āI like being in the bush and I like being active.Ā I also like challenging myself to understand a map to ground, whilst navigating to a point is rewarding. Orienteering is a great way to get to places you wouldnāt ordinarily get to, including Tassie, the mainland and NZ (yet to try further afield).Ā I enjoy going to the NZ and Australian champs. Additionally, I like being part of a club and socialising/commiserating with other club members.
What achievements in your orienteering are you most proud of?
I was really pleased to come 3rd in the Australian long distance W65 last year, although I recognise that for a lot of people WA was too far to go to competeš
Iāve done well in the Hobart Summer Cup and the Hobart descents (last person standingš¤£), and in my courses statewide. Iāve had a great year so far in OSTs, except the last two (usual story and flu/colds).
Are there any particular disastrous events you can remember?
Probably too many to list. And, I have been on Mike Calderās worse noodler list. I think Iāve only once come back to the trailer after an event has closed.
Any advice for beginners?
Focus, focus, focus, and try to ignore othersā¦a task I find almost impossible. Itās taken me a while to realise that I donāt need to do more/harder/longer, I can act my age. This probably slowed down my progress in the past.
What positions have you held, and what tasks have you completed in your association with orienteering?
Iāve managed to avoid holding positionsā¦so farš, but have been enjoying setting and controlling OST and local courses. Iām feeling excited to have passed my Level 2 controllers course.