Welcome
We are a family-friendly club based in the South East Wales area. Founded in 1975, our membership spans ages 8-80+, with members competing at levels that suit their individual fitness and experience. The club hosts approximately 25 races per year across parks, streets, forests, and mountains of South East Wales. All members are welcome—whether you want to compete individually or as a team, improve your navigation for another sport, or simply get outside and explore new places.
Membership
Membership is annual, runs from January, and is processed through the British Orienteering website. First-year membership costs £5 for juniors and £15 for adults.
Benefits of joining South Wales Orienteering Club
- Membership of a proud and progressive club
- Membership of British Orienteering (often allowing a discount for races.)
- Insurance during club events
- Access to experienced coaches and opportunities for development
- Competition at your own level
- A warm friendly culture A chance to meet others who share your interests and aspirations
Social
After evening events, a pub/café is usually nominated for food and post-race route analysis.
Improving Your Performance
SWOC offers formal coaching before many Saturday Series events, suitable for all abilities including beginners. The club also aims to hold one coaching weekend away per year. To connect with a club coach, contact the welfare officer. Juniors who can confidently complete an orange standard course may be selected to attend Welsh Junior Orienteering Squad training weekends. Better Orienteering is an excellent web resource to help newcomers start orienteering and existing orienteers improve: https://betterorienteering.org/
Team Competitions
SWOC enters relay teams for the British Championships and the inter-club Compass Sport Trophy. Clubs with larger teams perform better, so every SWOC member is encouraged to participate, regardless of experience level. The qualifying round takes place in spring with the final in autumn, and entry fees are subsidized by the club.
Events/Races
Events are intended to be races, but you don't have to run. You can participate at a level that suits your skill and fitness. Events range from small local races (Level D) to large international competitions (Level A). Most local races offer entry on the day. SWOC events are divided into five main categories, all listed on our website www.swoc.org.uk: Saturday Series – Held monthly, featuring 3-4 courses of different lengths and difficulties suitable for both novices and experienced runners. Coaching is often available alongside these events. MapRun – Our winter one-hour street orienteering series. Park Series – Summer evening races in traffic-free parks, ideal for juniors and beginners, with longer urban courses for more experienced participants. Welsh League (Level C) – We organize two races annually that form part of this league, offering a wider range of courses to accommodate all ages. Overall series prizes are awarded yearly. Level A/B Events – Every few years, SWOC helps organize major national competitions such as the British Championships, JK International Orienteering Festival, or CROESO 5-day competition.
Committee and AGM
The AGM is held in September, all members are encouraged to attend – its your club!