Orienteering: A challenge of body and mind

Hayley Bennett and daughter Alana, 7, took part in the orienteering event to launch the new track at The Redwoods. Photo / Stephen Parker

A permanent orientation course has been launched in the Redwoods and Orienteering Bay of Plenty's Darren Ashmore said it started with a bang.

"The event [yesterday] saw about 80 people of varying ages, young and old, with different fitness levels turn up to take part in trying out the new course."

Mr Ashmore said the new track has opened in time for the summer nav series, a series of weekly orienteering events set in both Tauranga and Rotorua, and was suitable for the whole family.

"Orienteering is a challenging outdoor adventure sport that exercises both the mind and body. The aim is to navigate (on foot or mountain bike) between control points marked on a unique, highly detailed orienteering map while deciding the best route to complete the course in the quickest time.

"Orienteering can either be a highly competitive individual sport or, when family or friends do a course together, a totally recreational activity. It is suitable for all ages, fitness and experience levels. No special equipment is needed to start with, just comfortable outdoor clothing and footwear. Compasses are not necessary for beginners and most people soon master the map reading skills," he said.

Orienteering Bay of Plenty club member Hayley Bennett said her family joined the club two years ago.

"I just thought it was a great way for the family to get fit, without just straight running. Reading the map and having something to think about distracts you from the pain of sore legs," she said.

"My husband Cambell and I take turns navigating, and sometimes we just do it all as a family."

Mrs Bennett said her kids Alana, 7, and Jamie, 4, found it "exciting".

"The course ranges from one to three hours," she said.

The summer nav series events take place on Wednesday evenings from 6pm to 7pm and are open to everyone.

-For more details see www.orienteering.org.nz/events.