Introduction to Wilderness Navigation Purpose: Many outdoor activities are dependent upon the ability to travel in roadless areas with only the aid of map and compass. It is extremely important that search & rescue personnel are expert in this area. This class introduces the student to use of the map and compass in the backcountry, and provides the basic tools for backcountry travel selecting routes & describing locations in a non-urban setting. Format: Class room lectures & labs, with field exercise. (8-10 hours) Skills emphasized: Map reading & interpretation; use of map scales; declination corrections; symbol interpretation; map care; finding and following bearings with a compass; using a compass with a map; fundamentals of terrain interpretation & route selection; describing your location to others; improvised direction-finding. Prerequisites: None
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Getting There: Use the links below to get you to the locations, Street View is quite helpful. Saturday's Location: Half Moon Bay Fire Station, 1191 Main Street Half Moon Bay, CA 94019 Saturday is a classroom day, bring a pen and/or pencil. Course materials will be provided. Downtown Half Moon Bay is nearby if you want fast food, or bring a lunch. Sunday is a field day, we will be on the bluff above the beach. Expect cold, windy weather, maybe wet? Dress accordingly! Bring field lunch items. Bring a mapping compass with a mirror if you have it. Leave your lensatic or military-style compass at home, it will only get in the way and slow you down. We have a limited number of loaners, so this will give you an opportunity to try out our recommended model before you go shopping. Expect to walk a couple of miles. Bring your notes from Saturday and pens and pencils. Course Directors: Rich Sampson and Ken Buscho Send questions and inquiries about this course to training@cal-esar.org, or leave a message on the ESAR Training Status Line at 925-235-0761. |