Code convenor: Paul Teesdale-Spitle 

Orienteering combines running with navigational challenge.  Courses are set for all levels of experience.  Beginners' courses have simple navigation, generally using tracks.  More advanced courses require runners to make decisions about how to navigate quickly and accurately around an off track course. 

Orienteering at its top level is a fast and physical sport, but is just as enjoyable at a more sedate pace.  Some team members will run every event fast and hard, others will walk around the course, enjoying the time outside and the challenge of navigating accurately. 

Competition: Events run all through the year and are generally held on Sunday mornings, usually starting after 11am.  They are put on by the local orienteering clubs, and include a College Sport Wellington series during the first term, beginning 17th February. Events are held around parks, reserves, regional parks and local farmland and forests.  Training sessions are held on most weekends without a local event.  Coaching will be coordinated by Paul Teesdale-Spittle, who has coached the team since 2008, assisted by past Onslow team members and supported by team parents.

In addition to weekly events, the team may attend:

29th April - 1st May - North Island Secondary School Championships

16th - 18th July - National Secondary School Championships

There are opportunities for the runners to get into the New Zealand Schools team for annual tests against Australia. 

Equipment/Uniform: Whilst there is specialised orienteering gear, newcomers need nothing more than an Onslow College Koru tee  and a pair of trainers, ideally ones with good trail grip.

Tops can be purchased or hired for a $10 fee. 

Cost: $10.00 administration fee plus there is a charge for each event, typically between $5 and $12 to cover the cost of map printing and the event timing equipment.

Parent Help Required:  It would be great to get parents involved with anything from transporting students to help with course preparation.