Another essential accessory for sea kayakers is
a good kayak compass. Without a compass you're paddling blind on
the water, and the best navigational charts in the world won't be
worth the paper they're printed on. Marine charts are made to be
used with marine compasses and magnet bearings. These charts show
the magnetic variation on the compass rose, allowing the sea
kayaker to navigate using magnetic directions only.
Kayak compasses come in two types: deck-mounted
or hand held. Many touring kayaks come with a deck mounted compass
already installed. The better of these compasses are liquid filled
to slow the movement and make them easier to read on a bouncing
kayak. Hand-held kayak compasses are also available, and are
usually used as companions to their deck-mounted cousins.
Puck-style hand held compasses--where the paddler takes a bearing
by looking down the sight of the compass--are particularly well
suited for marine use.
If your kayak isn't equipped with a deck-mounted
compass, you'll want to add one. Attach the compass along the
center line of the foredeck, at a distance that will be easy to
read. Heavy-duty Velcro is a great material for holding down your
kayak compass, and allows the compass to be removed if needed. If
you use an adhesive, make sure it won't harm your boat's hull
material. When in doubt, check with your dealer or outfitter.
Need a New Touring Kayak?
Is that trusty old touring kayak getting a
little long in the tooth? Are you finding it harder and harder to
keep up with your paddling companions? Are you finding that your
current boat just doesn't have the storage capacity for those
long, multi-day excursions? Or are you in the market for your
first sea or touring kayak?
If so, you might consider purchasing your next
boat from one of the online merchants. Retail paddling shops are
great if you can find one, but most only carry one or two brands,
and expect to pay the full retail price. Online merchants, on the
other hand, often carry several brands and dozens of touring and
recreational kayaks, and usually at very competitive prices. They
have secure ordering systems, good warranty and return policies,
and will ship virtually anywhere in the world. And you won't have
to spend a weekend driving all over town in search of that perfect
new boat.
If you've got a moment, check out one of our
recommended merchants. You'll be pleasantly surprised at what you
find.
Touring
kayaks from Backcountry.com
Shop Backcountry.com for a great selection
of name brand touring kayaks, including Perception and
Dagger.
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