Alex de Beer

profiled Dec 2016

Number of years orienteering?
4

How were you introduced to orienteering?
Four years ago, running was my main sport, but when I found out that my school had an orienteering team I decided to join and see what it was like. Ironically I couldn’t find the classroom for the first meeting (I was fairly new to the school!) Then two years later I discovered that forest orienteering existed and so I joined North West so I could try forest events too.

Key orienteering achievements to date?
I have finished in the top ten for my age grade twice in the AKSS Series and this year was selected for the NZSS team that competed in Levin.

Current orienteering project or goal?
I’m relatively new to orienteering so my goals for next year are to improve my map reading/navigational skills by competing in as many events as I can.

Favourite map and why? 
Restall road - it was one of the first maps I ever ran on and whenever I do an event there I can really see how much my skill at orienteering has improved.

Map you have yet to experience but aspire to orienteer on?
I really liked the look of some of the Australian maps I saw at the prizegiving and would definitely like to try some of those someday.

Orienteering hero?
Mike Beveridge - if it wasn’t for Mike’s enthusiasm and patience I may not have become as involved in orienteering as I have. I have really appreciated his approach to encouraging me to further my interest in the sport.

Day job?
Student at Orewa College.

Other interests?
I play the trumpet in several bands that compete in national competitions. I have also played in several show bands this year. My summer sport is tennis and I also do some cross country running. I have nearly completed my silver Duke of Ed award and have been part of a debating team for several years. My favourite interest is definitely orienteering though!

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