Orienteering Today

[Gnitworp]

Got my copy today.

The article comparing the performance of various headlamps is interesting (illuminating?).

Will the whole concept of 'night' orienteering eventually be negated, i.e., 'night' orienteering will become 'floodlit' orienteering for the rich minority that can afford the equipment? It's hardly a level playing field for those that don't invest in it, as the photos in the article graphically demonstrate.

[Adventure Racer]

Is a very good point. However having the brightest headtorch going (like mine ) doesn't turn night into day - it is still a completely different exercise.

[Gnitworp]

it is still a completely different exercise.

Yes, and also completely different from running with a 6 watt tungsten bulb!

[Mrs H]

So what are you saying?

It's night orienteering Jim but not as we know it!

and more to the point what are you proposing to do about it? You won't catch me out in West Woods with two glow worms in a jam jar
Given that night orienteering is a minority sport within a minority sport (ie an extremely minority sport) surely what ever gets people out is a good thing. You'll have to comfort your self with the moral (dimly lit) high ground

[Gnitworp]

'A minority sport within a minority sport' destined to become even more of a minority sport.

My sister and brother-in-law were previously both very keen night orienteers, but gave it up because of the escalating equipment costs, and resulting inequities.

I haven't got a (sensible) solution, I was just commenting on the situation, and have just bought a new headlamp (not the most powerful) to give Ian Peirce a run for his godforsaken money on Saturday night!

[graeme]

I haven't got a (sensible) solution!

Go to Scottish nights instead of British. Use money saved to buy large headtorch.

Your mileage may vary...

[Ravinous]

I digress from the thread, but I am not sure I understand the logic behind putting the Scottish and British Night Champs on the same weekend. Is it that hard to find another weekend for the Scottish Night Champs? (Would you put the European Champs on the same weekend as the Worlds?)

[SeanC]

Not sure why I read this thread as I'm not a subscriber, but as for night orienteering's popularity I dont think the cost of the torches is the main problem, but the number of events, particularly local events. £130+ for night equipment looks better value for money when there is an event every week, less good value if you only intend to go to a couple of SENILE events a year (and even the championships are on the same day ).

Jim - check out the Kent Night League info on the SAXONS website if you think you can tolerate the M25 on a thursday evening. There's aLways a pub meal afterwards to recharge your batteries...