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Camping, Hiking and Outdoor Activities Camping, hiking, and other outdoor activities within. |
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Map & Compass Navigation So Cal
Anyone take a good navigation class in So Cal?
I've seen some on advertised on Calguns, but only up north. I know REI offers them. I've also been eyeing this one from Treks & Tracks in Malibu: http://treksandtracks.com/tt2/product/40 |
#3
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http://www.landnavigation.org/Pages/default.aspx
There are several ones free online, granted you dont get the interaction you are proably looking for, bu thtey are worth a start. Memo |
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Wow, that's a comprehensive website!
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dirttime.com |
#8
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You can get an excellent book (numerous to choose from on the subject) a 7.5 minute topo map of an area you like, compass and learn it yourself!!! It's not hard and you'll save money.
Both of my kids learned it on their own at the age of 12 and 13, by reading and doing. Now it's second nature to them every time we go camping. If you've figured out how to use a smart phone, word or surf the Internet, you can teach yourself how to do land nav with Map & compass.
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It`s funny to me to see how angry an atheist is over a God they don`t believe in.` -Jack Hibbs -ΙΧΘΥΣ <>< |
#9
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The Sierra Club offers navigation training. You can check the main Angeles schedule. I am not sure of where all it is listed, but I am an instructor with one group.
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Kemasa. False signature edited by Paul: Banned from the FFL forum due to being rude and insulting. Doing this continues his abuse. Don't tell someone to read the rules he wrote or tell him that he is wrong. Never try to teach a pig to sing. You waste your time and you annoy the pig. - Robert A. Heinlein |
#10
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+1 on Sierra club. I just finished the WTC with them and they teach some serious advanced micro navigation techniques. It's the meat class. Check out www.WildernessTravelCourse.org it's an amazing class, nothing went without challenge and I was previously experienced before starting the class.
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none of us are as strong as all of us |
#12
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__________________
In memory of Ricky Lee Turner, January 16th 2009 Baghdad Iraq In memory of Rogelio Antonio Ramirez, August 26th 2007 Saqlawiyah Iraq "most people quick to go to war haven't seen it."- unknown Check out my YouTube page http://www.youtube.com/user/DJCBX/videos |
#13
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While WTC has good aspects, there are also issues with it. You can learn a lot, but don't think that you know more than you do, which has been an issue with some students. For example, they also don't teach desert backpacking, which, due to water issues, is different and that can cause some serious problems.
One quote that really showed an issue with WTC is when they has a question and answer format to advertise the class and the question was whether they taught survival skills. The response was that they teach things so that you don't need survival skills. This is extremely stupid and shortsighted. Things happen, such as some people I know were backpacking, stopped and took a break, but their packs fell down a canyon. It took them a day to recover their packs, so they needed to survive until then. Things happen, so no matter what you know, survival skills are needed if you go out into the wilderness (or anywhere else for that matter). Also, I have seen WTC pass fellow WTC members on Nav checkoffs and the person is not qualified. The attitude should be whether you are comfortable with that person taking people out and not getting them lost and possibly killed, not that you are in the same "club" as them. There are Nav training opportunities besides WTC.
