Facebook Twitter Instagram
    Trending
    • Best 5 Kayak Racks for Kia Optima
    • How to do the Kayak Forward Sweep Stroke
    • 6 Popular Kayaking Strokes
    • An Ergonomic Approach to Whitewater Kayaking
    • Low-Brace Techniques for Kayaking
    • Surf Kayak Techniques
    • Strap a Kayak and Paddle to a Roof Rack
    • Canoe and Kayak Launch Etiquette
    Facebook Twitter Instagram
    Kayak Manual
    Subscribe
    Tuesday, February 7
    • Home
      • About
    • Contact
      • Write for Us
    • Privacy Policy
      • Disclaimer
    • Kayak Types
      • Inflatable Kayaks
      • Budget Kayak
      • Folding Kayaks
      • Kayak for Rapids
      • Kayaks for Kids
      • Sit-In Kayaks
      • Sit-On-Top Kayaks
      • Tandem Kayaks
      • Touring Kayaks
    • Blog
    Kayak Manual
    Home » Creating an Improvised Compass
    Improvised Compass
    kayak

    Creating an Improvised Compass

    Arthur G. MooreBy Arthur G. MooreAugust 21, 2022Updated:August 21, 2022No Comments3 Mins Read
    Share
    Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Email

    An overview of some techniques that can provide an accurate guage of direction using various easy-to-find items.

    A rough sense of direction gathered from observance of celestial bodies or features of the terrain is always better than no sense at all, yet for those lacking the proper tools and seeking a form of wayfinding that requires a bit more time, effort and materials but yields a more accurate result, consider the following.

    Contents

    • 1 Check Your Watch
      • 1.1 Shadow Measurement

    Check Your Watch

    Even if yours isn’t one of the more outdoorsy models with a built-in compass, so long as it’s of the analog variety, you’ll be able to use it to find direction. If in the northern hemisphere, hold your watch flat and with the hour hand turned in the direction of the sun.

    Now, imagine a line drawn across the centre of your watch so that it divides evenly the space between hour hand and 12 o’clock (in other words, if the hour hand happens to be on 4 o’clock, then 2 o’clock marks the line). This imagined divider indicates the north-south axis. Keep in mind that if you’ve recently adjusted for daylight savings, you should measure the distance between hour hand and 1 o’clock marker instead.

    If you’re traveling in the southern hemisphere, simply perform the reverse; angling the 12/1 o’clock indicator toward the sun and halving the distance between it and hour hand.

    Shadow Measurement

    There are two related methods here (collectively known as the ‘shadow-tip’ methods), with the first being faster yet less accurate and the second, vice-versa.

    If you’re in a rush, simply find a flattened area with good exposure to sunlight. Set a relatively straight, thin stick (preferably one metre long) in the ground so that it stands erect and place a pebble or other marker at the point where the stick’s shadow reaches to.

    Next, wait a quarter-hour and then mark the new location of the shadow’s tip. A line drawn between these two marked points will give a relative east-west axis and when standing before it with the first marker on your left, you will have positioned yourself facing north.

    Should you desire greater accuracy and have the time to wait for it, the more precise version of this method requires that you begin in the hours before noon and place the stick as described above, then after marking the shadow’s first position, use a string or another stick to draw an arc from that point around to the opposite side of your standing stick, using it as your central pivot.

    With your semi-circle defined, wait until the exact point in the afternoon when the shadow finally reaches the opposite end of your arc. Mark that position and then join the two markers by a straight line. Again, facing the line and with marker #1 on your left, you now face north along an even more precise east-west axis.

    Note that in the case of both measurements, this is a reliable way of finding north regardless of hemisphere.

    As a final note, no matter what technique you might consider using, a prerequisite for success is certainty regarding which cardinal direction you should be angling toward. As such, if you are unsure of either distance or direction to the nearest form of help, depending on your situation it may be far safer to simply remain in one place until help can come to you, rather than wandering aimlessly and alone in the wilderness.

    Share. Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr Email
    Previous ArticleYour Guide to Perfect Canoe Strokes
    Next Article How to Pick the Right PFD & Shoes for Kayaking
    Arthur G. Moore
    • Website

    Arthur G. Moore is a veteran paddler. He has over 10 years of whitewater kayaking experience in his kitty. When he was young, he used to love kayaking in rapid III and rapid IV but as time went on, he decided to concentrate mainly on covering long distances on a standard touring kayak. He is currently working as a senior editor for Kayak Manual.

    Related Posts

    Best 5 Kayak Racks for Kia Optima

    February 7, 2023
    Read More

    How to do the Kayak Forward Sweep Stroke

    February 7, 2023
    Read More

    6 Popular Kayaking Strokes

    February 6, 2023
    Read More

    Leave A Reply Cancel Reply

    You must be logged in to post a comment.

    AFFILIATE DISCLAIMER

    KayakManual.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. As an Amazon Associate, We earn from qualified purchases.

    ABOUT KAYAK MANUAL

    Kayak Manual is a blog that aims to help aspiring kayakers and canoeists get the most out of their experience. We cover topics such as where to find the best kayaking and canoeing spots, what gear to bring, and safety tips. Our goal is to provide readers with everything they need to know to have a safe and enjoyable time kayaking and canoeing.

    About Kayak Manual

    Kayak Manual is trying to help both beginners and seasoned kayakers to have a great time on the water by providing them with the most comprehensive and up-to-date information available about kayaking.

    We hope that this manual will provide you with all of the information that you need to get started kayaking or to improve your existing skills. In addition, we have included many helpful tips and resources that we hope you will find useful.

    Affiliate Disclaimer

    KayakManual.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. As an Amazon Associate, We earn from qualified purchases.

    Recent Posts
    • Best 5 Kayak Racks for Kia Optima
    • How to do the Kayak Forward Sweep Stroke
    • 6 Popular Kayaking Strokes
    • An Ergonomic Approach to Whitewater Kayaking
    • Low-Brace Techniques for Kayaking
    • Surf Kayak Techniques
    Facebook Twitter Instagram Pinterest
    © 2023 ThemeSphere. Designed by ThemeSphere.

    Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.