Delaware Valley Orienteering Association

Topic created by jaredgsolomon on Mon Nov 19, 2012 at 12:10 pm

jaredgsolomon
Num Posts: 1
Primary Club:
Fav map:
First O: 0

Hello All,

                 My name is Jared Solomon. I am a 1st Lieutenant in the Army. I am interested in finding some help with land navigation- terrain association, attack points, etc. A few moments ago, I spoke with Mark Frank and he suggested posting this message. Please contact me if you can provide some assistance over the next few weeks. I am happy to make a contribution to the group. Please contact me at:

jaredgsolomonatgmail.com

or

215-205-2167

Thank you,

Jared

Reply by edscott on Mon Nov 19, 2012 at 5:31 pm

edscott
Num Posts: 703
Primary Club: DVOA
Fav map: Hickory Run 1:15000
First O: 1983

Best learning is by doing.  We still have three events on our schedule this year where you can come, get instruction, and do a course or two afterward to practice.  There will be lots of people there willing to help you.   Here is the schedule.    http://www.dvoa.org/events/sked/index.php

Reply by Steve on Mon Nov 19, 2012 at 5:41 pm

Steve
Num Posts: 402
Primary Club: DVOA
Fav map: Paradise Farm
First O: 1993

Welcome Jared;

You haven't mentioned where you are, or what your goals are. As Ed mentioned, our schedule is open to the public and we tend to be friendly and helpful to the rookies. If you can make it to one of our events, I am sure someone will be happy to give you a primer before heading out and a review when you return.

Steve

Reply by BRycharski on Wed Nov 21, 2012 at 1:08 am

BRycharski
Num Posts: 198
Primary Club: DVOA
Fav map: Rutgers Preserve
First O: 1976

Hi Jared, please search the FAQ and train area of teh DVOA for basic O jargon
You start with Yellow course as a beginner (as an adult), then gradually move up to the next level course as you are comfortable.  Starting  with the Brown advance course the controls are well hidden and almost always way off trail.  two tips, If you want to do the typical solo(self) learning curve, that s one approach,  I have personnaly trained two Army hikers, one an officer, another wanted to eventually become a Ranger but knew nada about orienteering.  His best quote to me after my training session was, " You were right, avoid all swamps (Hint, go around, not thru swamps), I almost had my Army Boot sucked off my foot as I did not heed your, pre-hike  warning...).  Second hint, after you try a solo course, ask someone either to quiz you on your recent course, or find an advance/trainer DVOA person to take you on a harder course than you are ready for (Suggest OJ course for basic learning challenges).  that way, the trainer can show you stuff you might take long time to learn or experience. Good luck,and keep asking questions - any time you are in NJ look me up and I can help (see April Quail Hill DVOA event or Email if interested in Silas Condit park, Kinnelon NJ training (I have a small supply of spare O maps, or Rutgers preserve or Quail Hill (NJ) Maps)). If you live in  Pa, seek event s nearer you.  You did not say your home town...

Reply by Backpacker on Fri Nov 23, 2012 at 2:37 pm

Backpacker
Num Posts: 3
Primary Club: DVOA
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First O: 2009

Where are you? Out of curiosity how come your not tapping Ft. Dix, They have an extensive land nav course and training on base.