BAOC is a non-profit organization run by volunteers. Event fees cover the costs of making and printing the maps, park permits, insurance, and other meet-related expenses. The following table shows BAOC's standard event fees. Orienteering has seven standard courses, shown below. At local recreational meets, you may do any course that's within your navigational and physical abilities.
Distances shown are for national competitions.
In the Bay area, due to our steep terrain, course lengths are usually shorter. The only piece of equipment you really need to go orienteering is your brain. Helps you orient the map to North and take bearings. For advanced courses, studded shoes such as baseball or soccer shoes are recommended for traction on steep slopes. If you're sensitive to poison oak, it's a good idea to wash off as soon as possible after you finish orienteering, so bring water and Tecnu or another soap.