Just been and done the Very Easy orienteering course at Teralba Park this morning set up by Orienteering Enoggera (or it might be Enoggera Orienteering).
It was great. The 1.1km course was fine for kids and the unfit. There was a walking fountain half way around. When I checked in at the end the man looked at my time a bit surprised I think by how long I took but I was very pleased to have made it around alive and it was very enjoyable.
There were 4 courses altogether in increasing grades of hardness. I assume the top grade is for the supercompetitive. I think the supercompeters would make it around the toughest course in about a quarter of the time (at most) that I took to do the ‘Very Easy’ course.
The courses did not require compasses today. Normally it is best to bring your own compass but they do have them to hire.
It is very well set up and the sign in and sign out process is very carefully managed to ensure everyone arrives back safe and sound.
The website for Orienteering Queensland is www.oq.asn.au and the Events Calendar http://oq.asn.au/event-calendar
The website for Orienteering Australia is www.orienteering.asn.au
They are also on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/OrienteeringAustralia
It does look as if there is a lot of orienteering targeted at the fitter level.
It is a sport for all ages however on the websites and Facebook page there is little evidence of the less competitive end of the community being more than an occasional focus – hope I’m wrong because it is a sport that can potentially really reach everyone.
You can walk or run. If you’re not very fit (like me) you can stop whenever you need to. It is timed how long you take to get around the course and at the top end the sport is very competitive. You can go around alone or in a family group or a couple.
They also do rogaining which (I think) is at night. And they might do some on bicycles.
Lots of the orienteering sites are in the bush or country – it is a great way to get out into the environment. Also to get into deep bush places with an excellent map and a compass and safety checks that enable us to see places we wouldn’t normally be able to access.
There is a lot of work setting up the courses (and taking them down) and administering the orienteering events. Definitely relies on the volunteers who do this work.
Quite expensive to join the association. Anyone can participate without being a member – the cost is slightly higher (~$1) to participate if you aren’t a member (Ex. Adult Member $5; Adult Non-Member $6). They don’t have a Seniors price to participate but they do to join.
They offer some orienteering through the BCC GOLD (Growing Older Living Dangerously) program.