New Feedback on the Confident Orienteering Series from a Nottinghamshire Orienteer

A reader recently sent me a letter with feedback on my Confident Orienteering series.

The person who sent it preferred to remain anonymous but kindly gave me permission to use their feedback in promoting the book. They also posted their reviews on the pages of the online store, where you can see them as well (Book 1 and Book 2).

If you’d also like to leave a review, you can do so by visiting the book’s page in the online store again. The system recognizes that you’ve already made a purchase and will allow you to leave a rating and write a review.

Below is an excerpt from the reader’s letter, along with the reviews themselves.
Thank you — it's truly inspiring!

Hi Aleksandr,

…I have drafted the following and am happy for you to use it, attributing it to "Nottinghamshire Orienteer" rather than my personal details... 

..I think you've made a great contribution to orienteering literature.  Well done!

Here is my reviews:

Confident Orienteering Book 1: Fundadmentals
“Having started orienteering in later life, I’ve relied on club coaching sessions and books written by previous elite orienteers to learn about the core skills required. The real learning experience has been through analysis of my mistakes! That’s fine but it’s what I call a “cloudy” process and can be frustrating.

Having read both of the Confident Orienteering books written by Aleksandr and his team, I am now making real progress in building a reliable technique. Whilst club coaching and other books introduce the core concepts, Aleksandr goes into detail about the “Why” and “How” of the most important technical elements.

Spending time reflecting on his many illustrations is reshaping my approach to every course leg. I would recommend this book (as well as book 2) to anyone who is looking to minimise planning and route-choice mistakes. There is plenty here that you’ll find beneficial.”

 

Confident Orienteering Book 2: Planning Reliable Routes

"I started orienteering a few years ago, largely self taught to begin with.  Consequently, I picked-up a number of bad habits and have been trying to re-set my O technique ever since.

Aleksandr’s two books have really filled a void for me.  Whilst I’ve learned about the core orienteering tool-set from club coaching sessions, I’ve found some topics are presented as basic concepts and could do with more detailed explanation.  

In the two Confident Orienteering books, I have at last found a source that makes me think analytically about my current weaknesses and mentally practise better options.  I’ve since tried out some of the route planning ideas mentioned in book two during some brisk map walks. 

I can honestly say that I do indeed feel more confident in planning legs, collecting features and knowing either exactly, or near enough, where I am at any point in the leg. I feel I have made a big improvement already!

Reading first to organise my thoughts is part of my preferred learning style. I’m now re-reading book 2 and getting real benefit, and I’m looking forward to my next event to apply my new understanding in the forest.”

I have no hesitation in recommending Aleksandr’s two books to anyone in a similar position as myself.  I’m looking forward to book 3; I’m sure I’ll learn a lot from that too!"


Thanks again for your feedback — I'm really glad to hear my ideas are helping!
Aleksandr Alekseyonok, December 10, 2025.