Bushwalk Australia

I'm hoping someone can point me in the right direction of quality navigational courses (paid) that will teach remote area nav skills? Land nav is required, but sea is also welcome to pave the way for a bit more paddling.

My nav skills have done me well over the years, but I have a few future trips I'm training up for that will require some additional skillsets.

My trips are mostly bike related, however when the trail ends or terrain/conditions deteriorate, then the walk begins.

I'm in Brisbane. I know I could join a walking club and learn from there - but I just don't think that's fair or respectful to the club and the members, so I'm happy to pay for legitimate, experienced instruction.

TIA.

I'm not sure what you are after learning - eg the use of sextants etc to work out your position? The usual bushwalking type navigation (using map and compass) is easy to learn from books or websites, and could be summarised in about half a page. A gps can be a bit complicated to work at first (eg figuring out which units to use) - but if you have one with a map on it - then things are very easy.

What is a worry, when you get out in the bush in a remote place, and someone pulls out a compass and map, and then after a pause asks "is it the red or blue end of the compass that points north?"

Dave

DaveNoble wrote:What is a worry, when you get out in the bush in a remote place, and someone pulls out a compass and map, and then after a pause asks "is it the red or blue end of the compass that points north?"

Hey! I didn't know we've been walking together?

Have a look here:http://members.ozemail.com.au/~aburke/navigation.html
HTH,
Dave.

I think its more the finer points and technical aspects I'm drawn to. Sextant? No, not that far, and GPS might not always be possible (extreme cold arctic environment), offtrack in low visibility/whiteout/nighttimes/featureless desert or open ocean.

In my job I always seek formal instruction to learn correct methods from masters of their craft, I follow the same approach for my recreation. I know books are a great reference source, but I still like the formal approach.

Thanks for the link there Dave.

Do you have any local rogaining groups? Rogaining is a great environment to practice navigation in.