Skills matrix

Last edited: Thu 2 Apr 2020

This skills index is aimed at all from those attempting Orange courses to those who would be considered experts.

Most of the articles were written by QO's Richard Sansbury but we have borrowed from other resources on You Tube and other clubs' websites.

	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

Some subjects have not been covered in any great depth yet, in particular the skills required for the most junior courses, White and Yellow.