This program can be taken online or in person.

Course materials can be shipped or picked up in class.

Course Overview: 

The Intermediate Kayak Navigation Course builds on the foundational skills learned in the basic course, introducing advanced navigation concepts to help paddlers confidently plan and manage more complex routes. This 10-week, theory-based program dives deeper into chart work, compass techniques, tidal stream analysis, and marine weather forecasting. Emphasis is placed on integrating these elements to navigate challenging environments, account for drift, and make informed decisions in variable conditions.

Who Is This Course For?

• Paddlers who have completed the Basic Kayak Navigation Course or have equivalent foundational skills.
• Kayakers looking to improve their ability to plan multi-leg routes and navigate in areas influenced by tides, currents, and changing weather.
• Those preparing for extended day trips or future multi-day navigation courses.

Course Structure:

• Duration: 10 weeks (2.5 hours per session).
• Location: Classroom/online-based.
• Format: Interactive lessons, group problem-solving, practical chart exercises, and scenario-based workshops.

Week 1: Review of Foundational Navigation and Weather Skills

• Recap: charts, compass use, tides, currents, and basic weather interpretation.
• Address knowledge gaps from the introductory course.

Week 2: Advanced Chart Reading and Weather Hazards

• Identifying subtle chart features: drying heights, rocks, and tidal zones.
• Weather tie-in: Understanding coastal wind exposure and sheltered areas.
• Practice: Chart exercises analyzing wind-prone routes.

Week 3: Advanced Compass Work and Wind Considerations

• Using back bearings and triangulation.
• Weather tie-in: Adjusting routes for wind direction and speed.
• Practice: Route exercises with compass adjustments for wind.

Week 4: Tidal Streams, Currents, and Weather Interplay

• Advanced tide/current planning: slack water, eddies, and tidal windows.
• Weather tie-in: How wind interacts with tidal flows and wave conditions.
• Practice: Route planning considering tidal and wind interactions.

Week 5: Intermediate Weather Forecasting for Kayakers

• Reading marine weather charts, fronts, and pressure systems.
• Understanding localized weather patterns: wind funnels, coastal fog, and sea breezes.
• Practice: Analyzing real forecasts and predicting weather impacts.

Week 6: Dead Reckoning and Wind/Drift Compensation

• Calculating drift caused by wind and tidal currents.
• Adjusting headings to maintain course.
• Practice: Plotting corrected routes on charts.

Week 7: Trip Planning Workshop: Weather-Integrated Routes

• Multi-variable route planning: charts, tides, currents, and weather forecasts.
• Practice: Planning routes for different weather scenarios.

Week 8: Risk Management and Weather Contingencies

• Recognizing weather-related risks (offshore winds, squalls, fog).
• Creating contingency plans for worsening weather conditions.
• Practice: Developing alternate routes for challenging weather forecasts.

Week 9: Navigation and Weather Case Studies

• Group problem-solving exercises based on multi-day route challenges.
• Analyzing case studies involving unexpected weather changes.

Week 10: Final Assessment and Feedback

• Students present a detailed route plan factoring in charts, tides, currents, and weather.
• Peer discussion and instructor feedback.