> 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/ ***************************************************************************
Hello! >. 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. I got an 12V Accu inmy kayak and wanted to use this for my GPS, just to safe expensive battery and to use the GPS longer. So I place the GPS like Steve in a Aquapac bag, but put in the 12V adapter, glue in a cable and the cable I could fit to a flat and waterproof plug connection, fitted to my rear deck left side behind my cockpit. So, the GPs is floatable, it is fixed by the cable and I could use it NONSTOP WITHOUT changing the batteries. Now I got a pic from this special bag (where I have to put on a little bit more glue to the cable) and the Aqua Signal plug connection. I think this is solution, which must be interesting for more paddlers. I could send the pics out... ========= I also got some negative experience with GPS in general. Not because of the GPs, but on my preparation for the tour. I was paddling from Borkum (island) through an almost unused waterway towards Ameland (NL). I follow the buoys and when the waterway ended above Schiermonnikoog I wanīt to check out the distance to the Island. But I couldnīt. I got a chart, for sure. But I made a copy and forget that I need the chart-sides to get the exact coordinates. So, my GPS give me the exact position, but without a waypoint from the island, this was totally useless. It was a warm and slightly foggy day, now wind, now waves. So I decided padling on 180 degree until I could see the island. But I landed on a beach and the fog was so thick, I couldnīt see the lighthouse. I took out my kayak cart and do something for my legs :-)) walking around this huuuuge sand. Afterwards it became clear, I miss the waterway to the island inshore area within about 5 or 10 minutes of paddling to the west. Ugh! Sh*t happens! Keep smiling, it was a nice trip and Iīve learned a lot. all the best Jochen *************************************************************************** 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/ ***************************************************************************
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