Frequently Asked Questions

Orienteering is a sport in which participants use a detailed map to find markers hidden in the landscape. At intermediate and higher levels a compass is used to aid navigation. It can be enjoyed as a walk in the woods or as a competitive sport.

The numbered purple circles indicate where the markers , also called controls, are located.

It has a punch hanging from it that is used mark a card that indicates which controls were visited.

Basic map-reading skills are helpful, but the best way to get started is to come to a meet!

Almost all our meets have beginner courses and we can help you get started. We also offer introductory training sessions early in the season.

When you start going off-trail on intermediate courses, you should know the basic skills of using a compass to orient the map to north and how to follow a bearing back to a known road or trail.

1. Complete the annual waiver.  Required once per season for all participants.  You can complete the waiver online or in person at the meet.
2. Pay meet fee.  $10 per adult, kids under 18 are free. You can pay online or in person with cash or check. If you have a season pass you are covered.
3. Select a course. Most meets offer different courses referred to by color. Consult with the meet volunteers about what would be appropriate for your skill level.
4. Register on course sign up sheet. There is a different sign up sheet for each course. If going out as team make sure all adults sign their name. Unless a mass start, select a start time that is about 5-10 minutes into the future and at least a minute or two apart from other starters.
5. Prepare a control card. You will mark a card with at punch mark at each control you visit on the course. Fill out this card with your name and any team members, what color course, and the start time.
6. Make sure you have a whistle. Participants are required to carry a whistle to be used in case of emergency. We sell them for $1.
7. Get a map. Ask a meet volunteer for a course map, do not look at it until your start time. If this isyour first time or you need a refresher, you should look at this map with a meet volunteer to understand how to read it.
8. Go out. Start on the course when your time comes up. Be safe and have fun!
9. Come back. When you finish the course, write your end time on the control card and check your name off the sign up sheet. Always check back in even if you do not find all the controls. Have a drink of water and a snack. Talk about your course with others.

• Some money for the meet fee if you did not pay online.
• Suitable footwear. People wear boots, trail-running shoes, and everything in between.
• Clothing appropriate for the weather and for being out in the woods.
• Perhaps some snacks and water.
• Perhaps bug dope. There will be some at the start/finish, but you may want some extra along the way.
• Pershaps a compass. Only needed for intermediate and advanced courses. Loaner compasses will be available at the meet start area if you don’t have your own.
• A whistle. It is required equipment in case you are in very serious distress; do not blow it for any other reason. There will be some whistles for sale at the start/finish.
• A sense of adventure!

This is an orienteering event where contestants try to find a set number of controls, in a particular sequence, in the shortest time possible, using a map (and sometimes a compass). Courses normally offered at traditional meets include:

course name	difficulty level	# of controls	distance (straight line)	typical finish times
White	beginner	6-10	1-2 Km	15-45 min
Yellow	adv. beginner	7-10	2-4 Km	30-60 min
Orange	intermediate	8-12	3-5 Km	40-90 min
Green	advanced	8-12	3-5 Km	40-90 min
Red	advanced	10-15	5-7 Km	60-120 min

You go to each “control” marked on the map, in numerical order. Controls are printed magenta circles numbered sequentially, 1-whatever. The start is a magenta triangle. Often the finish location is the same as the start, but if different, would be a double circle. Straight lines run from the start, to each control, and back to the finish.

The lines between controls are to guide your eye. You are free to choose any route you wish. This is the essence of orienteering. The straight route is rarely the best way to go. Consider distance, ease of navigation, and ease of travel. NOTE: In a traditional meet, it is unethical to follow other competitors.

The clue sheet lists each control’s unique ID code and has a list of “clues” that help you find a control once you’re in its vicinity. For advanced courses, the clues are symbols; for others, they’re written descriptions.

A control is a triangular orange/white fabric marker (like a small box kite about 14″ tall) with a unique ID number (usually written on a piece of foam-core board at the top.) Compare the ID number on the clue sheet with the one on the control to make sure you’re at the right control. Punch your control card with the red/orange plastic paper punch hanging from the control. Be sure to punch the correct box on your card.

A score-O is an orienteering race where contestants try to find as many controls (“flags” hidden in the woods) as possible, in any order, in a set amount of time. Usually, there is a mass start (everyone starts at the same time) and each ability level will have a different time allotment; e.g., 45 minutes for beginner, 60 for intermediate, and 75 for advanced.

Each control will have a point value based on its relative difficulty and distance from the start, other controls etc. Points are deducted for coming in over the time limit. If there is a tie in points, the competitor or team finishing ahead of the other prevails.

There is a different element of strategy in a score-O vs a traditional meet — choosing which controls to visit and in what order. Typically most competitors will not be able to visit all the controls. Bring a watch and keep a close eye on it. Plan your strategy before heading out and have alternates if you run short on time.

In normal orienteering, it is frowned upon to tuck one’s map into one’s pants and follow another competitor. The Billygoat is not, however, normal orienteering. Following is explicitly permitted, condoned, and some even say encouraged. If you can follow somebody to glory, all the more power to you! This event begins with a mass start, and typically you are permitted to skip one or more designated controls.

This event is usually similar to a traditional event, except it is held “in the mountains,” navigation is usually easier (unless you are in clouds), there are often only two difficulty levels, and they are usually much longer and more physically demanding than traditional meets. For example, in 2003, the long course was 15 miles with 5,300 feet of elevation gain and loss, and the short course was 10 miles/2000 feet. The courses are set so that technical rock and mountain climbing skills are not required, but if you go off course due to clouds or poor route choices, you could get into terrain with serious consequences.

This event is usually similar to a traditional event, except it is held “in the dark,” so navigation is usually more…entertaining. Visibility of the controls is often enhanced with reflective material and/or a glow-in-the-dark “light stick”. Bring one or more headlamps and/or flashlights! Generally, more light is better (so you can see well enough to travel without tripping), and having a back-up light is Nice To Have in case your primary source burns out.

All, or a group of competitors, start at the same time, as opposed to starting at intervals. Usually used at score-O or other special format events. Sometimes an event will have several mass starts. Come in plenty of time to be ready at the stated mass start time.

Competitors start at assigned times, usually at 2-minute intervals. Individuals or teams running different courses usually are allowed to use the same start time. Most of Arctic Orienteering Club’s competitive meets use this format. Usually you will sign up for any available start time when you arrive at the meet. Be ready to go when the official clock indicates your start time.