Orienteering is a navigation sport for everyone! Checkpoints are circled on a custom topographical map, and you decide your own route between them. For orienteering we refer to the Checkpoints as Controls. Control Markers are the bright orange and white flags you see when you are on your course.
Below is a quick guide to what to expect at your first event.
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Control Marker you will see on your course. |
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How to Register
We offer online registration or you can register at the Event. For your first time you can just arrive and talk to the volunteers at the Registration Table - they will help you sign the waiver and get registered. They can also help you get a Beginners Clinic and select an appropriate course. Registration usually opens at 9am. You must have a signed waiver for all minors - please have parents sign Our Waiver in advance.
What should I wear?
Comfortable clothing suitable for hiking or running on a park trail or in the woods. Shoes should be comfortable like sneakers - ideally with some traction for uneven ground. No special clothing is needed for a Beginners course. Long pants are best for intermediate and up courses.
Instruction
BAOC offers (free) beginner instruction at all of our public events; just ask at the registration table. This is a short discussion with an experienced orienteer who will give you the skills needed to complete a Beginners course.
Equipment
Your registration will include a map for each person with your course printed on it. You will also rent an Electronic Timing Punch (E-Punch) to complete your course. Bring your own compass if you have one or you can rent one for $1. You may keep your map after your course but rental Punches and compasses must be returned before you leave. No other special equipment is needed.
What should I bring?
Comfortable layered clothing. Some water and a snack. We provide water and some food if allowed by the park but packing your own supplies is a good idea - you can often find a good spot for a picnic after you finish your course.
When should I arrive?
Registration opens at 9am - arrival close to 9am is recommended for your first event to allow time for a short Beginners Clinic.
How to find the Event?
The webpage for each event includes detailed instructions to get to our Registration Area. Please make sure to read this so you arrive at the correct spot in the park. When you arrive at the park we usually have Orange and White signage to follow to the exact parking area we are using.
What happens when I arrive?
- Registration - this area is usually right next to the parking. Look for a table with Volunteers and some clipboards for registering. If you have not registered online you will be directed to sign a waiver for each person including minors. Fill out the details and hand it to someone at the table. They will help you register, select a course if you are unsure which one you would like to try and point you to the Beginners Clinic.
- Beginners Clinic - attend a short beginners clinic to learn the basics needed to complete a Beginners Course.
- Start - make your way to the Start area, ask a volunteer if you do not see it close by. Tell the Start volunteer this is your first time orienteering and which course you are going on. You will be given a specific time to Start. The volunteer will instruct you how to 'Clear and Check' your Electronic Punch before you set off.
- Finish - When you get to the last punch marked Finish you have completed the course. You must now go to the E-Punch table back at the registration area and tell the volunteer you have finished so your time can be recorded. You will receive a small printout of the results for your course. Full results for all courses will be posted on this website after the event. *Even if you do not complete your course you must go to the E-Punch table and register your Finish so that we do not send out a Search Party looking for you.
Which courses are available?
We usually offer 7 courses from Beginner to Expert level. Courses are named by colors and the Beginner courses are White and Yellow - White is all on trails. Yellow is mostly on trails with checkpoints just off the trail. Once you complete a White or Yellow course you may try another course if you have time. Here is a sample orienteering map with a Yellow course marked.
Description of the other courses available at each event are shown on the website and at the Registration table.
Groups - Scouts, JROTC, and Others
We welcome groups of all sizes. Groups of over 6 participants should email registrar@baoc.org to ensure we print enough maps for them. Large groups usually split into smaller groups of 4 or less to allow everyone to get a chance to try the navigation. Each participant should receive a map. You must have a signed waver for all attendees - please bring a printed, signed by Parents copy of our waiver to the event.