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Kemasa. False signature edited by Paul: Banned from the FFL forum due to being rude and insulting. Doing this continues his abuse. Don't tell someone to read the rules he wrote or tell him that he is wrong. Never try to teach a pig to sing. You waste your time and you annoy the pig. - Robert A. Heinlein |
#15
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First off, it's a BASIC MOUNTAINEERING course, it's not a survival class, they won't teach you to make fire with a wood bow, that's not even a confusion. You won't fix a shelter with palm leaves or anything like that. They teach you how to summit mountains and backpack, basically how to TRAVEL in the wilderness, in ALL climates and terrain. The only reason it's a "basic" mountaineering class, because for insurance purposes they do not teach self-arrest with an ice-ax or use of crampons and they do not cover rock climbing with ropes and belay. Second, they absolutely teach desert travel, because our class did an experience trip to Joshua Tree, which is a dry camp. They teach you desert travel, snow travel, what I consider very advanced rock scrambling, we did 15 mile day hikes, we learned show shoes, and snow hiking techniques. They cover nutrition, every aspect of gear, very basic wilderness first aid, environmental awareness- meaning "leave no trace" and VERY advanced navigation techniques. Trust me, the class is difficult. I am 32 years old, in good shape, was raised in the boy scouts and had plenty of camping experience before the class. It was tough. It's long too, it's something like 10-12 weeks + required trips after the course to receive graduation. There are weekly lectures, tests and written homework assignments every week. 100% perfect attendance is required to graduate, so it's a true commitment. On top of the classroom settings there are 4 outings, and they are amazing. Nothing is perfect, it's not the military either, sure if you want to be lazy and not follow the curriculum or be an idiot, you can still pass. You only cheat yourself. The emphasis of the course is SAFETY in the wilderness, so you don't "fall don't fall down a canyon" like the scenario you gave. That story is missing something. The concepts are if you know how to navigate and ALWAYS CARRY THE 10 ESSENTIALS of hiking, you will never be lost or at risk to die. If you act right, you will be prepared. They ingrain the tools required to bring everywhere you go, the survival tools will not be able to be improvised in case of a biouvac. The class is entirely taught by VOLUNTEERS. Nobody is getting paid a dime, and the registration fees only cover your permits and the luxury buses they charter to take you on the trips. The teachers put in alot of hard work and time, all for free. Some teachers are always better than others, and if you got an info lecture about WTC and they didn't give a good sell or answer all your questions, that's unfortunate. The classes always fill up and it's only offered once a year so you can experience both snow and desert climates. Take it or leave it, makes no difference to me. However, I strongly disagree with your statement because you have not taken the class. If you took it, and hated it, I would respect your opinion. You are also giving false information about what the curriculum is. The class is around $300, and the website is www.WildernessTravelCourse.org If anyone wants information on my experience I welcome PM's The best part was I met some very normal people in SoCal with like-minded interests, and many of which became genuine friends. The real fun starts after the class when you begin planning tons of new adventures. It's not about some "club" that notion is absurd, it's the least pretentious people I've ever met. here is exactly what they cover, according to the website: ------------------------------------------------------------- For over 40 years, experienced Sierra Club instructors have taught wilderness skills to thousands of Southern Californians. Each year we instruct several hundred students in small groups with a very high instructor to student ratio that provides plenty of one on one instruction. These small groups remain together for the duration of the class, building a true sense of camaraderie among the students. For many, WTC provides not only valuable skills and knowledge, but also lasting friendships. Take the first step towards a lifetime of wilderness adventures. Sign up today for the Wilderness Travel Course. It just might change your life! Classroom Instruction: During the course, you can expect expert classroom instruction in the following areas: Navigation techniques using map and compass Gear selection including the “must have” ten essentials Clothing selection for various environs from desert to mountains Conditioning to help you prepare for your adventures Minimum impact camping to insure that you protect the areas you visit Safety issues while traveling in the desert or mountains Basic wilderness first aid to handle common ailments and situations Backpacking food that is light, packable, nutritious, and enjoyable Hands-On Outings: You will also receive hands-on field instruction in both desert and mountain locations that cover the following skills: Field navigation exercises in real world situations Determining the best off trail routes Basic rock maneuvers and techniques Selecting and setting up campsites Reading snow conditions to avoid avalanche danger Use of snowshoes in winter travel (snow shoes are provided by the WTC) Building of emergency shelters How to make water safe to drink Safety: Gain the knowledge and skills to be safe in the backcountry Protect yourself from nature’s dangers Stay warm and safe in extreme weather conditions Travel safely in snow Understand high altitude acclimatization Learn from highly-experienced instructors Maximize Your Dollars: Invest your recreation money wisely Minimize your expenses by learning to buy the right gear Discover inexpensive weekend getaways Receive low-cost training and experience from a respected organization Receive discounts from outdoor retailers Challenge and Adventure: Attain new summits of your own potential Experience the freedom of the wilderness Leave the trail and the crowds behind Learn basic rock scrambling at Joshua Tree Feel the rush from summiting High Sierra peaks Backpack with confidence Fun and Friends: Share fun times and make new friends Meet new hiking partners Explore secluded mountain lakes Share stories and food around the campfire Comfort: Learn to travel, eat, and sleep more comfortably in any climate Keep your feet warm and comfortable Eat appetizing meals when backpacking Understand the many fabric types Lighten your pack Sleep comfortably in the wilderness Stay Warm in snow
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none of us are as strong as all of us |
#16
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No course is perfect, but you could do a lot worse than the WTC. I'm sure that the vast majority of students finish the course with far greater skills & experience than when they started.
