K.I.S.S.* Method of Navigation





*keep it simple stupid


compass

Stop The Music

TIDES AND CURRENTS

All paddler's should have a copy of the Tide Tables for the area they are paddling. In addition they should have a set of Current Tables and if one is available a current diagram for the area.

WEATHER

One of the most important things every paddler should do when planning a trip on the water is to first check the local marine weather forcast. While paddling a good habit to get into is to periodicaly check the forcast enroute using your vhf radio.

The most important part of the forcast to pay attention to is the speed and direction of the wind. The wind can and will keep a tide from flooding or ebbing. I was once on a trip with a group of paddler's on the Hudson River. It took us three hours to paddle a distance of one statute mile. According to the tables we should have had a 2 knot current pushing us up river but the wind and the rain, did I forget to mention the rain, were blowing down river with such force it was a struggle to gain every inch. Another thing that added to our dilema was that the shore was lined with duck hunters so we were forced to stay out in mid-channel. We finished that paddle with big grins on our faces. We all knew that this was one of those trips that we would all remember for years to come.

Aids to Navigation

I dont want to write a long and boring text on this subject. All I advise is that you obtain and study a copy of Chart # 1.

BOOKS

Fundamentals of Kayak Navigation by David Burch

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