SMOC Waterloo HQ
April 23rd 2023 12:00pm - 3:00pm
Map: Waterloo HQ
Five or six courses of point-to-point fun at Waterloo Recreation Area staged out of the headquarters area.
Pre registration required!! Be sure to sign up by 11 pm on 4/13!
Registration timeline:
Until 4/20, 23:00: Regular $5/members, $10/non members
Until 4/21, 23:00: $10/members, $15/non members. Limited to small extra map quantities; may close sooner if we run out. Depending on how late you sign up, you may not be in the timing system and may experience a little more downtime at the start as we work you in.
After 4/21, 23:00: Contact us about flag pickup to join.
We charge per "start"/group ($10, reduced to $5 for members with coupon code SMOCMEMBER or RECIPROCAL for other OUSA clubs), not per person, so if you have extra folks in your party, just have them fill out online waiver. An extra map is another $5. Interested in racing for free? Ask us about volunteer opportunities like flag pickup, giving a lesson, etc.
NOTE: As a DNR venue, you'll need a Recreation Passport to park, unless you ride your bicycle over. $12 annually if you check the box when you renew your license plate.
Parking
Please pull in (no parallel) in the designated areas. If these zones fill, you can park along McClure.
What is orienteering?
Using a detailed topographic map, navigate to a series of checkpoints (in order for this event). Race competitively, or enjoy a relaxing nature hike with family or friends - the choice is yours! The route between checkpoints is also your choice - take a longer trail option, or head off cross country across hills and over logs..you decide!
Schedule
11:xx Courses generally are available, but not promised, depending on how long it took to hang flags, etc.
12:00 Courses are definitely open, you can start now
2:00 No more starts
3:00 Courses closed, flags may get pulled at any time. You may wish to start earlier if you are new and/or taking on a difficult course.
Course Descriptions
White/Beginner - One to two miles. Takes 30-60 minutes to walk. Points are on trails.
Yellow/Intermediate - Two to three miles. Takes 45-90 minutes to walk. Flags are visible from the trail, but on nearby major features.
Orange/Advanced - Three to five miles. Takes 90-120 minutes to walk. Flags are generally not visible from trails. Cross country travel is common/generally necessary at some points.
Brown/Expert Short - Three to four miles. Takes 90-120 minutes to walk (w/out mistakes). This course has the highest technical difficulty - flags are on small features well off trail. Mistakes will take a long time to correct, as strong relocation features are not nearby.
Green/Expert - Four to five miles. Takes 120-150 minutes to walk (w/out many mistakes). This course also has the highest technical difficulty.
Red/Expert Long - Five to seven miles. Takes 150-180 minutes to walk (w/out many mistakes). This course also has the highest technical difficulty.
What to wear
Your mileage may vary; you can't go too wrong with this:
- Long pants
- Long sleeves
- Bug/tick spray
- Layers for the temp
- Shoes that can get dirty. Trail running shoes work great (whether you are running or not)
- Shoes for afterwards in case you find mud or marshes
- Snacks and water for on the course
We have loaner compasses if you don't have one.