When the word ‘orienteering’ is mentioned, people associated
it with orientation but not with a sport. It is correct that orientation plays
a major component – it is the orientation of the map to north and the
orientation of the map to correlate to the surroundings. It is more than just
orientation though, it is a race against yourself, a race against others to
navigate between points in the shortest time with minimalist mistakes, an
adventure. Every event is different, even if it is in the same area, or you
think you know the area like the freckle on your hand, but orienteering pushes
this familiarity.
So what is orienteering?
Think of orienteering as a miniature amazing race, but
without the written clues. It can be done individually or in groups. Everyone
starts off at intervals, on the different courses, meaning that you don’t know
how you are comparing against others until everyone on your course has
finished. At the start you get a coloured map with ‘checkpoints’ that you need
to visit in order – but how you get there is completely your choice. You also
get a ‘clue’ sheet, this will tell you where exactly the check point is (on
which feature of the map) and what the number is. Each event uses an emit for
timing – this is an electronic device that is punched into each check point,
timing between check points and overall time. It also tells if check points are
punched in the correct sequence. The point of orienteering is to make your way
around your course in the fasted time possible, with few navigational errors –
use of GPS is not permitted. It is a sport for young and old, as there are
courses catered to varied abilities. You also don’t need to be a runner to
compete, it is a good way for anyone new to fitness to get out and get active,
often you are so busy navigating that you don’t notice how far you have walked
or run. In this regard it is a sport that is challenging both mentally and
physically.
The coloured map is made up of coloured symbols – each
symbol represents a different feature. Buildings are grey, vegetation is green,
pathways are a peachy brown colour, rocks and walls are black. When working
with the map, we orientate it so that we can visually see the correct symbol on
the map matching in front of us. Orientation and map relation is an important
skill to learn first, before introducing a compass to set the map to north.
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| Map Symbols |
In Gauteng we have two series throughout the year. First
half of the year comprises of the Urban Series – this is a set of events that
is short and fast, taking place in schools and parks. It is a good way for
beginners to get to grips with the map, symbols and orientation. We also hold between
3 and 4 night events on golf courses around Johannesburg. Although the courses
are technically easier at night, the element of darkness and running with a
headlight makes it more challenging than regular events. These events are
anywhere from about 1.5km to 4km – these are straight line distances, as such
running around buildings, flowerbeds and navigational mistakes all add up in
terms of distance and time (a 2km event can take you an hour to do).
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| Urban Series Map |
In the second half of the year we venture into the bush,
going into reserves such as Groenkloof, Modderfontein and Pelindaba. These
events are longer and more technically challenging as there are less features
to go on between points. If you enjoy hiking or walks in the bush, these events
would be perfect for you on a Sunday morning. Events start at about 2km and can
go up to about 10km, depending on the type of event (championship events are
usually longer in length). A medium course of about 4km can take 1.5 to 2 hours
in length, depending on route choice, speed, errors and any distractions along
the way such as giraffe.
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| Bush Series Map |
Orienteering is a growing sport in South Africa. We currently
have clubs in Limpopo, Cape Town and Gauteng. The introductions of the Gauteng
Schools league have brought juniors from schools into club’s league, giving
them a chance to join development and junior squads. These squads go on yearly
training camps and can be selected for the touring squad to Europe. Many of the
juniors have had the opportunities to represent South Africa at the Junior
World Orienteering Champs, and some of them as Seniors have been selected to
represent South Africa at the World Orienteering Champs.
Local training is provided not only to squad members, but
also club members and newbies looking to join the sport and gain confidence in
applying the various skills in orienteering. Clubs encourage members and
non-members to join training, so speak to your local club about when they will
be hosting a training event.
How do you get involved?
There are many events happening on weekends during the year.
Check out your local club to see when they are holding events. To find out
more, check out the website https://www.orienteering.co.za
Gauteng Calendar:
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