Introduction to Navigation

Introduction to Navigation Class. How do we plan our trips? What would you do if the fog rolls in while you are paddling? For those paddlers planning trips on the ocean, a complete understanding of navigation is essential for both safety and fun.

This two-and-a-half-hour classroom session covers the fundamentals of reading nautical charts, working with a compass, and dead reckoning. We then integrate that information with important components of trip planning, like the use of tide and current tables, route planning, and assessment of weather.

Introduction to Navigation is a hands-on course where each student will have the opportunity to practice these skills in the classroom before they venture into the field. Be sure to follow up this class with our Ocean Skills: Navigation trip, where you can test your skills on the water under the guidance of an expert paddler.

Ocean Skills: Navigation

How do we plan our trips? What would you do if the fog rolls in while you are paddling? During this full-day trip, we travel to beautiful Learn how to use a chart and compass so you can plan your own trips and find your way on the ocean. Our Ocean Skills: Navigation will show you how. Gloucester Harbor to practice these and many other navigational skills on the water.

The bread and butter of this trip is chart reading and compass work. We will begin with a refresher on nautical charts and using a compass. Students will then use the chart and compass on the water to determine their location, plot a course, and avoid hazards while underway. We will discuss piloting, dead reckoning, navigating in fog, and what to do if you're lost.

In addition, we will discuss how to predict tides and currents using tide and tidal current tables, the effects of wind and waves on kayakers and how to plan your trips to decrease these effects, planning escape routes in case of emergency, and using a chart to select a landing site.

This clinic is designed for those who have taken both our Ocean Skills and our Introduction to Navigation (or have the equivalent experience). Paddlers should be able to perform assisted rescues and paddle six miles over the course of the day.

[[NEED DAN CENTRAL: "Ocean Skills: Navigation Full-Day Trip" Information and Pricing]]