Introduction to Orienteering Finding outmore informationMembership What doIneedto takepart? What happensat anevent? Where canyou goorienteering? The orienteering map Why dopeopleorienteer? What isorienteering? to Orienteering Introduction orienteering.asn.au Introduction to Orienteering • • • • Orienteering comes inseveral flavours: 90 minutes for alongerdifficult course. To complete anorienteering course may easycourse, takeaslittle as 20minutes for orupto ashort quickest timeisthewinner, hence bothphysical to fitnessandability read mapsbecome important. competitiveIn orienteering, thepersonsuccessfully navigating theirway around theircourse inthe beginner level. Participants at any event includebothclubmembersandnon-members. inpairsorsmallgroups isencouraged participation at the orienteering isanindividualsport, jogorrun,dependingonyourwalk, level offitnessandhow competitive you wish to be. Whilst women, agedfrom young children to over together. 90-year-olds canenjoy thesport You can Orienteering isfamousfor events inwhichelite orienteers andrecreational orienteers, menand andfitnessimprove.skills for everyone, nomatter Orienteering isasport theirageor experience. bush tracks, andthenprogress whenyou wishto themore demandingcourses asyour navigating You withanorienteering course that isapleasant stroll, canstart eitheraloneorinagroup, along have anumberofcourses ofdiffering lengthsand levels atthesametime. occurring ofdifficulty mental challengeaswell that asthephysical makesorienteering sopopular. activity Eachevent may overbetween options—perhaps ahillorlongerroute isthisstimulating whichgoesround it. It controls —whilebeginners’ courses may notoffer choice, as you progress you willlearn to decide What isOrienteering? a control viewed from asetpoint 30-40meters away. is theoneindicated onthemap;anotherform involves determining thepositiononamapof involves determining, along asetaccessible course, whichofvariouscontrols inasmallarea Trail-Orienteering -isinclusive isaccuracy, ofdisabledcompetitors; theobject nottime. This along withamapholderattached to thechestto navigate complex track systems. issimilarto MBOwith competitorsequipment The using standard ski sport cross country common inAustralia, conditions. –notvery mainlydueto (SkiO) poorski Ski-Orienteering available by following thelinkabove. mountain bikesover different grades oftracks between control points. detailsare Further BikeOrienteeringMountain (MBO) -similarto foot orienteering butcompetitors navigate Foot-Orienteering –themostcommon inAustralia where competitors run/walk, checkpoints (controls)checkpoints onvariousnatural andman-madefeatures map andorienteering compass, withtheaimbeingto locate orstreetsthe bush,parks withtheaidofaspeciallyproduced map readinginvolves andnavigational It skills. navigating though whichcombines outdoor adventureOrienteering isasport, with The skill inorienteering isinchoosingthebestrouteThe skill between orange and white flags(pictured). street lamp. Controls are generally represented by distinctive along theway, suchasaboulder, benchseat or track junction, orienteering.asn.au Introduction to Orienteering It’s concepts inorienteering atage. anearly for young children themandintroduce to entertain themto someofthe personinthefamilyfromfor 8to every 80;there’s even course astring It’s a Orienteering canhelpfoster independence andconfidence. andnavigational difficulty from2-18 km Easythrough toHard. Very typical eventand fitness-a offers a rangeof courseswithdistances of Learn to navigate distance runnersintheworld. Championships yearly andwithtraining regimes similarto thebest be takento thehighestlevel. Elite competitors compete in World It’s ascompetitive asyou like you canswap stories withpeersoraskadvice from more experienced orienteers. isthesocialenvironmentsport before events andafter -where oforienteers don’tmajority takeittoo seriously. ofthe Akeypart atmosphereSocial meeting withwildlife (kangaroos, wallabies). terrainrunning insuperb -you caneven enjoy theoccasional outinthebush Getting km (dependingon finish havingcourse selected). walked/run 3-8 that you’re running/walking. Before youityou’re know backat the Why dopeople orienteer? well organised family sport -therange ofcourses provided offers onesuitable - every orienteering event -every caters for arange ofskills - if you like taking part insomethingthat’s part -ifyou liketaking really well -althoughit’s thevast acompetitive sport, -theAustralian bushoffers