Intro to Orienteering

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August 6
Saturday

Orienteering

Quantico Orienteering Club invites all newcomers to join us for an "INTRODUCTION TO ORIENTEERING” as we gear up for our 2016/17 season in September. This year we are hosting two purely beginner-oriented events: this one at Wheaton Regional Park (MD) and another in Virginia taking place on Saturday, July 30 at Mason Neck State Park, Lorton, VA.

These will be FREE beginner-only orienteering events for all ages - from children to adults. For anyone who has ever wanted to try orienteering, or just wondered what it is, here's the chance to come out and give it a go. Those of you who are already seasoned orienteers - this is your chance to invite your co-workers and friends out to experience that activity you're always saying great things about!

Participants will learn the basics of orienteering from experienced instructors and then apply their newly acquired skills on a beginner level orienteering course (either a White or Yellow Course) that same day. Registration opens at 9:00 AM and instruction will be offered approximately every 20 minutes beginning at 9:20 AM and running through 11:00 AM. Participants can either orienteer solo, or in small groups of their own choosing. All participants will have until 12:30 PM to complete their courses, and you can walk or run your course as you wish.

The only equipment you'll need to bring is your brain, some active clothing/sportswear, a comfortable pair of athletic shoes, and a watch. Compasses will be available, but please bring your own if you have one. Participants may also want to bring along extra water or beverages, though there will be plenty of water on the course and at the start/finish/instructional area.

)Pre-registration was offered for this event but is now closed as we hit our pre-registration maximum. We hope to accommodate walk-ups (i.e. those who didn't pre-register) in the later part of the registration window.

Mason Neck

Location

Wheaton Regional Park, Shorefield Area, Shelter H, Wheaton, MD (Free Beginner Event)

RegistrationPre-registration is now closed. We hope to accommodate walk-ups (those who didn't pre-register) after 10am, pending space availability.
Start TimesRegistration opens at 9:00 AM and instruction will be offered approximately every 20 minutes beginning at 9:20 AM and running through 11:00 AM. You may start your course after instruction, and you will have until 12:30 to complete your course.
ScheduleSaturday, August 6
9:00 am - 12:30 pmFree Beginner Event:
Volunteers
Event Director:Heidi Onkst
Course Designer:David Onkst
Location Details

Free Beginner Event
Wheaton Regional Park
Shorefield Area, Shelter H
Wheaton, MD
Google Map

From I-495 take Exit 31 for Georgia Avenue/MD 97 North. Follow Georgia Avenue north for almost 3 miles, then turn right onto Shorefield Road. Continue on Shorefield Road until you reach the parking area. Registration/check-in will be near Pavilion H.
Google Maps Link
Apple/iPhone Link
Course DetailsFree Beginner Event
Course NameLength (km)Climb (m)No. Controls
White 2.55012
Yellow 3.66515
Course NotesFree Beginner Event

White Course: All on trails. Best option for adults and families with no or limited orienteering/navigational experience.

Yellow Course: Longer, some off-trail controls but with linear features to follow. Good option for adults with older children and some navigation/orienteering experience, adventure racers and hikers.

Entry Fees
  • This event will be free of charge.
  • Electronic timing will be used. We will provide you with an electronic timing chip (aka e-stick, finger dibber, or SI-card) for free if you don't own one. Loaned e-sticks that are lost incur a $40 replacement fee.
  • Compasses are available at no charge, but if lost incur a $15 replacement fee.
  • Please provide collateral (driver's license or car keys) when borrowing a compass.
  • For additional safety, whistles are available for sale at $1/each.