A walk with the squirrel at Riga Rogaining 2015

Original publication date: 25.03.2015

For those who don't know, rogaining is an orienteering competition for teams (2-5 people), which lasts longer than classic orienteering competitions (classical 24 hours, but there is a popular folk rogaining that lasts 4-12 hours). Rogaining checkpoints have a different value, participants receive a map before the start and plan the sequence of visiting the checkpoints. Penalty points are awarded for exceeding the time limit.

I knew what orientation is from my school days. However, that was a long time ago and now this sport has also introduced the latest technology in the form of an electronic chip to register at a specific checkpoint and record the number of points obtained. Map and compass are the same, as well as the skill to operate with this inventory.

Even though the weather on Saturday was not very pleasant - snow, rain and not so pleasant air temperature, we determinedly went in the direction of Imanta to get to know this area more. Already on the way, there was a noticeable activity of supporters of this sport in public transport. Please forgive us for our rudeness, but we eagerly listened to how experienced rogaining participants told each other about their experiences in such competitions. We perfectly understood that we still have a long way to go to such professionalism, but personally I secretly cherished the idea that orienteering could one day become my and my son's common hobby. Therefore, this time was planned for us as air travel and understanding what is what.

T/c Damme area and premises were full of rogaining competition participants. we successfully registered and got our team number marked “Pastaiga ar vāveri”. As regular participants, we also received meal vouchers and a Roga rogaining badge. Now we had to wait for the start time and go on a date with Vāveri. Much to the children's delight, we spotted Vāveri shopping in a store in Rimī. Later we met it together with a white Hare and a Paw Bear.

The first task that the small participants of the walk received was a group photo on the podium. Then everyone was introduced to the map and it was clarified where exactly the start is. After that, everyone had to start folding the map, because with an unfolded map, walking will hardly be as comfortable and fast. when this work was done, we set off. I concluded that reading a map did not cause much difficulty for me, so I tried to show this skill to my five-year-old.

The first checkpoint was in a small forest surrounded by the city, on a hill. After finding the checkpoint, everyone was given the opportunity to try how it is - to register at the checkpoint. Afterwards, those with longer legs went for a more active walk with the Bear, while the others continued their journey with the Squirrel and the Hare.

In between, a couple of attractions were organized with the opportunity to get sweets, as well as explaining everything about the sides of the sky and the compass. At the last checkpoint, Vāvere once again shared treats from her stock, and then we all finished in a smooth step. In almost two hours, the company of four and five year olds had done quite a lot and scored six points.

After that, everyone received their well-earned bottle of drink with sparkling eyes and stood in line for lunch - pasta, which received a lot of praise. Each participant received a beautiful diploma for participating in the walk.

Conclusions after the event. My five-year-old liked it very much, expressed his desire to participate in the competition with a chip next time. I think this could definitely be our hobby. It is a good opportunity to learn to navigate the surrounding environment, to spend time in the fresh air, to spend time together effectively, and it is a very good alternative if you are not really a fan of running. Although this year, like last year, I will definitely take the opportunity for the young person to participate in the children's run as part of various marathons. The event was well organized, the chosen companions found a common language with the children very well, I cheered up those who got tired during the walk. "Girls - Squirrel and Bunnies, you were great!"

Speaking specifically about my young man, I concluded that when running, he is not really able to distribute his strength and starts the race with a jerk, but at the finish line there is no strength anymore, so this time he started the walk more slowly, but as the finish came closer, he was one of the first and walked more energetically, he finished running and reached it first of the whole group. I rate Riga Rogaining with 9/10.

Reposted from Rutas Zimnohas's blog: http://sienakaudze.lv/2015/03/pastaiga-ar-vaveri-rigas-rogaininga-2015/