easy –orienteering canbeagentle noncompetitive stroll oritcan - themental challengeofnavigation takesyour mindoffthefact Fitness caters for peoplebetween 8and80nomatter what theirlevel.. It’s a foreign country. orafast-paced dashovera park, mountains, cliffs andstreams ina can beasgentle orextremeasyou might beastroll want. around It It’s an Lots ofreasons! money! sites, there are few, that canclaimsuchhigh value for ifany sports made maps, courses andcheckcontrol checkareas, make-up charge lower-prices. Given thetimerequired to prepare especially to arrange. Low-key events suchasstreet events orclub events that usecolour-printed mapsandrequire alarge amount ofwork It’s here. orienteering offers ofopportunity plenty run oreven helpingto runevents, sport for life sport great value for money adventure sport -Orienteering offers an enjoyable way ofgetting exercise - orienteering is a truly transgenerational sport. It It -orienteering isatrulytransgenerational sport. –peoplelove adventure.. The adventure - Higher prices are -Higher charged for events orienteering.asn.au Introduction to Orienteering • • • • thingsthat might beonamapinclude: Other • • • • map. mostcases, In themapidentifies: While there are many forms oforienteering, thecommon element that appliesto alloftheseisa Map The Orienteering that features ontheground are aligned correctly lines-that tell you -soyou whichwaythe mapso canturn North-South ismagnetic north 5metres.typically points are. The contour istheheight distance between interval adjacent contour lines- The contour -contours interval are linesonthemapthat tell you how high/low various The mapscale-that allows you to work outhow faritisbetween points onthemap Key orLegend -that identifies what eachofthesymbolsonmapmean of orienteering). for isoneofthefastest growing theenjoyment category ofbeingthere -thewalking aspects calculate your result. (Note that althoughthetimeisrecorded, many orienteers takepart A finishlocation; where organisers will welcome recordyou back, your finishtimeand site. by therunner to hiscontrol mark card tag, orelectronic to prove theyhave visited thecontrol The onthecontrol punches (pinsorelectronic) standare used with abrightflagandpunchlocated at the centre ofthecircle. appears onthemapiscentred around thefeature to befound ‘feature’ onthemap. andisusually marked The circle that headof trackrock, junction, ofwhatA description to lookfor at theControl Site -e.g. 1m which you mustvisitthem. bymarked circles and numbered in theorder (1,2, 3,4....)in ofcontrolA series sites that are to bevisited by you; theseare timewillberecorded.and start Where usuallyidentified by atriangle. you start; As you leaveyour name, thestart, course watercourse -thisiscalleda orienteering.asn.au

Introduction to Orienteering land shapes eg. small knolls between thecontourland shapeseg. smallknolls lines. as dashedbrown lines)may beusedto show distinctive the downhill sideofthecontour. Form lines(indicated lines (smalltagsonthecontours) are usedto indicate and useto helpthemto navigate. slope Sometimes patterns whichexperienced orienteers canunderstand as spurs, gulliesandsaddleshave theirown contour indicate steeper ground. Topographic features such show gently slopingground whilethoseclosetogether the shapeofground. Contours relatively farapart, The shapeandthepositionofcontours indicate map are regular, usually5monmostorienteering maps. courses. The between contours height intervals ona ifevolvingtool onthemapandareto harder important are navigational considered often themostimportant and are theshapeofterrain. usedto depict They Contour linesjoinpoints ofequalheight above sealevel • • • • • colouredcharacteristic symbolsasfollows: mapsproducedMost for orienteering are printed incolour. Differenttypes of features have 1:5000 enablingalotofdetailto beshown. 