition these other web sites provide additional detail on this international sport:
- Glossary of key orienteering terms (http://www.orienteeringunlimited.com/glossary.htm)
- How to use a compass (http://www.learn-orienteering.org/old/)
- Quiz on orienteering control-description (clue-sheet) symbols (http://www.fortnet.org/icd/index.html)
- Quiz on orienteering map symbols (http://www.fortnet.org/icd/mst/index.html)
- Orienteering for the young (http://www.us.orienteering.org/OYoung/)