Handy Andy’s Tool Box No’s 4, 5 & 6.

In the last 2 issues I wrote about Orientating, Folding & Thumbing the map, (OFT). Inthis issue I’ll cover the basics on how to get from control to control, I use CAR, Control, Attack point & Route.

When looking at my next control I do it in the following order. I look first at the control site, and then choose an attack point, then and only then I look at my route from my last control to the attack point. Lots of definitions so let’s explain.

Control . I locate the next control circle on the map. The circle’s diameter represents 60m. I identify what I am looking for in the centre of the circle, checking it with the control descriptions. Looking at how it relates to the surrounding area, is it one of a group, is it isolated. I visualise what the contents of the control circle will look like. An isolated distinct tree, a group of pits, a wet ditch junction. I set in my mind the control scene.

Attack Point . Next I look for a good attack point or line of approach. This is an obvious feature near the control circle from which the control can be reached by navigating carefully using map and compass. This should be an easy to find like a path junction, fence corner or a large feature, building, vegetation boundary corner or crag.

Having visualised my control and chosen my final approach via an attack point I then look at Route Choice. A choice of routes between controls that takes into account the degree of difficulty, height loss or gain and your fitness. The straight red line is the most obvious but not necessarily the best for you. Look at the colour screen on the map to get an idea of runability. Look at path networks going in the general direction of the control. Look at the contour lines to get an idea of climb or loss of height between you and the control. Now choose a route taking into account your present fitness, the runability of the terrain. Minimise the amount of climb, it may be quicker and less tiring to detour round the top of a deep rentrant than dropping height and having to climb back up the other side. Path routes may be longer but they are usually, not always, quicker and you can thumb your way confidently.

So try to use CAR when selecting your route.

Find and identify the Control on your map.

Find an Attack point for that control.

Choose a Route to that attack point.

On long legs you can use several attack points to dog-leg your way confidently and safely across the map.

Best of luck. If you are experiencing difficulty just talk to one of the club coaches about it.

Remember don’t treat every event as if it was the British Champs, use low key events to try out new techniques to find out what suits your style of orienteering.

You didn’t learn to ride a bike without falling off a few times. So likewise by making a few mistakes we learn how to avoid them.

Andy Thornton

HANDY ANDY'S TOOLBOX 1.

HANDY ANDY'S TOOLBOX 2 & 3.

HANDY ANDY'S TOOLBOX 4, 5 & 6.

HANDY ANDY'S TOOLBOX 7.

HANDY ANDY'S TOOLBOX 8 & 9.