Event report: Bush 13

Almost 100 competitors, including EODs, were greeted by a warm day, a pleasant arena, and carpets of Cape Weed that was very pretty but rather a drag on the feet in some parts of courses. Courses had been well set for length and anticipated running speeds with only a few classes, notably M14A, taking advantage of the good visibility and open running to post winning times substantially below specification.

Despite the apparently open nature of the terrain Livelox shows many cases of people not maintaining sufficient concentration. The courses used all the available map area so that the longer courses visited the more rocky, steep slopes which presented additional challenges of route choice and running fitness.

Not surprisingly, the W21A and M21A classes were topped by our visiting coaches Verinica Kubinova and Jiri Vales. Some of the other notable performances were by Ruth Toomey (W12A), Rohan Braid (M14A), Carol Brownlie (W70A) and Tony Simpkins (M75A). More importantly, most people seemed to enjoy the challenges, especially in the unfamiliar areas closest to the arena.

There were several incidents at the event which raise questions. One young junior was badly "spooked" by mobs of stampeding kangaroos. It’s unlikely that we can do anything to prevent this, but we must remember to support youngsters who have discouraging experiences. Another inexperienced junior became disoriented and needed to find her way to safety. She was carrying her phone and so was able to allay fears at the arena and to identify her position when she encountered a control. This enabled a quick recovery by car and shows the importance of encouraging beginners to carry a phone. Two of our senior members had physical difficulties completing Course 8. At this stage in life people have a wide range of physical fitness. To keep our sport suitable for as many as possible perhaps it’s time to introduce M/W75AS classes.

Courses were set by Peter Komyshan, supervised by Controller Ian Fletcher, and supported by Organiser Melinda Richards. Thanks also to Dan Greig for organising and towing the toilet, to WOW Convenor Helen Post, and to a horde of WOW control collectors.

Results are in Eventor.
Upload your track to Livelox and compare your route choices with those of your fellow orienteers.

​Thanks, and Goodbye to our Coaches - Veronika and Jiri

A special thank you and goodbye to our coaches-in-residence Veronika and Jiri, who have spent the past few months in WA, was held at the end of the Long Distance Championships presentations. 

Veronika and Jiri were asked to talk about their experiences in WA, and what they perceived to be the strengths and limitations of OWA. They provided some interesting comments for both members and the committee to think about. 

Veronika and Jiri were presented with our stunning 2023 Australian Orienteering Championships running shirts along with a card that many people had signed. They then presented us with a traditional Mole Mound cake. 

Thank you for everything, Veronika and Jiri - it's been a pleasure to have you here, and you will be missed!

Photos: (top) Winners of W21A and M21A classes; (middle) winner of M55AS Gary Aitken, celebrating 50 years of orienteering; (bottom) Veronika and Jiri, and their traditional Czeck mole mound cake. All photos by Christine Howitt.