Index & introduction
Hints and tips for improvement
Lost Compass
Credit:
Clipartbest.com
Index
| Beginner | Intermediate | Advanced | |
|---|---|---|---|
| The map & symbols | Map basics Hand rails | Vegetation Folding map Contours Control descriptions | Thumbing map Look with purpose Memorise |
| Decisions & techniques | Corner cut Decision points Attack points Bearings Route choice | Distance judgement Skill not luck Over/around Catching features Safe routes Setting map Aiming off Handrailling | Contouring Relocation |
| Preparation & review | Clothing Equipment Splitsbrowser | Good start Share & learn Serious? | Season plan Play to your strengths Preparation |
| Thinking & mindset | Look around | Map contact Simplify Fine v coarse | CARE & RAG Flow Dynamism Visualisation |
| Race management | Don't rush 180° error Missing control | Motivation Racing |
The pdf links above are to material on the Berkshire OC website.
The above classification is a bit rough and ready and tips for beginners may continue to apply for those further up the ladder, for example.
For the purposes of this classification:
- Beginner would be an adult beginner doing Orange
- Intermediate covers those doing Light Green and above
- Advanced contains higher skills for already competent navigators looking to increase their speed
Richard's articles were not intended to be exhaustive. In particular, if anyone has any tips to provide, please submit them to the webmaster. A few articles from external sources have already been added above to compliment Richard's offering.
Some subjects have not been covered in any great depth yet, in particular the skills required for the most junior courses, White and Yellow.
Further tips
The QuOnicle club magazine archive also features occasional training articles, other than Richard's.
Wessex OC training tips - scroll down to the bottom of the linked page to see the tips
Richard S, Forest of Dean '15
Credit: Mark Lockett
Richard's series originally appeared in our now dormant newsletter, the QuOnicle. Over to Richard...
You can either learn from your own mistakes...or from mine! I've made a lot of navigational errors while writing this series of articles. So I'm wondering whether I should be writing this column or reading it. Though maybe its easier to learn from someone who knows what they get wrong? I hope this helps improve your orienteering skills and in turn increases your enjoyment. It is frustrating when your run is affected by mistakes, but very satisfying to complete a course without error.
Richard Sansbury