100 metres (1:10,000).For andschoolmapsofsmaller areas, park thescalemay beeven larger eg A scalebarshows the scaleofthemap—usually, 1cmequals150metres (1:15,000)or1cmequals produced withthetop ofthemapaligned to magnetic north. across Orienteering themapwitharrowheads mapsare always show ofmagnetic thedirection north. and vegetation aswell features asconstructed suchasroads, buildingandpower lines. Long lines topographic natural maps. features Suchmapsdepict suchascontours, watercourses, rock detail Orienteering mapsare madeespeciallyfor bushnavigation andshow muchmore detailthanmost Maps orienteering.asn.au. Coaching tipsproduced for passable (generally maps) onlyonurban Grey may beusedto show areas ofcrossbale bare tracks, fences, powerlines, buildings, etc) are asblack. allmarked roads, rocks andman-madefeatures —any mappedrocks andallman-madefeatures (roads, walls andtermite mounds; of theland, andotherthingssuchasearth featuresearth —are inbrown marked andtheyincludecontour lineswhichshow theshape if thenare dry; water features —are inblueandthesecould marked includecreeks, damsandmarsheseven bush whichwillimpedeprogress, andyellow areas are for openland; vegetation —white isfor open,runnableforest, whilegreen patches are for denservegetation private useonly are available (checkout thisequivalent pageon orareasrock, underabuildingwhichare orienteering.asn.au

Introduction to Orienteering In Australia,In events are organised by State Associations/Clubs. Types ofEvents (below right). either words, oran “orienteering flag” symbolin red andwhite event location to area. guideyou to theparking The signs are signposted from majorroads. Signs are usuallyplaced nearthe toDirections theevents are detailedinevent programmes and place? Where take doesorienteering before you arrive! does vary, times sopleasechecktheavailable start some timebetween 9.30am and11.30am. This on Saturday). You your course canusuallystart September (occasionally there willalsobeacourse on mostSunday between March mornings and Typically, orienteering events inthebushare held club for event details. should always checkyour localstate association or Orienteering events are heldallthetime, you EventsGeneral ofmajoreventsDetails canbefound onorienteering.asn.au • • 3-4years.states holdat leastonemajorcarnivalevery carnivals (Australian 3-Days andAustralian Championships)whichare shared amongstthestates. All Australia ofopenNational hasaseries all-ageevents heldannually. This includesthe two major National Carnivals Australian ChampionshipsCarnival –heldlastweek Septemberorfirst October week in Australian 3-Days –heldover Easter How to Find Events event schedules. area. Complete andlocationsoftheir directions ofevents willbelisted aspart Check outthestate association to seeifthere are events orclubsbasedinyour butpredominatealmost everywhere around majorcentres. landscapes suchasaround university buildings. Events nowadays are held areasin urban parks, streets includingurban suburb andeven through urban grazing landand bushland. An increasing numberofevents are beingheld used for andforest orienteering include parks aswell reserves asprivate Orienteering takesplace inarange ofplaces. Traditionally aforest areas sport, orienteering.asn.au Introduction to Orienteering EXAMPLE: runs5programs Orienteering ACT for orienteering eachyear. onaweekoften night. summeranumberoflowOver keyevents are through run,typically streets and ofsuburbs andparks about schoolsprograms. Many states alsohave aschoolsprogram. Please your contact state details association for further * Events, suchaschampionships, may beheldonSaturdays events. orbemulti-day blue courses theeasiestnavigation. ^ fromThe coding state ofcourses to vary state, intheACT, red courses offer thehardest navigation, Community Saturday Classic Name Mountain Bike Mountain Twilight April–November November–March May–October May–August March–October Season Day Sunday Wednesday Wednesday Saturday Sunday* 10am –12:00pm 5pm –6:30pm 12:00pm –1:00pm 10:30am –12:30pm 10:00am –12:30pm times Start to travel interstate andoverseas to themajor For dedicated orienteers, there istheopportunity Championships. to compete at yearly opportunity World Masters Championships whilethoseover 35have the toto represent beselected Australia at World Talented juniorsand elite competitors canstrive state, national andinternational competitions. Usually Long, andShort Medium Green, 2×Orange Green, 2×Orange Blue, Green, 2×Orange SL: Blue, Green, 2×Orange, 4×Red Blue, Green,Minor: 1×Orange, 3×Red Courses^ orienteering.asn.au Introduction to Orienteering to the Start keeping in mind your start time ifallocated. keeping inmindyour start to theStart ready. willwork Ask ifyou theorganisers are how thestart unclear. When you are ready, makeyour way time at registration,may oryou beallocated yourself may astart when or at even the start, juststart your course. At majorchampionship events, you firstsee off.your mapand course onlyas you start You At minor “come it” andtry events, you willreceive acopy ofthe mapandthe “control descriptions” for Having completed theregistration information, proceed