New to O > Who Orienteers?

….. the young
Orienteering is well suited to the young. Being a non-contact sport and also one that tests the brain it is an ideal sport for schools. Its mastery provides valuable skills and creates confidence
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….. the not so young
Orienteering courses are carefully graded to cater for your physical ability, making it a sport for life. Courses are provided for age groups up to the 80+ year olds.

….. the elite athlete
Orienteering is a highly developed sport which requires a wide range of running skills and tests the body and mind to the limits at the same time. State, national and even the world titles are there to challenge your orienteering ability.

….. the not so fit
Orienteering is the ideal sport or recreation to have fun while you keep fit. You can enjoy the great Australian outdoors while you stay healthy.

Orienteering is an activity well-suited to people of all ages and abilities. Hence it is an ideal family sport as parents and children can all participate at any event, choosing the courses which best suit their abilities

Joining a club

Although you do not have to be a member of a Club to participate in orienteering events (other than Tasmanian and Australian Championships), there are benefits in joining a Club such as :

· Significantly reduced fees at events.
· You receive the Tasmanian "O Know" magazine monthly with details of events, results and articles.
· You receive the Australian Orienteer quarterly containing details of events and key orienteering articles.
· Details of club activities and opportunities to meet and know more people.

Goto the Join Us page to download a registration form and to see details on how to use direct deposit to pay registration fees.

What do you need? ·

Comfortable joggers, walking shoes or specialised orienteering shoes.
· Preferably full leg cover to protect your legs from scratchy bush.
· A drink bottle which you can carry, although water stops are provided on the longer courses.
· A rain coat in wet weather; hat and sunscreen for sunny days.
· An orienteering compass (thumb or baseplate) - these are available for hire at events.
· A plastic whistle - these can be purchased at events.

Which course ?

People new to orienteering should try the shorter "Easy" or "Very Easy" courses. At any orienteering event there is the competitive sporting challenge for the more serious competitor, or an opportunity to enjoy orienteering as a relaxing recreational activity. For the more competitive the aim is to complete the course in the shortest possible time, hence both physical fitness and ability to read maps become important. However, orienteering can be enjoyed by both young and old, either as a relaxing recreation or as a competitive sport.