Home / Lessons / Navigation I, II, and III

Navigation I, II, and III


This is an interesting class that is open to all kayakers at all levels, but for paddlers progressing from short day paddles to distance touring or who are planning a multi-day expedition, seamanship and good navigation skills are essential. In this three-part series, Hawk will impart to you all that he has learned from decades of finding his way in the wilderness and traversing long distances of open water. Each part of the navigation course will contain classroom navigation lessons and exercises as well as on-the-water practice.

  • In Part I, we cover the basics of navigation ­ reading and understanding maps and charts; the principles of ded reckoning; course plotting and route selection; and use of navigational instruments such as deck-mounted compass, hand-held bearing compasses, and parallel rules. This course is held on Humboldt Bay.
  • In Part II, we cover ded reckoning in more depth than in part I; piloting along the open coast; use of ranges and transits; triangulation; expedition planning; plotting vector solutions for current; weather and sea conditions, such as wind and fog, that affect navigation; and common sense factors related to getting from point ‘A’ to point ‘B’. This course is held on Trinidad Bay.
  • In Part III, we will cover GPS navigation; night navigation with a night navigation exercise; and further expedition planning for overseas paddling (e.g. IALA Bouyage System). This course is held at night on Humboldt Bay.


    Back | Top of Page
    •  Upcoming Events
    Upcoming events for July -August
    Last updated 10:00pm

    Trinidad Bay Whale watching tours. All summer long, Kayak with Our resident summer pod of Humpback whales. No prior experience nec. All equipment and instruction provided--$75 (call ahead 4 reservation)

    RENTALS available everyday just give us a call to make sure were around otherwise were just ten minutes away.
    (707) 443-5157

    Full moon Kayak Tour
    Fri. July 26th 7pm-9pm
    Flashlights required. all are welcome. $50pp

    ** Gift Certificates now available **

    Enjoy some romance on the water. Sunset paddles every Friday 6-8pm $50 (wine and cheese served- 21 and over only)

    Comprehensive Sea-kayaking weekend. August 14-15 (all day) $175
    learn everything you need to know about Sea-kayaking from Humboldts top Kayak instruction team.


    Baja Mexico Sea-Kayak adventure. Island hopping in the Sea of Cortez
    Nov 20th-26th 2010.$1150 pp limited space, call for details

    Be sure to check our Online Calendar for a complete list of upcoming events.
     Latest News
    July 13th 2010
    10:00pm

    The summer kayaking season is in full swing and the Humboats crew has been busy hauling kayaks and gear around to all of Humboldt county\'s hotspots. We can be found guiding whale watching trips by kayak out of Trinidad Bay or running kayak/swimming tours in the refreshingly cool South fork Eel river.

    Our dockside shop on Woodley island marina is the best place around for easy access to the water with the counties largest rental fleet of kayaks and canoes including tandems and 3 person boats.

    **Our rental shop will** be closed from July 18-24th. Tours are are available by reservation.
    Call (707)443-5157

    Visit the Humboats Kayaking Forum to read the rest of this article and more.
     Photo of the Week

    Paddler: Lydia and Ranger the dog
    Photographer: Click on photo for full pic
    Comments: Even mans best friend enjoys a relaxing paddle out on the waters of Humboldt bay.



    Welcome Visitor!
    free web counter
    (707) 443-5157     |     info@humboats.com


    Home  |  Lessons  |  Tours  |  Rentals  |  Retail  |  Calendar  |  Photos  |  About Us  |  Links

    All material © Humboats Kayak Adventures  |  Design by SD Digital Designs