to theregistration fee. tableandpay theentry andas acheckthat you haveparticipants returned safely. Registration asitprovides information theorganiser ismostimportant witharecord ofallthe and theorganisers willhave your control card ready for you whenyou arrive at theevent. available aswell.anevent, you you If are willfillin pre-entering your registration information at home, usuallyclose2weeks to prior theevent butthereThese pre-entries willbesome “enter onday” courses At many majorevents, mapsare provided pre-marked to entrants whoregister andpay inadvance. registration form andcontrol card. The registration form endof isusuallyatear-off your control card. After you have decidedonyour course you willprobably have to fillin your detailsona combined Entry unsurewhich you If at needtoany know stage, pleaseask. Event information boards thecourses willdescribe whichare available andany otherinformation complete theeasiercourses andgainconfidence. thebasicmapreadingthe course astheylearn andsuccessfully to andnavigational thenext skills easycourseit isbetter to to begin chooseavery with.Competitors may advance from onelevel of navigationally easyormoderate level course. Children andthosewithnomapreading experience, Adults whoare familiarwithmapreading (eg. from bushwalking)canusuallygostraight to a Groups may chooseto doacourse together, charge withasmallextra for maps. extra away more points.points are worth orthosefurther typically This format asascore isknown event. asmany toaim isoften collect control points onamapaspossibleinsettimeperiod. Harder control Note that summerevents at metropolitan areas don’t typically have achoice. For theseevents the you wish--to runningaloneashard asyour mapreading andfitnesswillallow. ability theshorter new to orienteering shouldtry “Easy” or Easy”“Very courses first. Later you may progress --if for theeasiercourses, and1-2hoursfor experienced orienteers onthemore difficult courses. People and intheirnavigational difficulty.orienteering Completingan course may takeabout20-40minutes At anevent there bothinlength(from may beupto around 10courses 1.5upto whichvary 10km), acourse Selecting to assistifasked. displayed nearregistration) orasksomeonefor help. group Orienteers friendly are always avery willing a guideonlyofwhatat toanevent. expect you If are unclearat all, follow (generally instructions slightly dependingontheeventThese andthelocation. willall vary The following steps provide • • • • At theEvent you willundergo: What happensatanevent? Post event outonthecourseGetting Registering your entry acourse Selecting orienteering.asn.au Introduction to Orienteering

The following fees event are entry an required. Once ready, navigating your you way canstart around the course. each wave ofcompetitors. sure Mae you map, thecorrect collect orcopy master the correct mapas times, ofbeepsare andaseries traditionally willgenerally usedto call outstart start The starter minimise following. You may stay inagroup ifthisishow you have entered. Competitors doingthesamecourse are generally separated by at to leasttwo minute intervals to anofficial. report At thestart, time. timeorask Wait tobeallocated for astart yourstart The Start The willbeindicated route by signs to and/orstreamers. thestart • • • • • • that you have: oftheevent mayThe besomedistance start from theregistration area, sobefore you setoff, check them at registration. Control may descriptions beonthemap, oryou may have themseparately to collect orbeprovided available. international symbol(graphical) version usedat majorevents butEnglishversions shouldalsobe the identifying code for thecontrol to enableyou to confirm you are rightat the control! There isan These fullyandaccurately thelocation describe ofthecontrol onyour markers course. is Included Control Descriptions don’t want to accidentally acontrol mark point inthewrong spotandspoilyour event. you If are anewcomer, yourafter start. askfor assistance –someonewillbewillingto helpout. You (there may beseveral –makesure you choosetherightone)onto your map. This may ormay notbe For someminorevents, you willberequired to copy thelocations ofcontrol sites from amaster map Master Maps the sametime. When ofevents a series are held, somestates willprovide discounts for entering theentire at series metropolitan Maps: $2,non-metropolitanExtra $3 Family Maximum Junior/Concession Adult

