Introduction to Orienteering

2x 1 Hour Sessions - From Classroom to Field

Published

December 19, 2024

Overview

This two-session introduction to orienteering is designed to take participants from complete beginners to having practical experience in the sport. The first session focuses on classroom learning of fundamental concepts, while the second session provides hands-on outdoor practice.

Session Structure

  • Session 1 (Classroom): 1 hour of theory, map reading basics, and sport overview
  • Session 2 (Outdoor): 1 hour of practical skills application in a controlled environment

Session 1: Classroom Introduction (1 Hour)

What is Orienteering? (10 minutes)

Orienteering is a sport that combines navigation skills with physical fitness. Participants use a detailed map and compass to navigate through unfamiliar terrain, finding a series of control points in the shortest possible time.

Key Elements:

  • Map: Detailed topographic map with specific orienteering symbols
  • Compass: Navigation tool for direction finding
  • Control Points: Marked locations to be visited in sequence
  • Terrain: Natural outdoor environments (forests, parks, urban areas)

Types of Orienteering (15 minutes)

1. Foot Orienteering

  • Traditional form using running/walking
  • Most common type for beginners
  • Various distances from sprint to marathon

2. Mountain Bike Orienteering (MTBO)

  • Navigation on mountain bikes
  • Requires bike handling + navigation skills
  • Longer distances, different terrain considerations

3. Ski Orienteering

  • Winter sport combining cross-country skiing with navigation
  • Specialized maps and equipment
  • Popular in Nordic countries

4. Trail Orienteering

  • Precision navigation without running
  • Accessible for all abilities
  • Focus on map reading accuracy

5. Urban Orienteering

  • City-based navigation
  • Uses street maps and urban features
  • Great for beginners and accessibility

Levels and Course Difficulties (15 minutes)

White Course (Beginner)

  • Distance: 1-2 km
  • Time: 15-30 minutes
  • Terrain: Open areas, paths, clear features
  • Navigation: Follow paths, simple features
  • Skills: Basic map reading, following paths

Yellow Course (Advanced Beginner)

  • Distance: 2-3 km
  • Time: 20-40 minutes
  • Terrain: Mix of open and forest areas
  • Navigation: Leave paths, use simple compass
  • Skills: Basic compass use, simple route choice

Orange Course (Intermediate)

  • Distance: 3-5 km
  • Time: 30-60 minutes
  • Terrain: Forest, varied terrain
  • Navigation: Complex route choice, compass essential
  • Skills: Advanced map reading, route planning

Red Course (Advanced)

  • Distance: 5-8 km
  • Time: 45-90 minutes
  • Terrain: Challenging forest, steep terrain
  • Navigation: Complex navigation, precise compass work
  • Skills: Expert level map reading, advanced techniques

Blue Course (Expert)

  • Distance: 8-12 km
  • Time: 60-120 minutes
  • Terrain: Very challenging, remote areas
  • Navigation: Expert level, all techniques required
  • Skills: Master level navigation, physical endurance

Essential Skills (15 minutes)

Map Reading Fundamentals

  • Scale: Understanding map scale (1:10,000, 1:15,000)
  • Contours: Reading elevation and terrain shape
  • Symbols: Recognizing orienteering map symbols
  • Colors: Understanding map color coding
    • White: Open forest
    • Green: Dense forest
    • Yellow: Open areas
    • Brown: Contours and earth features
    • Blue: Water features
    • Black: Rock features and paths

Compass Basics

  • Parts: Needle, housing, baseplate, direction of travel arrow
  • Taking a bearing: Aligning compass with map
  • Following a bearing: Walking in a straight line
  • Magnetic declination: Understanding true vs magnetic north

Physical Skills

  • Pace counting: Measuring distance by counting steps
  • Terrain running: Efficient movement through different terrain
  • Map folding: Keeping map oriented while moving
  • Control description reading: Understanding control point details

Equipment Overview (5 minutes)

Essential Equipment

  • Orienteering map
  • Compass (baseplate type recommended)
  • Control card (for recording visits)
  • Appropriate clothing and footwear
  • Whistle (safety requirement)

Optional Equipment

  • Watch with stopwatch function
  • Map case (weather protection)
  • Highlighter (for marking route)
  • GPS watch (for training analysis)

Session 2: Outdoor Practice (1 Hour)

Pre-Session Setup (10 minutes)

Safety Briefing

  • Whistle signals (3 blasts = emergency)
  • Stay within designated area
  • Buddy system for beginners
  • Weather considerations
  • Emergency procedures

Equipment Check

  • Distribute maps and compasses
  • Ensure everyone has control card
  • Check clothing and footwear suitability
  • Test whistle signals

Warm-up Navigation (15 minutes)

Map Orientation Exercise

  • Practice orienting map to north
  • Identify major features on map vs ground
  • Walk a short distance following map
  • Practice map folding and handling

Compass Practice

  • Take bearings to visible features
  • Follow simple bearings over short distances
  • Practice keeping map oriented while walking

Practical Skills Practice (25 minutes)

Exercise 1: Handrail Navigation (10 minutes)

  • Follow a path using map
  • Practice keeping map oriented
  • Identify features as you pass them
  • Use pace counting to measure distances

Exercise 2: Attack Point Practice (10 minutes)

  • Navigate to obvious features near controls
  • Practice using attack points to find controls
  • Work in pairs for safety and learning

Exercise 3: Simple Route Choice (5 minutes)

  • Plan routes between two points
  • Compare different route options
  • Discuss advantages of each route

Mini Course (10 minutes)

Simple 3-4 Control Course

  • Use beginner-friendly controls
  • Mix of path following and simple navigation
  • Focus on map reading rather than speed
  • Encourage discussion of route choices

Debrief and Next Steps (10 minutes)

Skills Review

  • What worked well?
  • What was challenging?
  • Key learning points
  • Questions and answers

Resources for Continued Learning

Next Steps

  • Join local orienteering club
  • Attend regular training sessions
  • Try different course levels
  • Participate in local events

Resources and Further Learning

Online Resources

Equipment Suppliers

  • Local outdoor stores
  • Online orienteering suppliers
  • Club equipment loans for beginners

Getting Involved

  • Join your local orienteering club
  • Attend regular training sessions
  • Start with white/yellow courses
  • Progress through difficulty levels
  • Volunteer at events

This introduction provides a solid foundation for beginning orienteering. The combination of classroom theory and outdoor practice ensures participants understand both the concepts and practical application of navigation skills.

Back to top