Newcastle Orienteering Club, based in Singleton, is a sports club dedicated to the exciting and challenging sport of orienteering. Whether you're a seasoned orienteer or completely new to the sport, the club welcomes individuals of all ages and fitness levels. With a focus on both competitive and non-competitive events, Newcastle Orienteering Club offers a range of activities for everyone to enjoy.
Orienteering involves using a detailed map, and often a compass, to navigate between checkpoints, or controls, along an unfamiliar course. It is both a mental and physical challenge that combines problem-solving skills with outdoor exploration. If you enjoy testing your limits and discovering new areas, orienteering is the perfect sport for you.
The club hosts a variety of events throughout the year. The Bush Series, which takes place between April and October, caters to all skill levels. Participants can choose to run, walk, or push a pram and have 45 minutes to navigate the course and collect as many points as possible. The Street Series, held from October to March, offers a similar format but takes place in local parks.
The club also organises night events for those seeking an additional challenge.
For those who prefer biking, the BOSS series is an excellent choice. This series allows participants to navigate bush tracks and trails on their mountain bikes. With 75-minute score and line+score events, riders can test their skills and endurance in a different setting.
In addition to organising events, Newcastle Orienteering Club takes pride in the success of its members. The club members consistently rank highly in national non-elite rankings. In 2023, six members from the club achieved top-three rankings in their respective age classes. Baxter Peel (M12) and Jenny Enderby (W55) secured the first spot nationally for the year.
The rankings are determined based on performance in A class championship events, such as the Easter 3-Days Championships, Australian Championships, and Oceania Championships.
Overall, Newcastle Orienteering Club offers an inclusive and supportive community for individuals passionate about orienteering. Whether you're looking to compete or simply enjoy a family day out in the great outdoors, the club provides a range of events suitable for all levels. With a focus on physical and mental challenges, as well as the exploration of beautiful locations, orienteering with Newcastle Orienteering Club is a unique and rewarding experience.