A watch to checkthetime A whistlefor safety A compass (ifyou want) Your control card The control list description Your mapandaplastic bagto protect it Non-member Member Member Type Non-member Member Non-member Member example from Orienteering ACT in2006. from Orienteering ACT $30 $18 $10 $6 $10 $6 Green /Blue Course Level $40 $22 $10 $6 $15 $8 /Orange Red orienteering.asn.au Introduction to Orienteering • • • • you whereIf are you uncertain are: the standoroncontrol to punchthecorresponding numbered square onyour control card. match your control you list. If are description sure itisthecontrol onyour course, usethepunchon When you getto thecontrol, checkthat thefeature andcode numberonthecontrol flagorstand willcorrespondmarker to your control to descriptions letyouif know are at therightcontrol. linecourse, anormal During you mustvisitthecontrols intheirlisted order. The code onthecontrol displayed at registration. the control onto marker your control card. Whatever system marker isbeingused, asamplewillbe visited control thecorrect site. events, urban In you may have to write thecorresponding code of in box number1).Eachflaghasadifferent patterned punchandthisisused toindicate that you have These are usedto therelevant mark box onthecontrol card (e.g. the punchfor thefirst control goes When usingacontrol card, theplasticpuncheswillbehungfrom theflag, oronthemetalstand. your control willprovide descriptions detailedinformation aboutthefeature your control ison. of theseflagsoronthestand. events Urban usemetalplates often orice cream buckets.Remember hungfromoften trees and bushesormetalstands. The control numbermay befound ontheside Control sites are generally by marked orange andwhite, markers, triangular calledflags. These are Coaching tipsproduced for private useonlyare available onorienteering.asn.au • • • are generally usedtoA numberofskills navigate your way. include: The basicskills As soonasyou are ready, navigate (find your way) to your first control. On theCourse abandon theircourse andcome to your assistance. six blastsat ten second intervals,repeated two minutes. every Anyone thismust hearing allelsefails,If orifyou are injured, stay stillandblow your whistle. signalThe is emergency to theassemblyarea onyour own. assembly area.you If follow you thesafetygiven bearing may at beableto thestart, getback thecontrolswill collect thecourse after closure timeandwillbeableto takeyou backto the map, askanotherorienteer for helporwait for assistance at any control you find.Someone youIf are still “geographically embarrassed” andare unable to find where you are onthe available, orgobackto your previous control. First to relocate try yourself. Use obvious, linear features suchastracks, fences orcreeks, if you to beunsure ofyourpositionbutto besomewhere exact relatively nearthecontrol. isextremelyrare forIt someoneto betotally lostat anorienteering event. ismore likelyfor It Distance estimation –beingaware ofthescaleonmap, andhow faryou have travelled versa Feature recognition –usingsymbolsonthemapto recognise ontheground objects orvice- compass – thiscanbedoneusingthesunasaguide, features onthe mapandground orby usinga Orientating Arrows your mapfor itsothat face (turning theNorth direction magnetic north) orienteering.asn.au Introduction to Orienteering As you at passtheFinish minorevents), thesameasteyour withabannerandoften start (marked The Finish as at specialevents ieNational Orienteering Day, Forest Series. Racing events inotherstates. we Queensland are In now using thetimingsystem at allmajorevents as well control hasbeenusedinternationally flag. SportIdent for some years andisnow used for major timing device. The control device andinsomecases onthe numberwillbeontheSportIdent the unitsfor thesyste have thecontrol to bemounted flagsare onasupport, used to hangthe They system replaces thecard punchingsystem traditionally usedat orienteering events. Because some minorevents. SI isgenerally onlyusedat majorevents, andfinishonly althoughitmayat beusedfor thestart (SI)systemdominate), isusedinAustralia. theSport-Ident While timingsystems anumberofelectronic are usedinorienteering world-wide (2systems Electronic Timing Systems further.experience thesport as well. Consider becoming amemberofclubto and equipment suppliesare available often at events forest airaway from thestress ofthecity. food Some onlunchandhaverelaxing intheclean adrink, start Now isagoodtimeto setupthebarbecue, makea social starter. mistakes. Discussionsaboutcourses canbeagreat orienteer orcoach sothat you from canlearn your like to discussyour