Logo

Orienteering Hutt Valley Inc.

Getting Started

Some tips on how to get started on a rogaine if you have never done one before. Supplied by Mike Sheridan.

  • If you haven't got a good mate to go with, ask the organiser for a partner or put a post up on the Welly afterwork rogaine page on facebook.

  • Arrive in good time to get the map as soon as it's available - the planning time is invaluable for understanding the map and potential routes you might take.
  • It's all in the route planning... Try and avoid too many out and backs or dead ends. Look for loops.
  • On your first event or two play a conservative game — try and work out how far you can go in the allotted time.
  • Don’t do all the close controls at the beginning. Leave those to the end, so you have lots of options to soak up any remaining time.
  • For your first rogaine or two don’t worry about your score. Try things out, test yourself and learn some skills.
  • If you can't find a control, don't spend too long on it. Write it off and move on to another one. Even good rogainers sometimes have to do this!
  • Try and pick on one skill each event to focus on — for example: pacing, use of the compass, using your thumb as a pointer to stay in touch with where you are on the map.
  • If you have any concerns, questions or you need some help then ask the organiser