Intro to Orienteering

Printer-friendly versionPrinter-friendly versionPDF versionPDF versionShareThis

August 5
Saturday

Orienteering

Quantico Orienteering Club invites all newcomers to join us for an "INTRODUCTION TO ORIENTEERING” as we gear up for our 2017/18 season starting in September. This year we are hosting two purely beginner-oriented events: this one at Mason Neck State Park (VA) and another in Maryland taking place on Sunday, July 30 at Wheaton Regional Park, Wheaton, MD.

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 10:00 AM and instruction will be offered approximately every 20 minutes beginning at 10:20 AM and running through Noon. Participants can either orienteer solo, or in small groups of their own choosing. All participants will have until 1:30 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 is being offered for these events due to park permit participant limitations. Please click HERE to register to ensure your spot and get in on the fun!

Mason Neck

Location

Mason Neck SP, Mason Neck SP, Lorton, VA (Beginner)

RegistrationPlease click here to pre-register to ensure your spot and speed up check-in. On-site registration will also be open from 10:00 am to 12:00pm, pending space availability.
Start TimesYou may start your course at any time during the start window listed below for your event.
ScheduleSaturday, August 5
10:00 am - 1:30 pmBeginner:
Volunteers
Event Director:Heidi Onkst
Course Designer:David Onkst
Location Details

Beginner
Mason Neck SP
Mason Neck SP
Lorton, VA
Google Map

From southbound I-95, take exit 163 (Lorton). Go left onto Lorton Rd at the end of exit ramp. Go under the 2nd overpass and turn right onto Lorton Market St., then go about 1.5 miles to the traffic light at Route 1. Go straight through light (the road name changes to Gunston Rd) and go about 5 miles to the right turn on High Point Road (it's about 1.2 miles after the Pohick entrance). Once in the park ($10 entrance fee per vehicle), follow the signs towards the Visitor Center. The registration area will be to the left just before the Visitor Center; look for the banner.
Google Maps Link
Apple/iPhone Link
Course DetailsBeginner
Course NameLength (km)Climb (m)No. Controls
White 34013
Yellow 3.87015
Course NotesBeginner

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.