ORIENTEERING BOOKS (updated 6 Jun 24)

Black Books - the name of a hilarious TV show, and also the situation we find ourselves in. Our book sources are drying up, and so is the demand. Sad, as books still contain a heap of knowledge which we seem to want to learn the hard way:-))

MAPsport no longer tries to keep stocks up, instead we list a range of worthwhile titles for your guidance, some of which we have and most not. The descriptions will help you decide whether to pursue the book elsewhere, eg Trademe, Amazon, etc. Prices (for what we do have) have been reduced Dec 2019 by $1 in each $25 to reflect the merging of our c/card avoidance discount into prices - see the news item of 8 August.

FICTION

• "The O-Gang", fun stories for kids 7-10, with an O background and set in Australia; $12.
• "Murder at the 14th Control and the Orienteering Thrillers". Classic short stories by Wilf Holloway republished 2012 by the author. Not exactly the same collection as the original, but in the foreword Wilf hints at a second publication in progress. $24. Somehow we doubt it.

GENERAL COVERAGE OF O (in increasing depth)

• "Cunning Running", a "what is orienteering" book aimed at Kids 7-10, ideal for school library; $8. Do they HAVE libaries at schools any more?
• "Know The Game: Orienteering", short introduction suitable adult newcomer, colour; $6.
• "Trail Orienteering", booklet for the participant in the special version of orienteering for the disabled; $10.
• "Orienteering - A Way of Learning Outdoor Navigation", by New Zealander Peter Wilson. Excellent general book on orienteering in NZ context; was extraordinary value at only $12. If you can find it on Trade Me, buy it, but note the very low original price - it was published as a service by the NZ Mountain Safety Council
• "Orienteering - The Skills of the Game" by Carol McNeill, former British elite representative, world W50 Champion in 1994, W55 champion here in NZ in 2000, and a teacher of renown. Very comprehensive general orienteering book; was $43, but see next listing.
• "Orienteering Skills*Techniques*Training" by Carol McNeill. First new book (2010) in a long time, and it's good. I guess an update of "Skills of the Game", 126p softback, well illustrated. I don't know why general books try and cover getting started as well as advanced competition, but at least this one wastes little time on beginners, by p36 we're onto "Advanced Techniques", and from p54 its about racing and training. National squaddies should know all this, for anyone aspiring to this level, it would be a valuable aid. Price $31.
• "Orienteering - Pathways to Excellence" by British coaching guru Peter Palmer. General description of the sport, told through the eyes of a typical family. Out of stock, price was in the $40's.
• "Rogaining", 2000 edition of the classic work by the inventors of this form of long-distance orienteering. Hard-cover with colour photos, section on rogaining in NZ. When we had it, price was in the $30's.

ADVANCED

• "Orienteering Techniques" by Gareth Bryan-Jones of Scotland. Sound advice in a very compact softcover handbook. Out of stock, sold for $15.
• "Modern Orienteering Training", invaluable reference for advanced orienteers, by Wilf Holloway; years ahead of its time, this still gives valuable advice. When we had it price was in the $20's.
• "The Complete Orienteering Manual", edited by British coaching guru Peter Palmer. History, equipment, techniques, fitness training, psychological skills, injuries, coaching both adults and children, and orienteering for disabled people, all by experts in their field; Out of stock, price was in the $50's.
• "Get Fit for Orienteering", by Steve Bird, then Principal Lecturer in Sport Science in Canterbury, England. There have only ever been two books on physical training specifically for orienteering. Price was in the $30's.
• INJURIES: "Treat Your Own Strains, Sprains and Bruises", by 5 NZ Physiotherapists. Clear day by day instructions, including when to seek the help of a professional; $22.

TEACHING

• Kiwisport Orienteering Manual. The low-preparation approach to introducing orienteering in primary school $20. This material is on the ONZ website, but (as usual) it has become more comprehensive and perhaps lost the simplicity of the original.
• "Learning Orienteering Step by Step" by Hasselstrand. The optimum learning staircase of skills for orienteering, the foundation of the Swedish teaching system, up to orange level. Out of print but limited supplies have been tracked down; $24.
• "Teaching Orienteering". The classic teaching resource with specific instructions for setting up a wide range of activities. Plans for choosing activities for groups at various levels. Panel of British authors includes Jean Cory-Wright, former NZOF Director of Coaching. Out of stock, price was the better part of $70.

TECHNICAL

• International Standards: IOF Principles for Course Planning at $3; IOF Control Descriptions at $3: and the IOF Mapping Specifications (in colour)at $15. Look on the IOF website for the latest versions of these.
• BOF (British O Federation) "Course Planning". Fuller and more pragmatic coverage than the IOF booklet; $15.
• "Organising a Rogaine" by Rod Costigan. The definitive work published by the International Rogaining Federation, and only $24.
• "Mapmaking for Orienteers" by Robin Harvey. The definitive work in English on mapmaking principles in the pen-and-ink days. Price was $60-ish. Also "Simple Maps for Orienteering", from the IOF. Advice on mapping schools and parks; $12. While the drawing tools have changed, the principles endure.

For mail order phone 027 232 4310, or write to at 23 St James Ave, Lower Hutt 5011. We'll invoice with the goods, and you can pay by bank transfer. Prices shown include GST.