ART - NAVIGATION COURSES
Navigation for adventure racing and orienteering are NOT the same thing. Orienteering deals with finding precise markers using accurate, detailed maps. In adventure racing, navigation is about interpreting ambiguous and sometimes incomplete information to find distinct (and usually obvious) points. Our navigation classes are specifically designed to help you in wilderness-based adventure races.
The fundamentals of navigation (reading a map and compass) are actually quite logical and straightforward when properly explained. The real challenge comes in route selection, strategy and interpretation of information. On a 1:50,000 scale map (the standard for adventure races in Canada) there is rarely enough detail to know exactly what lies between you and the next checkpoint. As well, maps are often out of date and incomplete. The best strategy usually comes from knowing which features and information on the map you can trust as well as reading into what is not shown.
LOCATIONS:
INSTRUCTOR:
Lawrence Foster – race course designer for the 2004 Adventure Racing World Championships and Captain of Team Holofiber
DATES:
1. INTRO TO NAVIGATION SEMINAR (3.5 hours)
Designed for beginner to intermediate navigators the Seminar will
start with the fundamentals - map and compass - before
progressing to adventure racing specific exercises in plotting
checkpoints, route selection, strategy and tactics. We will
review actual examples from Raid the North and Salomon Adventure
Challenge events and leave you with a take-home fieldwork
exercise that you can do on your own or in our Navigation Field
Course (see below).
COST: $50 Cdn(NOTE: Course instructor listed below each course)
Toronto Dates:
- Saturday June 24: 0830 - 1200
Location:
Mattamy Homes Lawrence Foster
NOTE: Additional sessions can be set up for groups in other locations. Contact our office for details. |
2. NAVIGATION FIELD COURSE (6 hours)
Building on the
fundamentals and strategy work of the Navigation Seminar the
Field Course will be a hands-on exercise in a wilderness
setting. Experienced adventure racers will take you through a
series of checkpoints and navigation exercises in off-trail
conditions. Learn how to interpret features, estimate pace, set
and follow a bearing and select the fastest route. It is
recommended that participants take the Navigation Seminar first
or have a solid foundation in navigational skills, and must be
ready for a physical day. What to bring and what to wear will be
discussed prior to the event.
COST: $75 Cdn
Near Toronto Dates:
(NOTE: Course instructor listed below each course)
- Sunday June 25: 1100 - 1700
Location TBA
Lawrence Foster
NOTE: Additional sessions can be set up for groups in other locations. Contact our office for details. |
3. ADVANCED NAVIGATION AND STRATEGY- NEW! (Evenings: 3.5 hours)
Already nailed the fundamentals but still not nailing the
racecourse? Using concrete examples from previous Raid the North
and Raid the North Extreme events we will review and discuss
route options and identify the key rules to finding the fastest
way to the finish line. We will compare the winning team's
strategy to that of most teams as well as the course designers
route and thoughts. Participants are invited to submit specific
examples from previous Raid the North events for discussion in
class. It is assumed that all participants are experienced
navigators as there will be no discussion on the fundamentals.
COST: $60 CdnNEW! Calgary Dates:
(NOTE: Course instructor listed below each course)
Toronto Dates:
- Saturday June 24: 1400 - 1730
Location TBA
Lawrence Foster
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