SMOC Waterloo HQ
April 27th 2025 12:00pm
Map: Waterloo HQ
Point to point (in order) orienteering courses in the wilds of Waterloo HQ, which includes big ridges, flatter mixed prairie, subtle multi depression land, and some big climbs, and possible farmland.
Please register by Thursday night 4/24 11 pm to avoid an extra fees and ensure we can print you a map.
Please also follow any parking guidelines you encounter on site (overflow is likely to be down the road 1 km in another lot, not along the road).
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: As a DNR park, you'll need the P on your license plate sticker, or similar recreation passport.
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
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.