You can learn to orienteer by attending your Local Clubs event series.  Most local clubs hold an event each month, from February through to October, which is especially designed to encourage newcomers. There will be coaches and instructors available to assist you in the basics of orienteering.  They can help you get started, and talk to you later about the course, and how you went.

Most people try a Blue course first, which follows tracks or fences, and helps you get used to map reading.  Once you have mastered Blue courses, you can progress to slightly harder courses, such as Green, and then Orange.  Local clubs also hold special series on park and street maps over the summer months, particularly October to December.  These are usually quite easy for beginners, and a good place to start.

There is also the opportunity to learn to orienteer at most of our State Events, held on Sundays from March to October.  Blue, or Novice courses are almost always on offer.  Check the Event Details to be certain.  Again there are instructors available to assist you in getting started.  At most events, there is a range of courses of graded difficulty, from Very Easy, (Blue) through to Advanced. (Red courses)  There are various course lengths, as well, to suit the age and experience of the participant.  After your first novice, or Blue Course, you can ask for a Starter Pack, with vouchers for 3 more events at novice prices.  After this, events are much cheaper if you take out membership.

For more information, look at About Orienteering, particularly Getting Started.

Once you have become confident with Green Courses, you can further improve by attending the Coaching Sessions run by Orienteering Queensland on Saturday afternoons.  There are approximately 6 per year.  Check Events for more information. Each session tends to focus on developing a couple of different navigation skills.

IMPROVING YOUR SKILLS

Becoming a proficient orienteer usually takes several years of practice and experience.  The only way to gain this effectively is by attending as many events and coaching sessions as possible, each time attempting to improve your basic navigation skills, until they become automatic.  You can also practice many of these skills at home, or when you go jogging or walking.  See Coaching Resources. If you wish to be competitive, you need to work on your fitness and agility, and gradually improve your terrain running.  At an advanced level, orienteering is a very demanding and challenging sport, both physically and mentally, as competitors try to maintain a fine balance between speed, and smooth, error free navigation.

Orienteering Queensland funds several coaching and training squads.  These cater for different age groups, and have various levels of entry criteria and support offered to members.

Each year Orienteering Queensland runs a Junior Camp, usually in the June-July school holidays.  This is open to juniors aged 11-20 years, able to complete a Green course unassisted.  They must be members of a club or school affiliated with Orienteering Queensland.  Look for the booking form in the March newsletter.