TIP: Click the 
Video tab to see this activity in action
Orienteering is an activity for both males and females individually or in groups or teams. It combines cross-country running or walking using a map and compass to find the way from point to point across unfamiliar and difficult terrain.
Popularity
Originating in the Scandinavian countries in the early 1900s. Orienteering is now competed in many countries across the world, with over one hundred and twenty clubs spread throughout the British Isles.
Location
Orienteering events need large areas of open ground, normally heavily contoured with plenty of woods or open moorland. No competitor shall have any prior notice of the course to be taken.
Age
Orienteering is split into eight age categories ranging from the under tens to over seventies, the age class is prefixed with an M for males and F for females.
Ability
The obvious necessary abilities are to be able to cross-country run and to be able to navigate using only a map and compass, Run with a group who are competent until you are proficient. Some events insist competitors carry a whistle for emergency use
Description
Specially drawn maps are used in orienteering , the cource is overprinted on the map, before the race start, competitors are informed of out of bound areas and any special information thought necessary. The start is staggered with competitors leaving at intervals to avoid following, each competitor is issued with a control card which gets stamped at each control point visited, this is used to calculate start, Finnish and elapsed time, to arrive at a winner.
Dedication
Two types of event are held firstly a straight race around the control points, fastest time wins. Secondly is a point scoring competition in which the competitor visits as many check points as possible, in a given time, gaining points for each checkpoint visited. Check points may carry a varied number of points depending on difficulty of access. Check points may be visited in any order. The competitor with the highest number of points at the end of the allotted time, being declared the winner.
Potential
Orienteering can be a leisurely country side activity or it can be an extremely competitive activity, where competitors compete against international competitors.
Closely
Related Activities
Orienteering is not closely related to any other running event as it does not use a divined course. Like so many other combination sports it originated as a test of military skills, (navigating as fast as possible over unknown terrain).
Cost
The only unique costs to orienteering are good compass and a whistle, clothing should be suitable for the terrain to be tackled and must give full leg and body protection against cuts and abrasions (tracksuits are commonly worn). Club fees vary but average ?10 per Annam. Event entrance fees are around ?5.
Level of Demand
The table below shows the maximum levels of demand that this activity requires. NOTE: These are not entry levels or levels of requirement and has nothing to do with ability.
 Energy |
| Arms
|
| Legs
|
| Sight
|
| Hearing
|
| Speech |
| Learning |
Please be advised that this record has not necessarily been reviewed by people with the expertise required to provide you with complete, accurate or reliable information. The information and images for this activity are supplied by the general public, Please contact us if there is a breach of copyright or you wish to improve the data.
HIPS FINDER
