Discussion: New Orienteers

What would some of the veterans here recommend for a rookie like me who is interested in beginning to orienteer?

Some points where made in this thread: http://www.attackpoint.org/discussionthread.jsp/me...

Hey Kyle, from reading you guys' logs it looks like you are all pretty fit and used to running - maybe just get a buddy or two for moral support and try it out cuz yer strong enuf - I went and looked at the Minnesota club's events and it looks like there is one next weekend around May 12 in... Afton State Park? If I understand MSN's map of the Minneapolis-St. Paul area, you-all are kinda NW of the city, and Afton is SE...maybe get a ride? I'd email the prez or sumbody under Contacts, and see what the details are for entering (maybe a yellow course to try it out?), usually a few bucks, and maybe take a peek at the park online to get an idea of what the running might be like...here's the link to the club to meander about and see what up. have big fun! and let us know what you think!
http://www.mnoc.org/schedule.shtml

um, OK, just so you know, I'm not a "veteran", I'm a spectator, but I figure go try it out & run around, then afterwards you'll have definite opinions, like "that sucks", or "wow, that's so cool, but I REALLY need a compass & one of those electronic beepy control thumb-things!" or "hmmm, I definitely need more practice reading maps while I run, how can I get more practice doing that?" and there will be all these local people right there who can answer your questions...

Don't be shy about asking an experienced orienteer to help you/coach you. After you've done a few easy courses yourself, ask someone to take you round a difficult course explaining what they're doing as they go.

Neumann, there are a number of MNOC folks here on AP. We will almost all be at Afton. Show up, introduce yourself and you can always get instruction.
And, the advice you got above is very good.

Learn to run fast in the woods. This means staying on easier courses for a while (running advanced legs fast will not be rewarding until your nav improves), but it will payoff big time once your nav does come in.

sweet guys, thank you all for the advice!