Hi all,

Thought I'd just type aup a little report about an orienteering event I did last Sunday.........

Was reading the paper, thinking to myself, "What to do with the wife & kids this weekend, that's a little bit different, and gets us all out of the house.....??" - when my eye comes across a small article about National orienteering Day, and an event being held at Samford in Brisbane Forest Park.

So we pack up, and head out to Samford - myself, my wife, and two daughters (aged 7 & 9).

What great fun we had!!!!!!!! We did the easiest 'blue course', which was just 2.1km long, with about 10 marker points. 7yo was given the 'dipper' strapped to her wrist, while 9yo was in charge of the map & compass. Not too long for the kiddies to survive or get lost, but enough elevation changes to get a nice quad-burning sensation in the legs......

Top marks to the "Enoggeroos" (I think that was the club name....!!). They couldn't be more helpful, and took us through the whole process very patiently to ensure we had a gerat morning out.

So - if you are interested in doing something a bit different to nromal running, or maybe a fun outdoor activity with the kids, then I would highly recommend giving orienteering a go. Abby and his Abby-ettes will definitely be back......!!!

Cheers,
Abby

Great to see you've discovered our wonderful sport. It's truly the family sport, as you can do it together (as you did last week) or there are age classes at the same event from under 10 to over 70, with different grades in each of the age classes as well.

Here is the site with links to orienteering around Australia http://orienteering.asn.au/home . Check out the New to orienteering page, and also use the search facility to find coaching tips. Or ask someone at your next event to give you some skill tips.

What Simmo said. I can help people get lost in Victoria.

There's also Rogaines for the ultra-nuts, MTB orienteering for the wheelies, as well as street runs for those that don't like kangaroos and wombat holes.

Triple that for Newcastle. I have taken my son, 13, on some local orienteering events, including a special on National Orienteering day, and it is great fitness. We recently upped the level to a "short" orange of 3.3km, and took us over an hour but I loved the challenge and running into the bush.

Must recommend it to anybody. Good club in Newcastle for beginners and experienced. Will join one day but in the meantime will just participate with son.