First of our 2022 Autumn seriesGanavanSat 10 September, 2022
Local level event
Explanation of Event levels
Local events are usually low key and in the 'localised' area, ideal for newcomers to try the sport and Activities are non competitive events used for training and coaching, aimed at members of the club, but they can attract people from neighbouring clubs, and are often ideal for newcomers to try the sport. Regional events attract participants from around the local Region, National events are high quality competitions that will attract people from far away, Major events are Major Events such as a British Championships.
Results
Report
EckO’s autumn series got under way on Saturday with a low-key local event designed to support Lizzie Rose and Chris Vind as they embarked on their orienteering coaching journeys, overseen by senior coaches Ross Lilley and Jan Kersel. My spies inform me that the coaching sessions went well.
Ross also planned and set out three courses – a Yellow course for beginners, a Long Orange course for those with a little experience, and a Green course for experienced orienteers. Yellow was competitive at the top end, as was the Green.
Ganavan terrain has changed in recent years due to the lack of grazing livestock, with vegetation becoming denser and less runnable. Ross wisely planned the Green course to allow those who were aware of this to take advantage; direct routes were usually the wrong choice. One or two competitors returned looking as if they had not taken on this advice.
Thanks to Ross (coaching and planning), Jan (coaching), and all the control collectors.
A few competitors have yet to pay entry fees. If you have not done so, please use bank transfer into the EckO bank account. (If you do not have EckO bank account details, please email treasurer@ecko.org.uk.)
AP
Location Info
Near: Oban Lat,Lng: 56.43763,-5.46905 OS Grid Ref: NM862327 Postcode: PA34 5TB
Open an interactive map in:
GoogleMap -
Streetmap (OS 50k)
OpenStreetMap -
BingMap (OS 50k)
Directions / Parking
Assembly is at northern end of Ganavan Sands carpark.
Take the minor coastal road extending beyond the north promenade in Oban bay for approximately 3.5km until you reach the public carpark.
You will be required to purchase a parking ticket from machine/app to park in the carpark.
Map / Terrain
Rough coastal grassland, heath and native oak/birch woodland with network of small paths. Open areas offer challenging running conditions. Paths and upper heath areas offer easier running. The woodlands are runnable under the tree canopy.
Registration and Start times
Punching starts.
Starts from 11am
Courses close 1pm
Course Information
Yellow - 2.0Km - Suitable for juniors/families and new orienteers. The course uses simple linear features such paths, fences and ruined walls.
Long Orange - 3.0Km - For novice adults or experienced juniors. Basic use of compass and route choice is required at this level
Green - 4.0Km - For experienced older juniors and adults wanting a challenging course, with harder navigation.
Coaching
We will potentially have two new trainee coaches attending who intend to run a practice session for their Foundation Coaching course. This will involve some simple orienteering techniques.
If you would like to take part in the coaching please indicate in your registration e-mail so we can guage the level of interest.
Entry Details
British Orienteering(BOF)/Scottish Orienteering (SOA) member - Senior £5.00, Junior £3.00
Non BOF/SOA - Senior £6.00, Junior £3.00
Please enter by e-mailing info@ecko.org.uk
Your email must include:
Name and Age of each person who is entering or being entered
Their club
Chosen course
Number of their SI dibber if they have one (we will allocate an EckO dibber if you do not have your own)
Name and phone number for an emergency contact
Confirmation of entry and details of payment by BACS transfer will be sent to you by email.
Dog restrictions
Dogs allowed - but please note this is a public recreation area regularly used by dog walkers. It is recommended dogs are kept on a lead.
Facilities
There are public toilets at Ganavan carpark.
Contacts / Officials
Ross Lilley - Planner/Organiser 07747760669