RECREATION & SPORTS ON LONG ISLAND
Orienteering is an outdoor activity which can be thought of as a treasure hunt, only instead of jewels, the object is to find orange and white markers called controls. It is an activity which requires the use of a highly detailed map of the area and a compass to find your way through a given course.
Although not well known in the United States, orienteering is well known throughout the world and may become an Olympic sport in the near future. It is an activity that can be enjoyed by everyone. Family groups, scout groups, seniors, and some serious competitors all enjoy orienteering.
Every event has a number of courses, each aimed at a different skill level. Starting with a beginners course, a participant can work his or her way up to a very technical level if they so desire. It can be done as an individual activity or as a group activity, as a recreational sport, or it can be very competitive.
The Long Island Orienteering Club positions itself as a recreational group with goal of introducing the sport and stirring interest as an outdoor activity. Orienteering can take many forms. As well as on foot, there are long distance events, bicycle orienteering, ski-o and canoe orienteering. The LIOC hosts three meets in the spring and three meets in the fall. Everyone is welcome and no special equipment or clothing is necessary.