Get Involved in Orienteering

Navigate your way to a new sport with Sky Sports News

Last updated: 17th February 2012  

Trying to find your perfect sport? Then why not give orienteering a go?

Get Involved tracked down some of the thousands of participants who enjoy this challenging, outdoor adventure sport each month and discovered that it's the perfect activity for someone with a sense of adventure.

People of all ages and abilities can take part - it doesn't matter if you live in the countryside or the city, or what to take part during the day or night!

And as Sarah Rollins of GB Orienteering explained, you're never too young to start!

"It's perfect for families; my son is four but he went orienteering when he was five weeks old. He was strapped to me and we went round and did a course," she told Get Involved.

"But then as they get older they can start on string courses - following a little route through the forest; they absolutely love it. It's a real family sport with a brilliant atmosphere.

"We are trying to introduce different disciplines to make it more attractive to people. So urban events, lots of town events where people can see it, it's visible and it's a little bit technically easier so people who perhaps haven't done much navigation can then go and really take part and feel like they've had a good run."

Orienteering is a test of athleticism and navigational skills - often, but not always against the clock. Competitors are given a specially-drawn map of the local area and a basic compass with which they must find their way to various check points called controls - without getting lost!

Course difficulties are colour coded: beginners start on white or yellow, progressing through orange, green and blue, with brown and black the most difficult.

Night events are now springing up around the country as orienteering's governing body attempts to widen the sport's appeal. So what are you waiting for?

To find out more information on how it all works watch the video above or visit the British Orienteering website.

Click Here for Your Free Bet

Post to your View!

Be the first to post a comment on this story

Add Comment*

Send us your views

Are you a Sky Sports subscriber?

*All fields required, your email address will be kept private