event withamore experienced you went andlookfor better route choices. You may Keep your mapto draw studyandperhaps intheway After theEvent the courses provided ontheday. are basedonageclassesandseparated for and Men Women. At smallerevents, results are basedon generally publishedonacluborassociation website aswell asnewsletters. At majorevents, results Provisional results are always displayed you neartheregistration after finish. shortly Final results are Results enable theorganisers to ensure you are safe. There willbeacourse closure timefor eachevent, andyou mustreturn to thefinish by that time to thatorganisers there know are nocompetitors stilloutinthebushat theconclusion oftheevent. youIf donotcomplete theentire course whichyou have chosen,always to thefinishso report card willthenbecheckedto seethat thecontrols onyour course have beenvisited. time willberecorded andwritten onyour control card whichishandedto thefinishofficials. The orienteering.asn.au Introduction to Orienteering Further isavailable information from aboutsport-ident clubsandstate associations. and thecompetitor shouldpunchthesideoftheirmapinstead. forIf somereason theunitdoesnotproduce aflashandbeep, thestandsstillhave punches ordinary Should aunitfail, what doIdo? andtheyare available onrequest from statearound associations. $45.00(inclGST) your whileto worth if youpurchase areone. itiscertainly goingto bearegular participant The cost is however if you lose it or damage it you will be the asked full toreplacement re-pay cost. Alternatively, At events where timingisbeingusedyou electronic about$2.00), canhire (normally anSI-card What ifIdonot have aSI-card? How doesitwork? • Split Time for eachcontrol leg • Total Elapse Time • Control Numbers • Course Information information thatOther thecard contains is: • Contact details • Club • Date ofbirth • Name • Uniqueuser-id attached by astrap to acompetitor’s finger.It contains userinformation suchas: consists card whichisofoval ofasmallplasticelectronic (SI-card) is It shapeand5cmlong. It How isSIused?

split timesfor eachleg. information onthetotal elapsedtimeaswe altheindividual this information isdownloaded into acomputer, producing now berecorded onthecard. After completing thecourse, the card. The control numberandthe time itwas visited will information hasbeensuccessfully transfered from theunitto willthenflashalighandproduceIt abeep to indicate the visited, acompetitor inthisunit. simplyplaces theirSI-card and finishtimesas well asthetime at whicheach control was are attached to thecontrol flagorstand. To record theirstart punches (SI-units)whichare mounted inplasticboxes and FinishAt theStart, andcontrol sites, thespecialelectronic orienteering.asn.au Introduction to Orienteering Don’t Bring In keeping withourpoliciesandbecause oftherequirements ofmanylandholders, • • • • with: Orienteering specificgearstarts getting “all therightgear”. you andbecome aregular,If love thesport you willbeinterested in Specialised Equipment registration tablewhocanassist. and experienced orienteers willbeableto assistyou at your firstevent. Speak to theperson at the Don’t ifyou have worry never read amaporusedcompass before; are easilylearnt thebasicskills orienteering related equipment for purchase. picnic lunchisagreat offthe wayday. to finish(orstart) Bush often events also have some foodand The nature oforienteering issuchthat you orforest are inarelaxing parkland environment anda member ofacluborthestate association to participate. Your fee includesthecost ofthespecialorienteering entry map, andyou donothave to bea • • • items may bebought,Other orhired cheaply, at theevent: • • • • • To enjoy theevent, you willneedto beprepared for awalk/run inthebush: don’t needto takeaback-pack orfood outonthecourse itself. To withyou don’t start course willnottakemore needto much.Atypical bring thananhour, soyou What doyou part? needto take we donotallow smoking, dogsorthelightingoffiresevents. atour We also encourage to beenvironmentally conscious atalltimes. ourparticipants Leg protection Compasses Clothing Footwear A compass (notreally necessary, courses) for ourintroductory A plasticbagfor the map, inwet weather A plasticwhistle(asimplesafety precaution inbushareas) A changeofclothesfor theevent, after ifdesired courses) drinks, apicnic,Bring andperhaps for theevent after (water stops are provided onthelonger Wear ahat andsunscreen onbrightsunny days, arain coat inwet weather Comfortable outdoor clothes Wear shoes jogging