Canoe-Orienteering is simply a canoe and kayak race with map and compass.

Orienteering is a sport in which orienteers use a detailed map and a compass to find a series of specific locations in the lowest possible time. Most orienteering events are held on land and can be enjoyed as a walk in the woods or as a competitive sport. Canoe-orienteering, or canoe-o, is the on-the-water version and is usually open to both canoes and kayaks.

A canoe-o course consists of a series of "control" sites that are marked on the map by circles. At each control site an orange and white flag marks the location. To verify their visit, the orienteer punches their control card with a punch hanging next to the flag. (Every punch has a different pattern)

The route between "controls" is not specified, and is entirely up to the orienteer; this element of route choice and the ability to navigate are the essence of orienteering. An example of a canoe-orienteering route choice would be whether to portage a peninsula or paddle around.

Most orienteering events use staggered starts to ensure that each orienteer has a chance to do his or her own navigating. The phrase "registration and starts10am-1pm" means that orienteers may sign-in and start anytime during that period.

The sport of canoe-orienteering is growing rapidly with most orienteering clubs staging at least one canoe-o event every summer. The United States Canoe Association has held an annual canoe-orienteering championship for the past ten years.