Tag Archives: navigation

Next event – Metro League#1 Appin 7 April

It is now time to turn to the Autumn events calendar and the first of the Metro League events – the annual inter-club competition for greater Sydney metropolitan clubs. IKO is responsible for organising the first Metro League event this year which will be at Appin on Sunday 7^th April. All members are encouraged to attend. Anyone volunteering to help out on the day will be able to enter the event and have a run, but you need to pre-enter and let our Club Captain James Stuart know at ikorienteers@gmail.com. Entries close at Midnight 6^th April.

The Metro League runs from April through until August/September with events conducted on one Sunday morning per month. Teams of five compete against each other. Courses are of a Moderate (Division 4-6) or Hard (Division 1-3) standard and a variety of distances. New members are especially welcome to come along and find out what it’s all about. If you would like to run in a team contact our Club Captain James Stuart at ikorienteers@gmail.com. If you haven’t done bush orienteering before we suggest you enter Division 6.

Otherwise turn up and compete in one of enter on the day courses that will be available. There will club members on hand to help you with your bush navigation. For event details and to enter go to https://eventor.orienteering.asn.au/Events/Show/20286.

For more information on the Metro League see https://onsw.asn.au/events/metro-league

Bush Navigation Skills Training Day – Saturday 6 April

Bold Horizons are running a bush navigation skills day at Campbelltown on the day before the Metro League event. The workshops will run from 9am to 3pm. Introductory, intermediate and advanced orienteering skill sessions will be offered. The day will be split into three sessions with a variety of exercises aimed at improving specific orienteering and navigation skills. You need to register for the training day – Entries close Thursday 4th April. For further information go to https://eventor.orienteering.asn.au/Events/Show/20426

Why not make a weekend of it – brush up your bush navigation skills at Campbelltown on Saturday and test them out at the Metro League at Appin on Sunday.

Update on the Illawarra Map Running Series

We are three down and just one to go in this year’s map running series. How many have you completed? We’ve been pleased with the attendance so far, and its great to see eager new faces showing up to multiple events to have a go at orienteering. Don’t forget beginners can claim a free club membership by competing in at least 3 of the 4 events. That’s a saving of $60 for a senior!

At South Wollongong Ken made sure competitors got their money’s worth in the bushland of Greenhouse Park, with most people doing at least 2 laps of the various tracks. The hike up the hill was rewarding though with rarely seen views over Port Kemba.

Keith was interviewed by local radio at the Kiama Downs event where we had 54 competitors take on the hills of the Downs. Steve made use of every inch of the map, including some tricky turpentine forest which turned out to be much more challenging than it seemed!

Another great roll up at Thirroul today, with 46 competitors, with around 10 of those being non-club members. We are always grateful for the show of support from our neighboring club in the Southern Highlands, even if it is to come down and try and steal first place!

Our final event is on 3 March 2024 when we will be showcasing our newest map at Shell Cove. If you missed the premiere of this map last year make sure you put it in your diary. Afterwards all club members are invited to stay on for our AGM.

View the gallery above for a look at our first 2 events in photos.

Get ready for Illawarra Map Running 2024

As in previous years, IKO will be hosting a series of 4 Sunday events in the Illawarra beginning 4 February 2024. The series aims to promote the sport of orienteering in the Illawarra and encourage first-timers to give it a go in a safe and welcoming environment. All courses are based around local parks and streets.

Starts are from 10-11am Sundays and competitors have the choice of short, medium or long courses. Families and groups welcome!

4 February – South Wollongong
11 February – Kiama Downs
18 February – Thirroul
3 March – Shell Cove

Entries are preferred via Eventor as it gives us a good idea of how many people to expect. But enter on the day is possible (card payments only) for beginners.

A special offer to newcomers – compete in at least 3 events and receive a free 12 month membership with our club!

River and Bay Orienteering Series 2023 starts 22 October

Illawarra Kareelah Orienteers (IKO) join forces with Uringa Orienteers and NSW Stingers to present the annual River Bay Orienteering Series centered around Botany Bay and the Cooks River. Events are run each Sunday afternoon from 22nd October to 3rd December with starts from 4pm – 5pm. Both line courses and a score course are offered with a short course for the very young and the very old. The first event this year is at Beaman Park – Riverview Road, Earlwood, organised by Uringa Orienteers. See details at https://eventor.orienteering.asn.au/Events/Show/19140

IKO is organising the following event on Sunday the 29th October at Yarra Bay with new club member Ewan Barnett setting the courses. See details at https://eventor.orienteering.asn.au/Events/Show/19141

Its an ideal place to have a swim so pack your swimmers with your O gear and have a dip after the event.

Bush orienteering in Appin

Our next event is approaching fast on Sunday 3 September. Yes, what every outdoor-loving Dad wants for Father’s Day this year is a trip to Appin to enjoy some scenic bushland along the Georges River.

This event is perfect for families and those looking for an easy introduction to bush orienteering. Georges River is a delight, and as this is prime koala habitat you might even spot a furry local if you are lucky.

IKO is hosting this event on behalf of Southern Highlands Orienteers as part of their annual Highland Forest Series. More information and entry here Highlands Forest Series #5 – Appin

After the event you can treat Dad to a pie from the Appin Bakery or a meal at the Appin Pub (both highly recommended).