Re: [Paddlewise] Compasses

> What should I be looking for in terms of brands, features, etc.?  I'm
> looking for a hand held version that can be used for both Kayaking and
> Hiking, as opposed to a deck mounted compass for the Kayak.  I haven't
> needed one for hiking in the past because I've mainly been in areas with
> decently travelled and marked trails, but the more I get into it, the more I
> want to venture out into some "wilderness".  I'm sure you can relate.......


Peter Treby wrote:
> 
> As with other sea kayaking equipment considerations, you quickly find that
> when you are on the water you need your hands on the paddle. A deck mounted
> compass is really the best answer, with an orienteering type flat compass
> for course plotting on land, and as a spare.
> I have a Silva deck compass, model "58F Kayak" similar to the Suunto Orca,
> mounted with bungy cords. This has been very good, easy to read. See it at
> http://www.silva.se/marine/index.htm
> It's good to have the compass removable when not needed. This saves damage
> and theft.
> 
I will have to take the agree/disagree with both of the postings, both
of the compasses are useful and have different purposes.  The hand held
facilitates taking bearings from the kayak, generally from 2 points
anywhere from a 360 degree axis of the paddler.  This may be done with a
deck compass, but is very cumbersome having to rotate and point your
bow.  The deck compass is useful for following a bearing once it is
ascertained by examining the calculated readings of the handheld and
referencing them from your chart.  You can probably use the handheld for
this, but the degree of error would be much greater.

RAy Killan put out and excellent series last year in Anorak on kayak
navigation, and is compiling it for a small book- also does workshops. 
May want to contact him at  
http://members.aol.com/kayakillen/katabasis/   .I enjoyed Burch, which
is quite in depth and interesting, but the articles that Ray wrote are
far easier for most to understand it seems.  I thought it extremely
clear and well written.

I find that a compass with a rotating bezel, reasonably large clear
plexi rectangular (important) base (c thru compass), liquid dampened
works just peachy for me.  Cost around 15-20 bucks US.  Luxury is one of
those military bearing compasses with the wire for bearing only, but you
still need the other for transferring data to the chart.

BTW, I expect no financial compensation for the influence of selling any
of Ray's books, but I admit most of the stuff I learned about navigation
is from him.

and also, if it is possible, a landmark is a better target to aim at
after you adjust the bearing from the deck compass- better to avoid
seasickness and the math needed to compensate for shifts on the
compass.  this may be a problem open water or poor visibility.

regards, gabriel

-- 
                            Gabriel L
Romeu                                                    
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