What is Florida Orienteering?
Orienteering has been described as a “thinking sport”, and when you combine that with the boundless natural beauty of Florida, you have an experience second to none. Florida Orienteering, often abbreviated as FLO, is a club that organizes events throughout the year designed to offer a challenging physical and mental workout in the great outdoors.
Originally a training exercise in land navigation for military officers, orienteering has developed into a sophisticated group of related sports. The objective in a Florida Orienteering event is to navigate between control points marked on a unique orienteering map, in the shortest time, making it a racing sport of navigation that combines racing with navigation.
Why Should You Try Florida Orienteering?
Physical Fitness and Mental Agility
Orienteering does not merely involve physical strength; it requires mental agility as well. Participants must make quick decisions to determine the fastest route to their destination. In this respect, it can be seen as a kind of cerebral exercise that enhances problem-solving skills while also keeping individuals physically active.
Breathtaking Scenarios
Florida’s diverse terrain makes it a perfect destination for orienteering. From the picturesque white-sand beaches to the mystical marshes of the Everglades, Florida Orienteering takes you through a variety of landscapes. With the sun shining for most of the year, it’s also a fantastic way to get a healthy dose of Vitamin D while enjoying the state’s spectacular fauna and flora.
Joining the Florida Orienteering Community
Florida Orienteering is an inviting community for both experienced orienteers and novices. Everyone is encouraged to join, regardless of age or skill level. FLO provides beginner instruction at every event and offers courses of varying difficulty, from white (beginner) to blue (advanced).
Events to Look Forward To
Florida Orienteering holds exciting events throughout the year, with the three most notable being the Florida Orienteering Championship, JROTC Championship, and the annual “O” Ring Circuit. These events offer orienteers the chance to test their skills, compete with others, and have fun.
Can Florida Orienteering be a Family Activity?
Absolutely! One of the most appealing aspects of Florida Orienteering is that it’s a sport for everyone. An orienteering event can be a wonderful family activity. The younger members can participate in string courses, a route where a string guides them along the correct path. Teenagers and adults can try the more difficult courses.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re a seasoned veteran or you’re just starting to explore the sport, Florida Orienteering offers a unique way to experience Florida’s natural beauty while challenging your physical and mental acuity. So why not lace up your running shoes, grab a compass and a map, and embark on your first orienteering adventure in Florida?
Florida Orienteering is not just about competition; it’s about spending quality time with family, meeting new people, and connecting with nature. It’s about enjoying the journey as much as reaching the destination. So, are you ready to navigate the Sunshine State?
