Plotting a course means to lay out the course you want to travel on a chart. There are many methods that can be used to plot a course. Three methods will be covered below: using parallel rules, hand compass, and Nav-Aid©). It is easiest to plot your course at home before the trip starts using parallel rules, however, parallel rules can't be used on most kayak decks. The hand compass or Nav-Aid© can be used at sea, as long as the conditions are calm enough to put down your paddle while you plot your course. In rough conditions where you can't put your paddle down, you should raft up with another boat to do your navigation work. In a double kayak, one person can paddle as the other person navigates. Learn all three methods, so you can use the best one for your situation and for the equipment you have at hand.

Parallel Rule Method

This is the preferred method when planing trips at home if you have Parallel rules.

1. Connect a line from the starting place to the finishing place with a straight edge. On the water a hand held compass with a square base (Polaris) substitutes adequately, but is not very precise.
2. Transfer this line to the nearest compass rose. Be careful not to change the angle of the straight edge. This is difficult to do if you are using a straight-edge or ruller as a substitute for a parallel rule. If you have parallel rules, "walk" the rule over to the compass rose.
3. Where the straight edge intersects the center (+) of the compass rose, read the magnetic bearing (inner ring).
4. Add or subtract for current and wind drift.

There are no set rules for figuring out the drift. This knowledge is gained over years of kayaking.