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msar-riders - Re: [MSAR] Compass for SAR

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  • From: Una Smith <una.smith@att.net>
  • Cc: Mounted search and rescue <msar-riders@lists.ibiblio.org>
  • Subject: Re: [MSAR] Compass for SAR
  • Date: Fri, 22 Jan 2010 19:21:50 -0700

Bob Eikenberry wrote:
>A compass is one tool, but [...] not the main tool. Terrain reading

Yes, reading the terrain is by far the most important skill in land
navigation. Orienteers call this "orienting the map" and "staying in
contact with the map". If you stay oriented, so you know where you
are on the map, rarely do you need the compass. Advanced orienteers
never compete without a compass, but most of us orienteering teachers
teach orienteering without one, precisely so that beginners learn to
pay attention to the terrain features all around them, and relate the
terrain to the map.

I took a 9yo and 14yo out in the field with me for a couple of days.
Then they competed in a 4-hr rogaine (a style of orienteering without
a set course) and came in second, behind a pair of very experienced
adult rogainers and way ahead of 60 JROTC cadets.

The best tool for the job is not always an expensive one.

Una Smith
New Mexico




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