1.Look at your map
I know this seems pretty obvious but people have been known to disappear off into the unknown for hours at a time because they ignored their map.

2.Pick up the right map
What can I say? It has been done!

3.Don't fight with the fight
This is a VERY good idea! Always try to steer clear of the thick nasty gunk that is represented by that innocent-looking blob of green.

4.Have a plan
I wonder how many times I've decided to do something and then realised there was another route that was shorter, easier and quicker.

5.If you have a compass USE IT!!!
Even if you only use it to orientate your map it could save you loads of time and could be the difference between being lost and er... not being lost.

6.Don't loose your dibber
It may only be a small piece of plastic with wires in it but it is very hard to get round without it. If you loose one it can cost £30 to get a replacement, that is a LOT of Chicken feed!!!



7.If you don't know the area take a whistle
Just in case, better safe than sorry! However ONLY use it in an emergency like if you hurt yourself seriously of get really irretrievably lost. Oh and by the way they don't use whistles in mainland Europe. Now, how do I know this? I got extremely lost on an Orienteering course in Belgium when I was younger and when I used my whistle no one helped me out, they just gave me a funny look.

8.It's OK to ask for help
If you really don't know where you are ask someone. Although if they look like they're in a hurry just leave them, they'll only get in a bad mood.

9.Mark all the controls, the start AND the Finish on your map
This one only applies to small events where you have to mark up your map which means that if you forget everyone knows you and will find it ever so funny. Not good.

10.Have fun!
The reason people go orienteering is to have fun!!!