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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.
    $100 per class all three $250



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    •  Upcoming Events
    Upcoming events for Nov 6, 2011
    Last updated 9:00 am

    Trinidad Bay Whales & Wildlife Tour Sat Nov 12th & Sun Nov 13th 9am-12:00pm $75pp

    HOLIDAY GIFT CERTIFICATES are now available. We customize each one with a personal message from you. Call us to purchase yours today.

    Humboldt Bay Kayak Eco-tour Sunday Nov 20th 10am-noon $45pp. explore Humboldt bay and learn the Natural History

    Thanksgiving week Kayak tours. Bring the family out for some fun on Humboldt Bay tours run daily 23rd, 24th, 25th, 26th 10am-noon $45pp (under 15 $35)

    Video analysis of kayak strokes for greater boat control and precision. Nov 18th 9:00am-12:00pm
    $95 ($125 DVD copy incl.)

    Rental shop open all winter by appointment. Waterproof wear, drybag, and map of the bay included with rental





    Be sure to check our Online Calendar for a complete list of upcoming events.
     Latest News
    Nov 6, 2011
    9:30 am

    I recently finished a trip along the desolate \"Lost Coast\" with my friends from liquid fusion kayak. Our goal was to go slow and pick it apart, learning everything we could about the area in the period of seven days. We hiked, biked, and kayaked, seeing the land and water from multiple vantage points. The trip was in part a diversion from our long busy kayak season but mostly a recon mission to scope the area out for future adventures with you the wilderness loving public. We spent our days cataloging plants and animals, sea life, and weather patterns. We immersed ourselves into the environment became one with it. We paddled many miles and landed through big dumping surf waves. We camped on beachheads, in forest thickets, and next to mountain streams. In reality the area of exploration was only a fraction of the entirety of the Lost coast. With future trips already in the works we\'re on our way to becoming the foremost experts and ambassadors to this amazing stretch of coastline. Read our blogs, look at our pictures and video and contact us if the kayaking the Lost Coast is a dream of yours as well.
    -Hawk

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

    Paddler: Hawk Martin (click pic for full photo)
    Photographer: Jeff laxier- Liquid fusion Kayak
    Comments: Jeff Laxier, Cate Hawethorn, and Hawk spent a week Hiking and kayaking the remotest sections of California\'s Fabled lost coast this fall. The beauty of this coast is unrivaled anywhere in the lower 48 and provides a sea-kayaker with the ultimate challenge in testing their skills. Look for trips departing in late summer of 2012



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