Training
Get better at the bits you find hard.
PFO runs a regular programme of training sessions for members, informal map-reading help for newcomers, technique sessions for intermediate orienteers, and night-orienteering practice through the winter. Cath Wilson, our lead coach, plans the programme each year.
Everyone is welcome
Map symbols, contours, route choice.
Throughout the year, we hold PFO Club Nights which focus on different parts of the sport. These take place across East Lancashire, and where possible, will always be based from a social hub to enable those wanting a chance for some food and drink afterwards.
PFO Club Nights
Varied sessions
PFO Club Nights usually take place on a Wednesday evening when the events calendar allows, with more in-depth coaching sessions occurring quarterly of a weekend, in more technical terrain. Training is varied and led by club coaches, and often works on understanding map symbols and contours, practicing route choice, compass work, and also other parts of the sport such as Planning and Organising events, using Purple Pen course setting tools and Maprun course creation. There is no charge for the training sessions.
Self-led practice
Things you can work on alone.
Anytime orienteering
Permanent courses and MapRun loops in local parks let you practice navigation on your own schedule. See the list of permanent courses.
SLOW training videos
South London Orienteers have produced an excellent eight-part series on technique, presented by GB team athletes. Worth watching even on a rainy afternoon.
Carol McNeill's books
Carol McNeill's "Orienteering" is the book most British orienteers learned from. Still relevant, well-illustrated, and available secondhand for very little.
RouteGadget
After every event, we upload routes and times to RouteGadget. Reviewing your route alongside the winners' route on the same map is the single best post-event learning tool.