Jared and Amos Sattler enjoy their time spent together orienteering. Facebook Twitter WhatsApp SMS Email Print Copy article link Save If you'd only run through the woods if you were being chased, orienteering is not for you. But if you're excited by the idea of navigating as fast as you can to specific points — using a compass and map without getting lost or falling on your face — you've found your sport.
And the Ark-La-Tex Orienteering Society's four fall/winter meets are about to begin. Jenny Hackman, an ALTOS member, along with husband Gary, said there's a lot to love about orienteering. "For me, it's getting out in nature, doing what I like to do: hike, walk, run, challenge my brain to find treasures, so to speak, in the woods," she said.
"I'm really an outdoorsy-type person, and trail running is one of the things I really enjoy doing, so this just gets me out, having fun, getting relaxed. Being outside is one of those great stress relievers for me, so it puts me in a better mindset when I'm doing something like that." Hackman said competitors use their compass and a map with topographical lines which indicate such things as elevation changes, creeks and bridges, etc.
to locate the controls, cube-shaped bags with orange and white markings, in order along a prescribed course that can range from 2 to 10 kilometers. Competitors carry an electronic sensor that records each control they find. Meets offer a variety of competition levels, from beginner to advanced.
Orienteer.