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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.


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    •  Upcoming Events
    Upcoming events for June
    Last updated Tuesday 24th

    Tours with Humboldt baykeeper June 29th-July 9th check it out at www.humboldtbaykeeper.org/boattours.htm

    Our On-water RENTAL shop is open daily for kayak, canoe, and fishing kayak rentals. This season we will also have several motorboats for rent for a bay excursion or fishing trip.

    Comprehensive Sea Kayak skills weekend Aug 2,3
    All day event $210

    Learn 2 kayak day-Intro lesson this Sunday June 29th 10-1

    **SUNSET PADDLE**
    When: Every Friday 7-8:30 enjoy a quiet paddle after a long workweek.
    Info: Catered wine and cheese
    $40pp 21 yrs and over

    Wilderness Kayak I
    Dates-TBA
    Widerness Kayak II
    Dates-TBA

    Guided Kayak Fishing trips for Rockfish,Lingcod,Halibut
    May 1st-
    $95-1/2 day $150-Full
    $200 overnighter (incl meals and camp gear)
    Group discounts (4 or more)


    Gift certificates are always available to pick-up, by email, or snailmail. Custom made.

    Be sure to check our Online Calendar for a complete list of upcoming events.
     Latest News
    July 7
    10:00 am

    Humboats number one goal for the summer of 08 is to provide you with the best adventure possible, maximizing fun in the sun, and safety on the water.
    Our rental shop is open seven days a week (good to call first though). We have a huge selection of double and single kayaks for the soloist or groups as large as 25+.
    This summer we have also added a romantic sunset paddle every friday evening. This event is catered with wine and cheese (21+ older)
    Our shop is on the water at Woodley island and Humboldt Bay is our Classroom. Our instructors are some of the Best in the US today . Hawk alone has trained and introduced over a thousand people to the sport since becoming an instructor 10 years ago. He\'s seen it all and his motto at Humboats is to \"coach the individual not the group\".
    Come on down and visit with us at Dock A, Woodley island Marina or give us a call at (707) 443-5157. See you on the water.

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

    Paddler: Waldorf School Kids (click for full pic)
    Photographer: Hawk Martin
    Comments: This group of Kids had a great trip with us down the Mellow but exquisite South Fork Eel river. We drifted down river banks lined with old growth redwood trees and across streams carrying Chinook and Coho Salmon to distant spawning grounds. We stopped for lunch on a large river bar and swam in a large emerald pool at the take-out. Bring your class or group out for an adventure with Humboats expert guides and naturalist.



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