Taking a Bearing
Hand Compass Method
For use if you have an orienteering type of compass like the Silva Polaris.
- Hold the compass up to eye level and aim the compass at the point you would like the reading for.
- Rotate the compass housing until the magnetic needle is parallel with the orienting arrow on the compass housing.
- Read the direction from the compass by the degree arrow (marked "Read Bearing here").
- Add or subtract the variation, if the compass is not calibrated to do so.
To take a bearing with a handheld compass, follow the three easy steps outlined above. Then adjust for variation, wind and current.
Deck Compass Method
For use if you have a deck mounted marine compass like the Sailor II or Silva 70P.
- Rotate your kayak around until it is pointed toward the point you would like the reading for.
- Read the bearing off the compass.
This method is inconvenient because you have to swing your kayak off course each time you need a bearing. Its advantage is that you don't need to put your paddle down, as in the hand compass method.