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I am look for some way to learn compass use and map reading skills. I tend to learn better by actually doing (as opposed to reading out of a book). Does anyone know of any basic orienteering classes that would teach compass use and map reading?

There are only two cardinal rules with regards to learning map and compass:

Rule #1--Contact Wide World of Maps
Rule #2--See Rule #1

Wide World of Maps is one of those old school, throwback businesses that have all but died out in the modern mall/Big Box era. Not only do they arguably have Arizona's best map and map accessory inventory but they happen to have a caring staff of people who will treat you like a human being first. Customer service isn't an afterthought at Wide World of Maps.
Even though we live a really LOOOOONG way from Wide World of Maps we have been known to make special trips to their store and turn right around and drive back to Rimrock. The most recent such excursion was to spend about ten bucks on a do-hickey that let's us easily and painlessly calculate GPS coordinates from Forest Service and BLM maps. We don't care what they charge for their stuff. We don't 'price shop' when it comes to buying stuff we can buy at Wide World of Maps. Why? Because we hark from the old school of 'customer loyalty' ourselves and we believe in supporting those businesses that show obvious care for the customer's welfare, in this case, OUR welfare! So what's a few extra bucks over what we might be able to buy 'xyz' somewhere else. Keep these people alive and well and in business forever serving the needs of Arizona outdoors people. OK?

J&S in RR

Orienteering is a great way to learn compass and map skills applied to the outdoors. I got a start that way 25 years ago. I found a link to a Phoenix club, ( dead link removed ) It looks like their class is April 3rd and 6th. You could contact them about when the next class will be held. I may have to check out their upcoming meets. Wide world of maps is a great store and the folks there are very knowledgeable. It does help to get out in the field though for practice. Good luck and have fun! :)

You can also order USGS topo maps directly from the USGS at:
( dead link removed )
Their search/order interface is difficult to use, but you get used to it. The cost is $4 per topo, plus $5 flat charge for shipping and handling, regardless of order size. Since most map stores charge $6 per topo (plus tax), you only come out ahead if you are ordering 3 or more maps. Their service is good, and I usually get my maps within 1-2 weeks.

As far as orienteering goes, I first learned from the instructions that came with a compass...don't know if they still put instructions in or not. The basics are pretty simple, and if you can find someone that knows how, he can get you started in 15 min or so.

I think you will enjoy it once you get the hang of it, and I can triangulate faster than my friend can get a lock on his GPS. Ok, ok, it may be slightly less accurate, and considerably more hassle, but it's a lot of fun! (and a lot cheaper...)

Ed

Suggest you purchase a basic model Silva compass. Directions for use are included. A very good basic book on map and compass is Compass and Map Navigator by Michael Hodgson.