Registrations are now being accepted for USA's annual championships of on-foot transmitter hunting, which will take place during the week and weekend after Memorial Day. The site will be the forests near Mt. Laguna Village, about 45 miles east of San Diego.
Activities will get under way on Wednesday and Thursday, May 30 - 31, when an optional two-day "training camp" will take place. The official championships opening will take place on Friday, June 1 with practice and equipment testing sessions. The two-meter contest will take place on Saturday, June 2, after which all will gather for a banquet in the evening. Sunday's schedule includes the 80-meter contest and an awards ceremony, timed to end in mid-afternoon to accommodate those who must hurry home.
Even if you have never competed in a formal ARDF event before, you are welcome at the USA and IARU Region 2 Championships. The courses will be open to all, beginner and expert alike, with or without a ham radio license. USA's best are expected to attend and they are always helpful to newcomers. The training camp is an outstanding opportunity and highly recommended for first-timers.
National ARDF Championships are for individuals only. No teaming or assistance on the course is permitted. Participants are divided into six age categories for males and five age categories for females in accordance with standard IARU rules. Medals for first, second and third places will be awarded in each category on each band.
The official event Web page at www.homingin.com has the registration form. It is important for participants to register right away. The organizers need an accurate head count and assurances that there will be sufficient attendees. It's also important to make reservations now if you want to stay at the event headquarters, which is Laguna Mountain Lodge. (Nearby camping is also available.)
Transportation and lodging information is on the event Web page, as well as the daily schedule, competition rules, transmitter and map information. For questions and regular updates, you can subscribe to a group mailing list for participants and others interested in these championships.
If you have been attending and enjoying our local ARDF sessions, it's time now to take the next step. We look forward to seeing you at the USA Championships!
Joe Moell K0OV USA ARDF Coordinator www.homingin.com k0ov@homingin.com