The sport itself couldn't be simpler - finding your way from one point to another, using only a map, a compass and your brains. The typical orienteering course is in the woods, with the participants on foot.
Almost every event has several courses with varying levels of difficulty. Each course consists of a series of checkpoints (controls) marked by a brightly coloured orienteering flag.
What differentiates the levels is the length of the course and the placement of controls. An experienced course is typically 8-12km long, and finding the control markers requires advanced navigational/map-reading techniques.
A beginners' course is typically 2-3km long, with the controls displayed prominently near paths.
Participants are given a map with the locations of the checkpoints circled. The starting place, the sequence in which you visit the controls, and the finish location are also shown. Then, using the map and a compass, it's up to the participant to find his or her way from one control point to another in the order specified.
At each control there is a paper punch, which makes a distinctive pattern, proving you've been to that control point.
Victory goes to those who've been to all the control points in the least amount of time, usually by running the whole way.
Visit the IOA website: http://orienteering.ie/