2025 SMOC Waterloo Discovery Center
November 9th 2025 12:00pm - 3:00pm
Map: Winnewana
Waterloo Discovery Center will offer the traditional scope of courses from White to Red.
Please register by Thursday so we can print maps, and you can avoid late fees.
We charge per "start"/group ($10, reduced to $5 for members with coupon code SMOCMEMBER (if you are on the member list here! Not on the list? Join here. If a member of another OUSA club, please use RECIPROCAL), 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: This is a Rec Passport DNR venue - if you haven't checked the box on your plate renewal, stop by a self-serve kiosk.
The area right by the start / finish is a no hunting area, so white might be off the hook but anything longer should plan on wearing orange to be safe.
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 Can start when we are all set.
12:00 Can definitely start.
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/bring
Your mileage may vary; you can't go too wrong with this:
- Long pants (potential for ivy off trail)
- Long sleeves, ideally in orange.
- 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
- Insect precautions
- Ivy precautions
We have loaner compasses if you don't have one.