"Michael Daly" wrote in message ...
On 25-Oct-2004, (James F. Aguiar) wrote:
where does one expect to go where they would need a
compass.
Anywhere there's lots of islands for one. If you're paddling
among a lot of islands, they all start to look the same after
a while. A compass and chart will allow you to figure out
which island is which.
You don't need fog to get lost in a crossing either. If your
destination is indistinct for any reason, a compass and chart
will help you sort things out when you get across. A shoreline
with lots of coves and bays looks like one solid line of trees
from a distance.
I only ignore the compass when paddling in very familiar waters.
Mike
Thanks for all the replies....I am new to kayaking but I have owned a
couple of boats, one being a 23 foot sail boat. I learned that a
compass is a valuable asset when out on the water. I am surprized to
hear that so many people are taking on the open waters in kayaks. I
live on the south coast of Ma. and it seems as though paddleing a
kayay out to CuttyHunk Island and then out through the one of the
passages between the Elizebeth Islands into Vineyard Sound is a
typical day of kayaking. That is dangerous waters in a 23 foot sail
boat never mind a kayak.
I recently purchased a WildernessSystems CapeHorn 170. It has a large
4 1/4" circular place on the forward deck for a compass. I chose the
Richie Voyager that fills that spot nicely, however it looks a bit
like an over kill to see such a large compass on a kayak,but at 64
years of age I can see the dial easily without glasses.....Anyway, as
of now I don't have any intentions of going out into Buzzards Bay.
I think the GPS is perhaps one of the best devices available,
especially one with a bluechart such as the Garmin.
Anyway, with a little luck I may be able to survive next summer
kayaking. Jim