Frequently Asked Questions

 

Who may take part ?
Anyone ! The activity can be enjoyed by men, women and children - old and young - fit or unfit. As you set your own pace, it is ideal recreation for individuals or groups.

 

How long are the courses ?
The length of an Orienteering course varies from 1,5km with six to ten controls for beginners, up to about 10 km for the more adventurous. The challenge is yours.

 

What equipment will I need ?
You do not require expensive equipment nor special gear. Wear old clothes (shorts and t-shirt are fine) and comfortable shoes - running shoes or hiking boots. An Orienteering compass is useful for the more advanced courses. Hats and sunscreen are essentials for outdoor protection. Drinking water is normally provided along the route, however, a small water-bottle will not go unused. In rough terrain gaiters are longer pants are suggested to protect your legs.

All the other material (map and control card) is supplied by the event organisers.

 

How much does it cost ?
Single-event entry fees are normally around R25~R40 for individuals and R50 for Groups (of maximum 3 people). A reasonable compass (not needed until you progress to the more challenging courses) will cost in the region of  R150.

 

What about maps ?
All Orienteering maps are specially drawn - based on topographical surveys, retaining basic symbols for contours, buildings, streams etc, but much finer detail, such as depressions, ditches and vegetation changes are added. Maps are reproduced in scales of between 1:5000 to 1:15000 and are in colour, with a full legend explaining the various features. Maps are provided as part of your event entry fee.

 

What does "climb" mean ?
From each countour (line on a map joining equal elevation or height) a route crosses in the positive direction (ie. Going up-hill), the climb is calculated. Maps normally show 5 metre contours, hence crossing 10 of these lines in total (only on upward slopes), will equal a total climb of 50 metres.

 

Do I need to join a club ?
Not necessarily. You may compete as an individual, however, joining a club has the benefits of giving you cheaper entry rates and you get sent the latest information regarding events, results etc. With membership you are also eligible to take part in championship events.

 

What must I do at my first event ?
When you arrive, you will need to Register, after choosing a suitable course from the several that will be on offer for the day. On registering (and paying your entry fee) you will receive a MAP, CONTROL CARD (for "punching" at each control point) and DESCRIPTION SHEET (list of control numbers, codes and feature descriptions). You will also have to select a START TIME (always give yourself about a half an hour to get organised). Write your name/s legibly on the spaces provided on your Control Card. TIP: Use first name and surname - NOT initials. Make your way to the start at least ten minutes before your official start time and hand in the Control Card Stub (tear off) to the Start Official. Await to be called to start. On the "Go" you may need to copy onto your map, the course as laid out on a master map (provided after you start). Then off you go - navigating your way round the course.

 

Can someone teach me ?
Sure. Just give one of the Club Contacts a call .