British Orienteering have this great summary of the appeal of orienteering to many people:
“Orienteering is an exciting outdoor adventure sport suitable for all ages and fitness levels.
Orienteering is an exciting outdoor adventure sport that exercises mind and body.
The aim is to navigate between checkpoints or controls marked on a special orienteering map. There is no set route so the skill and fun come from trying to find the best way to go.
In competitive orienteering, the challenge is to complete the course in the quickest time”.
You can learn more from this newcomers guide to orienteering on the British Orienteering Website which explains the types of events and courses available.
Here is an example of a map for one of our areas in Derby, showing how, if you want to, you can use your GPS watch to trace the route you followed and compare to others.
They have also produced a video called Orienteering Adventure sport for all explaining the basics.
A beginners guide is also available as a pdf download.
A set of Orienteering Skills Videos produced by South London Orienteers are available on the British Orienteering Website.
Competitor safeguarding, well-being and assistance
Derwent Valley Orienteers strives to be an inclusive club. We are committed to providing events which support the safety, safeguarding and welfare of competitors and volunteers. Please read these pages to find out more:
- Please tell us about relevant medical conditions – this could help save your life
- Safeguarding – includes safeguarding of children and vulnerable adults
- Photography at events – Please note that photos may be taken of participants competing at our club events.
If you require any assistance please contact the organiser (thair email address is on the event page). This includes advice for beginners or older competitors on the physical and technical difficulty of the courses as well as assistance for competitors who are neurodivergent and may like a quiet start or someone to pick up your bib or download your dibber after your run. We want everyone to have the best experience possible and if you don’t ask, we won’t know how we can help you achieve that.