comfortable orwalking orienteering.asn.au Introduction to Orienteering the mapaccurately. Many elites prefer thethumbcompass. provides astraight andwideneedlefor easyandfastreading andisgenerally onlyusedto orientate Thumb Compasses are idealfor those who don’t needmuch intheircompass. The thumbcompass Thumb Compass colours, scales, fixed or rotatable housings. and housingasrequired. interms ofneedle stability, vary Models such as needlespeedandextras distance estimation. Baseplates are generally usedby placingonthemapandrotating themap housing allows ofaccurate for for different thetaking bearings. Markings scalesmay alsoassist The classicalcompetition compass isabaseplate modelwithrotatable housing. The rotatable using acompass at all!). fora reading maporientation (Note: ofmagnetic someworld north championsare famousfor not Compasses are to assisttheorienteer usedprimarily to navigate around thecourse andto provide Compasses Your localclubmember willbeableto assistyou more. coverThey typically highsocksare in thelegbelow Knee typical theknee. “lighter” areas. are designed to protect your legsagainstthevegetation andsmallbranches that are ontheground. orienteersSome chooseto wear gaiters inmore denselyvegetated bushorienteering areas. Gaiters Leg protection breathable nylon orlycra to more useoffitted modern coolmax materials andtights. vegetation aswell asbeingcomfortable. Clothing ranges from “suits” madefrom lightweight, Orienteering clothingincludesarange designed ofproducts to cover thebodyandprotect against specificclothing Orienteering bracesand someorienteersorstrapping ina findrangeofankle techniques.comfort quite suitable, hard especiallyonthetypically Australian canalsobeanissue ground. support Ankle ofspecialorienteering shoesavailablevariety butmany peoplefindthat trail runningshoesare also Sturdy footwear suchasjoggersisadequate for thosebeginning orienteering. There are awide Footwear Traditional Orienteering Compass Standard BasePlate Style Thumb Compass orienteering.asn.au Introduction to Orienteering Association. transferrablekeep fit, bechallenged anddevelop skills to the place.work Check out your local State States are increasingly offering corporate programsknowledge that employees withthe want to Corporate Programs international withNewZealand. Checkoutyour localState Association. States runtheirown schoolsprograms culminating inAustralian Championshipsandan Schools ProgramsSchools • • • • • • including: to browse through ourwebsite at www.orienteering.asn.au. Here you willfindalot ofinformation you forIf are more stilllooking information thanthat contained inthenewcomers pages, feel free More Infomation formsMembership are available at events andthrough your localcluborstate association. • • • • • • • • • • providesMembership thefollowing benefits: and clubs. Please refer to your state association orclubfor membershipfees. ofstateMembership associations isonacalendaryear between states basis. fees Membership vary Orienteering Australia doesnot have membership, direct membershipisthrough State Associations. to becoming become amemberhasmany aregular participant, benefits. You at donotneedto mostorienteering events. beamemberto participate However, ifyou intend Membership Orienteeing Australia -can’t contacts findwhat you want? -getin contact! PerformanceHigh -detailsofAustralia’s programs high performance memberships. The Australian Orienteer -Australia’s excellent magazineincludedinall quarterly area. Youe-newsletters, willfindnewsletters, event guides, results, clubdetailsandmore. State Associations -Checkoutyour localState information Association for inyour further Events -Aguideto nationally listed events. Further events are listed by State Associations. oforienteering inAustralia history andinternationally. -abrief History reciprocal rightsinterstate. discounts through Orienteering Australia sponsors;and discounts through State Association sponsors; social interaction withfellow clubmembers; toeligibility winAnnual Awards; andtraining days;coaching activities assistance from experienced club membersto helpyou improve your includingspecial skills, discounted fees event (moststates); entry magazine, tosubscription thenational quarterly The Australian Orienteer; regular e-newsletters; and views; a regular state newsletter providing alistingofcoming events, results, coaching tips, news orienteering.asn.au Introduction to Orienteering More information www.orienteering.asn.au orienteering.asn.au