> Being relatively new to kayaking, I am constantly learning new tricks > and getting advice from more experienced kayakers ( the few I have found > in the DFW, TX area). Having just recently stumbled across your list, I > thought I would get some advice on GPS systems. I kayak down the Laguna > Madre and want to make a two week trip in July. My problem: I have a > hard time estimating where I am and distance to finish/turnaround > point. I hear GPS is good and bad for this. Anyone have advice on > economical "working" unit that might give me a clue? I use GPS extensively on my ocean paddling and am frequently the "designated navigator" on our longer trips. It is very important not to forget your map and compass skills and common sense. GPS is a tool and nothing more. It does not replace the need for a compass or a chart. Some people have tried to use the compass function and forget that it is only accurate while you are moving. Additionally, speed measurements at the walking or paddling speeds are extremely inaccurate. To see this in action, turn your GPS on and stand still. If you zoom in on the plot of your position, you will see that even though the Gov't turned off Selective Availability, your position still wanders. Make certain that you understand the difference in speed between ships and kayaks. Although it will take a kayaker 20 minutes to travel one NM at a paddling speed of 3 knots, it will take a ship 2 minutes to cover the same distance at 30 knots (ships in traffic lanes frequently move at 20 - 30 knots in the Los Angeles area). In my opinion, it's best to keep a chart open in front of you and continuously make certain that you know where you are and make certain that you have added additional Lat and Long marks to you chart so that they are at an easy to work with interval. Above all, have fun but be safe and practice your navigation skills every time you go out. Other than that, almost any GPS available today will be adequate for kayaking. The "waterproof" ratings on all of them do not include the battery compartment. I keep mine in a GPS dry bag and it works perfectly through it. Steve Holtzman *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author. Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************Received on Thu Apr 26 2001 - 17:27:17 PDT
This archive was generated by hypermail 2.4.0 : Thu Aug 21 2025 - 16:30:42 PDT