Training

Attackpoint is a great way for all of us to track our own physical training and event results. It also provides an opportunity for the Florida Junior National Orienteering Group to collaborate together on the sport of orienteering.  Below is a link to attack point.  I would highly suggest that you create a free account. If you have run in any FLO events in the last year, I will show you how you can find your race information that is already on Attackpoint.  Once you make an Attackpoint account make sure you email Chief Ingram your user name. In his YouTube video, titled "Attackpoint.org intro" Ken Walker Jr. the Creator of Attackpoint explains the registration, basics settings, training log setup, adding training sessions, finding your friends' logs, claiming race splits, and setting log viewing permissions.

A link to the "Attackpoint.org intro" YouTube video is provided, click here: "Attackpoint.org intro video"

A link to the Attackpoint website is provided, click here: Attackpoint Website

Equipment

Compasses:  Most serious orienteers use thumb compasses. A reliable and great compass can be found on Amazon for $29.00; however, there is also a cheaper one that is $17.00 from the same company.  I have used both and they are both good compasses. The $29.00 compass seems to have a faster needle settling time than the $17.00 compass but that would not be a deal breaker as the difference is not that much. Make sure the compass you buy says it is for Northern hemisphere. Most are but just verify before you buy.
There are also more expensive compasses; however, that is a personal decision on your part. A link to the $29.00 compass is provided:  Click here: Compass on Amazon

SI-Card (eStick's official name) made by SportIdent.  SportIdent is a German company but has an online supplier here in the United States. There are different models: SI-Card 8 (holds Start, Finish and 30 punches) approx $40, SI-Card 9 (holds Start, Finish and 50 punches) approx $52, and the SIAC card which SAIC holds (Start, Finish and 128 punches) approx $90. SAIC stands for SportIdent Air and Conventional meaning that it can be used for air swiping to punch the control (if the controls are set to air). This could provide a slight advantage for those who are continuously running etc. The The SAIC also has a battery that has to be replaced every 3 years. If it goes dead, it will still work in the conventional mode. Currently to replace the battery, the SIAC has to be sent to Germany.  The SI-Cards that most runners use at FLO and SOAR events are using the SI-Card 8 and 9 models. FLO does not set their controls to the Air mode. 
A link to the SportIdent website is provided, once you are at the website click on SI-Cards.
Click here: SportIdent Card

Hydration Back Pack: Hydration is very important, especially here in Florida. Not drinking enough fluid (dehydration) can lead to symptoms like thirst, flushing, fatigue, and fast breathing.   Proper hydration plays a key role in many of our body's functions, including bringing nutrients to cells, getting rid of wastes, protecting joints and organs, and maintaining body temperature. Water should almost always be your go-to beverage. Choose it over sugary drinks like soda or juice, which can be high in simple sugars and calories.
Due to the intensity and length of orienteering competition, Sports drinks and gels are a way to add nutrients such as sodium, pottassium, and calcium which are key electrolyte componentsthe lost during the intense workouts such as long distance orienteering. However, water should always be used in conjunction with sports drinks and gels.  Many hydration backpacks are available on Amazon at great prices. 
Click here: Hydration Back Pack

GAMES

Below are links to websites that have great games for increasing your orienteering knowledge.

Orienteering Natour Trail - This site has a lot of games too many to write about. Check this site out, it is awesome!

Maprunner CD Quiz - This site has  a great map  and descriptor symbol  matching  quiz. Use this to learn all of the descriptor  card symbols and the map  features they  correlate to .

The Forest (Orienteering)  -  This is a  great game  as it will help  you with  the  navigation through  thick areas.  It takes a little getting used  to.  We will go over it  during one of our meetings.

Better Orienteering -  This  website has all  the  above games and many more.  There is a ton of online 3D options that you can use for training at home.  Again, we will go over some of these during our meetings.