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Latest News
Next forest event is on Saturday September 11 on the
White Earth map southeast of Smoky Lake.
Details
The last scheduled event of the season will be on
Sunday September 26 at the Redwater Natural Area (but not at the same
place as the event there earlier in the season). Details
Regular Wednesday events continue until
mid-September with registration from 6pm - 7pm and earlier and
earlier course closing times;
see schedule
for locations.
New to orienteering? Check out the information below,
the Beginners' Clinic page and
the Hints and Tips section.
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Last updated
September
2, 2010
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ORIENTEERING involves using a
special detailed map to choose and follow the best route from one control (checkpoint) to
the next. 'Best' route depends on YOU; it could be the shortest, or flattest, or smoothest or
driest, or least prickly or the most certain to find the control easily. It all depends on
skill level and physical ability and personal preference. To see a
sample "leg" on an advanced loop/course with route choices click here.
It is important to
keep the map
oriented with the terrain. Often, especially in the City Parks, this can be done by lining
up obvious, visible features, such as a trail or a river, with the corresponding features
on the map. In the forest, where obvious features may not be visible, lining up the north
arrows on the map with a compass needle does the job. Illustration
Orienteering can be enjoyed by all
as a sport or as a recreational activity. You can RUN, JOG or HIKE the course. You can do
it ON YOUR OWN, WITH A FRIEND or AS A FAMILY. (In a competition, the competitive orienteer
has to compete on his/her own, but there will also be recreational courses for hikers,
couples and families).
For the
competitive orienteer,
fastest one round the course (loop), wins. For the recreational orienteer,
there is the personal satisfaction of finding the controls, at the same time as having an
enjoyable hike, jog or run through the woods.
Participants of
any age or
experience are welcome at all Edmonton Orienteering events. Every event, from a low-key
city park event to a major championship, has instruction included in the entry fee and an
easy course/loop for beginners.
You
don't need special equipment to
get started - just wear clothes suitable for the weather and old comfy shoes. For forest
events, as a safety precaution, you must carry a whistle - bring your own or buy one at
the event for $1. You can rent a compass at forest events for a small fee.
The Edmonton Overlanders
Orienteering Club runs regular events in city parks and in the forest, from mid April
until September. Just turn up at the place and time indicated in the schedule.
