WHAT is Orienteering?

In its most common form, orienteering involves navigating on foot between points on a pre-defined course drawn on a map. The aim is to navigate round all of the points in the correct order and in the fastest possible time. At each point there is a red and white 'control kite' with an identification number and some equipment to check that you have passed through that point. To aid you in finding each point you will have been given a 'control description' briefly detailing what feature the control is located on.

Fermo use two types of equipment to record your passage through the controls. At most events this consists of a small electronic card (dibber) that you take around the course with you. At each control site there is a small box which records on your card what time you passed through. After you finish you are then able to see what your total time was and how long you took for each leg of the course.

At smaller and more informal events, we use a pin-punch to make a unique set of holes in the 'control card' carried by each competitor. At the finish the control card can be checked to make sure that you have visited all the controls. You will be timed around the course and results will be displayed and then published on this website.

Although orienteering is a competitive sport, many people come just for the challenge of completing the course and enjoying the scenery. At most events you will see anyone from elite orienteers, running long, technically challenging courses, to youngsters tackling short, easy courses on paths. As you set your own pace, orienteering is suitable for everyone. Some families and others take part in groups..

Most orienteering maps are drawn specially for the sport and are at scales of either 1:10,000 or 1:15,000. They show everything from large hills to smallest pits, open land to impenetrable forest, ditches, marshes and much more. The colours are different from those on an Ordnance Survey map so beginners need to study them carefully. Most symbols are also unique to orienteering, but there is usually a legend on the map. Maps are drawn with the North lines pointing to Magnetic North, so when using a compass there is no need to make any complicated adjustments.

Clothing

Specially made orienteering suits are available, but any comfortable clothing is suitable. Because the more advanced courses give you the opportunity to go cross-country, maybe passing through rough vegetation, full body cover is advisable and may be insisted on at times. During the winter months, especially if you are going to walk round a course, make sure your clothing is warm enough.

Similarly, there are a number of makes of specialist shoe, all with studs or spikes for a good grip. But to start with, strong trainers or walking shoes or boots are adequate.

Ultrasport and Compass Sport are specialist suppliers of orienteering clothing and equipment:

Compass - not essential for courses up to orange standard, but useful nonetheless. For harder courses you will need one. Compasses may be hired at events.

Whistle - in the unlikely event of your getting injured you should carry a whistle, but it must only be used in cases of emergency.

Watch - a good idea if you've a late start!

Red Ball point pen or permanent marker - not usually necessary except at small events where maps have not been pre-marked with your course.

Plastic bag - also not usually necessary as we usually bag maps for you.

Ultrasport and Compass Sport are specialist suppliers of orienteering clothing and equipment: