Orienteering New Brunswick Newsletter
Paul Looker, Editor
[ ONB Home ] [ ONB Notes ] [ Contents ]
ONB Notes is the official newsletter for Orienteering New Brunswick, the provincial body for orienteering in New Brunswick. The newsletter is published three times per season: pre-spring season (~April), late summer (~August), and post-fall season (~December). ONB Notes is printed and mailed by Sport New Brunswick in Fredericton. Comments, suggestions and submissions are gratefully received by the editor of ONB Notes at any of the following:
| mail: | Paul Looker 53 Ridge Way Grand Bay-Westfield, NB E3E 1A4 |
| Phone: | 506-738-8109 |
| Fax: | None at this time |
| E-mail: | aplooker at nb dot sympatico dot ca |
More information on orienteering in New Brunswick, including current issues of ONB Notes, may be found on the official ONB web site:
http://www.orienteering.nb.ca2003, year end summary:
The weather this past year has cooperated to provide participants with almost perfect weather. There were large turnouts for Rockwood Park and Odell Park. The Autumn Amble was a big success and it was very gratifying to see the large turnout, especially the carload from Nova Scotia, since they were still recovering from hurricane Juan. Congratulations to the event organizers of the Autumn Amble on their first orienteering event.
This year the Fredericton Foxes hosted a spring mapping clinic and they were fortunate to have, Malcolm Adams, an experienced mapper from Montréal. Malcolm is one of the most qualified map instructors, if not the best, in Canada. For those that are not aware, Malcolm suffers from a terminal illness.
The most memorable point of the year was attending the COC in Savona, B.C. The COC took place on Garden Creek Ranch, a semi-aired desert terrain, with a mixture of steep hillsides and very open landscape with few trees to obstruct the view. The almost, unobstructed view, was blocked by steep hillsides, small clusters of trees and interrupted by occasional beautiful views of Kamloops's Lake. The folks in BC added a couple of obstacles to the course, Attack Cacti. These small cigar shape cactus, the size of a dill pickle were vicious. They would cling to your body when you ran by them and inflict sufficient pain to stop your progress. The prickly little things were difficult to remove, the thorns would penetrate the skin and leave a memento in the leg and fingers. Undoubtedly this was one of the highlights for the year and I would recommend that everyone make an effort to participate in an event of this class.
There was a good contingency (9) from New Brunswick that participated in the COC, including Anita and Mike Smith living in B.C. Congratulations go to Carol Ross of the Falcons who finished third in the F17-19, a division above her level and, and Mike Smith, who finished first in his division.
I would recommend that everyone attend an event of this level as the experience is well worth it.
The next COC are scheduled for Whitehorse Yukon, July 14 - 16, 2004.
Orienteering New Brunswick is planning another full year of activities and the schedule will soon be posted on ONB web site.
Orienteering will remain an affordable family sport and for this reason orienteering should capture an audience that's looking for a sport that requires minimum equipment and mixes wellness with fun for individuals and families.
Congratulations to all the clubs who have work so hard to put on O-events.
Harold McQuade
Not currently available
This year the Canadian Orienteering Championships will take place in the Yukon. It is the first year that the COC's will take place "North of 60". The location in itself is an attraction for the adventure minded.
The events will take place around Whitehorse, Yukon July 14th -16th 2004. To increase the attraction, there will be offered in conjunction with the championships, but as a separate event, Barebones 2004, and the Saas Peepre National Junior Training Camp.
More information on the above events can be obtained online at the following websites:
More information will no doubt be available in future issues of Orienteering Canada or through the COF website.
If you are unable to participate at the COC's please consider sending a financial contribution to the Canadian High Performance Program either through the COC entry form, or directly to the COF,, Box 62052, Convent Glen P.O., Orleans, Ontario, K1C 7H8. If you are participating in the COC's we hope that there is a little bit left over for the High Performance Program, which provides support for both junior and senior elite orienteering.
This past fall the Ross family had the opportunity to spend some time in Spain. The family participated in several events and wrote of their experiences. I have included below an e-mail submitted to ONB notes and a letter that was sent to friends and club members back in Moncton.
The meet directors of the events in the Northern League of Spain tend to favor the local gourmet specialities when awarding prizes. Members of the Falcon junior expeditionary team (Carol, Fraser, and Emily Ross along with Benoit Phelan) that have been in Valladolid, Spain this fall have had great success learning about the pleasures of local food. The first event saw 3 kg of Basque raw milk sheep cheese headed to the kitchen. Subsequent events yielded tuna in olive oil and then at another event rice and blood sausages. Wouldn't it be a treat if we started awarding smoked salmon, cultivated oysters or even buffalo jerky at our ONB events? Now that is food for thought!
respectfully submitted,
David Ross
Here is a brief orienteering update from Valladolid, Spain
We attended out first meet on Sunday about 50 km south of Saint Sebastian, Spain in the Basque area. It was the first event of the season for the northern league in Spain. The season consists of 9 interclub meets involving about 9 different clubs from Madrid north, with total points being awarded to age class categories, almost like a season long Falcon cup.
There were about 25 from our local club including six Ross/Phelan participants.
Six courses were available and there were the usual age class categories though we found the courses to be too easy compared to our age class at home and everyone plans to race up. Emily is shocked to be trying female 16 next weekend. Four of us won firsts in our divisions which meant that we won a big cheese. Literally we each won a 1 kg sheep cheese wheel that is made in the Basque area.
The terrain was fairly hilly but there were lots of trails so that the actually off trail orienteering was only a smaller part of the map. Winning times varied from 24 min to 55 min. The hazards included berry canes with very long thorns and stinging nettle along roadsides. The bonus was that the fall crocuses were blooming a gorgeous purple.
The trip there involved a 6:45 rendez-vous with the other members in our club and then we car pooled and drove in a spread out convoy. The meet was 300 km away but at 150 km an hour that is just over a 2 hour drive across the plain of Spain! About 3/4 of the way there we all stopped for a group coffee break at a roadside café.
The actual meet registration and reward area was held in a Fronton court. This is the sport that is more popularly known as jai alai. It involves throwing a ball at very high speed against a 30 ft front wall with one side wall as an aid to keep the ball on the court. Commonly it is found at casinos and people bet on it much like they do on horses at race tracks!
The local club trains twice a week and apparently has 3 phys-ed teachers in the club so it will be interesting to see what happens during the week.
Next weekend we are off to an area just southeast (by 40 km) of Bilboa on the north coast of Spain
I hope that you enjoyed Rockwood on the weekend and are in the home stretch for the Autumn Amble.
Sincerely, David Ross
p.s. please say hi to your mum we missed her cookies at the meet, believe it or not they had a can of cold Coke ready when you crossed the finish line.
Below: A photo of the Valladolid Orienteering club along with the adopted Falcons (The Ross family and Benoit Phalen) at the two day Iberian championships in Malaga, Dec. 2003. [The photo is not available online. - Webmaster]
The advent of this new Act was an issue raised by David Fellows during the last Annual ONB AGM. There were some concerns about how this might affect our organization. There was unfortunately not much information available for those attending the meeting and not much productive conversation was possible. How will this affect us? There is still much to learn, but I have included a few snippets from the act itself to help gain a better understanding of it.
The purpose of this Act, "is to establish, in an era in which technology increasingly facilitates the circulation and exchange of information, rules to govern the collection, use and disclosure of personal information in a manner that recognizes the right of privacy of individuals with respect to their personal information and the need of organizations to collect, use or disclose personal information for purposes that a reasonable person would consider appropriate in the circumstances."
"An organization shall not give an individual access to personal information if doing so would likely reveal personal information about a third party."
The "short and sweet" of this new act, is that organizations have to be more responsible with the personal information that is gathered. The information should only be used in a manner that would be expected of the person providing this information. And the release and storage should be such that it respects and protects the privacy of the individual.
What is required of us for the present? Stig Skarborn has been in contact with a representative from Sport New Brunswick about PIPEDA. Their comments to date would indicate that an organization such as ours would not be affected too much by the implementation of this new act. Yet, they are working presently on a clause that could be added to registration forms for sports organizations to deal with this issue.
There will be more on this issue as the information comes to the attention of the editor.
Many of today's psychosomatic ills are undoubtedly due to the humdrum, predictable, boring, safe, cosseted existence of the average "burb" dweller. With the constant threat of intertribal raids more or less gone, daily meat no longer needing personal bludgeoning, and remotes in hand to operate other remotes, challenge has slurped down the proverbial plug-hole. Muscles have wasted and synapses shriveled. Expensive therapy is called for - pay big bucks to be pushed up glaciers by tyrannical guides, do everything yourself and drink only orange juice. ONB wants in on this racket. A challenge has been planned this September that will ease the angst of any neurosis-ridden channel-flipper. It's so good, we could even charge people for it. Forget orange juice, you'll be lucky if you see any drinkable water for 24 hours, unless you carry it yourself. And we will charge people for it! Everest may cast $65,000, our event...well we're not sure yet, but less.
We're talking about a ROGAINE, folks.....either 8 or 24 hours of pure orienteering challenge, to be held right here in good ol' NB. Pencil in September 18-19 on your calendars. Where? Well, we're not telling yet. An area you won't have orienteered in or likely seen before, plenty of scenery, a mix of open areas, hills, rivers, tracks, dirt roads, and the odd bog. It's within easy distance of all the major NB orienteering centres, so there's a clue. Registration will open soon (i.e. late Jan-early Feb). Check the ONB web site for information. Numbers of participants will be limited. Be there. Lounge on at your peril.
Rob Hughes
Organizing Committee Member
A wonderful day greeted the 25 participants with highs well above average at 26 degrees.
It was great to see our friends from New Brunswick and some old timers (Alan Samostie) out for a run! We are sorry to say that this could be the last event of our Executive Director. Michael Haynes as he is taking on a new job in Ottawa. Three courses were offered in a score O format. Decisions about route and sequence of controls were left to the orienteerer. Groups, families, and competitive individuals walked or ran the course. Some NB results are as follows:
| Elite Men--26 total controls | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| 2nd | Harold McQuade | 22 ctrls | 114:22 |
| 4th | Terry Edgett | 20 ctrls | 127:05 |
| Elite Women--26 controls | |||
| 2nd | Danielle Cawley | 20 ctrls | 121:40 |
| Elite Under 21 Female | |||
| 1st | Natasha Ouellette | 20 ctrls | 112.42 |
| Med. Course Indiv. Mixed -- 18 controls | |||
| 3rd | Guilda Cawley | 14 ctrls | 77:30 |
A last minute change in venue from Debert to Oxford had meet organizers scrambling to be ready for the Oct 18th date. Despite a few minor issues, the day went very well with a large contingent of cadets and patient leaders as well as the regular orienteering crowd competing in six courses offered as per "A" meet standards. We have had a very busy Spring and Fall season and will be reorganizing the next orienteering season based on damage that has occurred to some of our favorite map areas in the spring. Thanks for a terrific season.
Greg Nix President OANS
Here are some of the results of NB participants. (Sorry for any omissions or errors).
| Course 3 F 15-16 | ||
|---|---|---|
| 1st | Natasha Ouellette | 59:24 |
| Course 3 F-open | ||
| 1st | Roisin Whaley | 111:15 |
| Course 5 M17-19 | ||
| 2nd | Julian Nowlan | 159:15 |
| Course 5 F20-34 | ||
| 1st | Danielle Cawley | 115:00 |
| Course 5 M45-54 | ||
| 1st | Terry Edgett | 86:53 |
| 2nd | Harold McQuade | 104:52 |
If you're making record time, you are travelling in the wrong direction.
When you are certain of where you are, you are certainly off the map.
Any route that appears to be easy is almost certainly a mistake.
Any significant feature will occur at the junction of two rain drops and a map fold.
If there is going to be a misplaced control, it will be on your course.
Do not try to solve all course problems at once - learn to dread each one as it comes.
If you think the course is tough now, just wait.
If you lead a competitor into a control, you can be sure that he will not return the compliment.
The day you win an event, it will be withdrawn.
(Originally from the Australian Orienteer sometime around 1985 when it was reprinted in OUSA., editor found this in the July/August 2003 issue of Orienteering North America)
Do you use the a thumb compass? Are you like myself, and use it without having received any instruction on its use? Sure the principles of use are the same as the protractor compass. But, it still takes some time getting used to it.
Advantages:
Usage:
I'll let you know if my comfort with the thumb compass improves as I apply these tips and techniques. I hope they will be of benefit to you as well.
Ex.1. Here is an example of the use of a thumb compass. The point is at the location where you are presently. The sighting line points in the direction you wish to go. |
Ex.2. When there is very little detail to read, line the edge of the compass (the sighting line) between two points. Remember to keep the map and compass lined up with the center of your body. |
(The images above and material was picked up from the book "Orienteering Technique from Start to Finish" by Bertil Norman and Arne Yngstrom. Published by IOF and the Swedish Orienteering Federation)
(Ted deSt.Croix)
And now for some details geared more towards elite orienteers but the ideas apply to anyone wanting to improve their performances in orienteering.
Some of you have started planning your training for 2004 and the plans are ambitious and exciting. Some of you have taken your 2003 end of season recovery period and are already well into the base training period.
What is base training? This is relatively low intensity, large quantity physical training. How you do this varies to the individual and the training periodization template will help you with some ideas. Basically you want to be increasing your body's ability to utilize oxygen so this means lots and lots of aerobic type training. In order to handle all this training you will need to strengthen your body, especially the core muscles (Abdomen and back). Long distance running and skiing, aerobic intervals (90 seconds to 10 minutes or more) or hill training are perfect ways to build up your capacity.
The winter is also a perfect time to train your mind, but thats for future email. Plan to have at least 3 main workouts per week with at least 1 of them as intense aerobic intervals and 1 of them as a hill workout. The third main training bout should be a really long distance run or ski and this can vary from 30 minutes to 3 hours depending on your training bcakground. We all started from 30 minutes at one time.
Part of my role as National Coach is to manage the coaching certification at the COF level which is to say, Course Conductors. Delivery of the program is a provincial matter but we may need to assist some regions with that.
Level 1 Coaching certification is very simple. You are all capable of being Level 1 certified orienteering coaches since you all know the difference between a compass and a contour. The NCCP (National Coaching Certification Program) offers Level 1 Theory courses in communities across Canada and is a great way to learn about training physiology as well as athlete psychology. Level 2 goes into much greater depth and is the kind of information you need as an elite athlete.
I plan to hold a Course Conductor Clinic in the West and one in the East in 2004. You have to be certified at Level 1 Theory (from the NCCP) at least and probably Technical as well but I think we might be able to provide the Technical at the Level 1 Course Conductor Clinic as well as we did when we began this program. This past summer I certified 2 Level 2 coaches in a cabin by a lake. Next summer I hope to do the same in Whitehorse. Let me know if you are interested in any aspect of this program or want more information.
For NCCP course info in NB, visit their website at:
The Spring "O"genda for the Saint John area...
Clinics
This year shall there shall scheduled beginners clinics... last years experiment of on-demand lessons was not as successful as I wished. If it is not scheduled, it is too easy to find an excuse not to do it. The dates for these clinics will be provided in the next issue of ONB Notes. Individuals or groups wishing to learn about orienteering or to improve on their skills can contact Paul Looker at the number or email address supplied at the end of this edition.
Spring Orienteering Meets
May 30th 2004, Rockwood Park, Saint John, NB.
Training Meets - still to be scheduled
Map developments
RCS Netherwood Campus: still needs final touches.
Musquash Watershed area: Approval has been gained and access permitted. Nine (9) conditions were placed on our being able to use this area. #2 being, "No activity take place within the 75-metre set back zone, established by the department of Environment and Local Government, bordering any watercourse." This could prove to be an insurmountable obstacle to the development of a map.
School Maps for Cambridge Narrows and River Valley Middle School are being developed and shall be available in the spring.
Rockwood Park
The staff of Rockwood Park have been of invaluable service to the Orienteering Community over the years. With forever tightening municipal budgets, they have to fight for, and justify their very existence. On behalf of Fundy Orienteering Club I would like to make it known how much we appreciate their assistance and for the use of such a location as Rockwood Park.
A letter is being drafted and shall be forwarded to the Parks and Recreation Department for the City of Saint John.
So, you are reading this newsletter and wondering about this activity called Orienteering? Perhaps a friend has left it lying around somewhere and you have just picked it up for something to read and pass away some time.
Where can I try this? What is involved? Are no doubt just two of the questions that you are mulling around in the recesses of your brain. After all, this is the "Thinking Sport" and it is good for shaking the cobwebs out of the parts of the brain that just don't seem to get used often enough while sitting on the couch watching television. (Speaking from experience)
Where to try this? Ask your friend. You know, the one, whose copy you are reading. Or, look to the schedule in the back of this issue.
What is involved? That is why this section is being created. The neophyte can refer to these articles to learn more about Orienteering and some of the basic skills.
First of all. In almost every definition of the activity of Orienteering, it is described as navigation involving map and compass.
Each instructor has their own methods of introducing both elements to the novice orienteer. Personally I like to stress the development of map reading skills, but it does not mean that compass skills can be overlooked entirely. The map and compass are our tools and should complement each other, not be used one at a time.
One of the basic concepts is the technique of orienting the map (some call it orientating).
You should always hold the map so it matches the ground. If you're map is not oriented then you are on the verge of making a mistake.
How does one orient the map? Often this can be done just by simply looking around oneself and trying to match the terrain to what is on the map. But, you can always orient the map correctly with the aid of a compass. Holding your compass, observe which way the North end of the magnetic compass is pointing. Then turn the map so the North on the map corresponds with that of your compass.
BASIC RULE:
Every time you read the map, you should be sure that the map is correctly oriented.
Develop the routine that you often check that North on the compass corresponds with North on the map.
[ ONB Home ] [ ONB Notes ] [ Contents ]
$Revision: 1.3 $ $Date: 2004/04/02 14:19:50 $