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#17
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Last edited by D.carden; 05-10-2013 at 3:00 PM.. |
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They do teach you to love Goretex :-). Quote:
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Things happen in the real world. Quote:
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I have heard false information from WTC instructors as well. It is not about hating it, but it is about teaching an attitude which is extremely dangerous and you supported that by your own words.
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Kemasa. False signature edited by Paul: Banned from the FFL forum due to being rude and insulting. Doing this continues his abuse. Don't tell someone to read the rules he wrote or tell him that he is wrong. Never try to teach a pig to sing. You waste your time and you annoy the pig. - Robert A. Heinlein |
#20
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No, not at all. I have a serious concern that the attitude that you learned could get people killed. You really should give quite a bit of thought to what you said and realize that if you really believe this, that you have a serious problem:
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Do you really need stories of real life where things happened and the person did not survive because they did not have simple survival skills? Oh, I know, a bear will never destroy your camp when you on a day hike. Do you know of anyone who has died in the wilderness? You could address the other issues I raised, but I suspect you have nothing, which is why you responded how you did. Oh, with respect to Jtree, was that just the Nav training? Or was it a backpack?
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Kemasa. False signature edited by Paul: Banned from the FFL forum due to being rude and insulting. Doing this continues his abuse. Don't tell someone to read the rules he wrote or tell him that he is wrong. Never try to teach a pig to sing. You waste your time and you annoy the pig. - Robert A. Heinlein |
#21
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We have an upcoming class June 1st-2nd in Marin. Let us know if you have any questions. Thanks!
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Robert Green DownRange Paramedic / Medical Training Director http://downrange.net/ https://www.facebook.com/pages/Downr...3379326?ref=hl rgreen@downrange.net |
#22
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The joshua tree trip is a combination exercise in navigation, backpacking, and rock scrambling, now goodbye. Try spending your energy in building something positive instead of being Mr. Negative. To the OP, I apologize for any digression of your thread, another option to learn some navigation techniques in SoCal is this:http://losangelesorienteering.org I've never been to an event so I won't chime in on it being good or bad, but it looks interesting!
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none of us are as strong as all of us |
#23
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Quite making things up just to try to defend your foolish position.
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It is another lie from you that it is a troll, nor was I talking about bivouacs or doomsday prepping. I quoted you a WTC statement in which they said that you don't need survival skills if you take their course, which is completely false. Quote:
You are a fool if you think that I am being Mr. Negative. That is really just a personal attack because you have nothing else. I am pointing out a dangerous attitude which can cause serious problems and perhaps death. Your own words confirm that. I am spending my energy in doing something positive, which is to ensure that people understand reality and don't just buy into the Cult mentality. Clearly, you have drunk the koolaid. As I said, WTC teaches some good skills, but it is not all that they claim it is and the attitude is dangerous. I do see that you don't want to address your own statements :-).
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Kemasa. False signature edited by Paul: Banned from the FFL forum due to being rude and insulting. Doing this continues his abuse. Don't tell someone to read the rules he wrote or tell him that he is wrong. Never try to teach a pig to sing. You waste your time and you annoy the pig. - Robert A. Heinlein |
#24
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Wow this thread really crashed and burned.
__________________
In memory of Ricky Lee Turner, January 16th 2009 Baghdad Iraq In memory of Rogelio Antonio Ramirez, August 26th 2007 Saqlawiyah Iraq "most people quick to go to war haven't seen it."- unknown Check out my YouTube page http://www.youtube.com/user/DJCBX/videos |
#26
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http://www.christophernyerges.com/schedule.htm
Orienteering Class. something cheap to get U started:-) |
#27
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To protect your topo, go to Von's, Ralph's, Albertons, (whatever) and buy a roll of clear shelving paper. Lay out your flat map on a table and laminate it with the clear shelving paper. The clear shelving paper is very soft and pliable (unlike true heat laminated material), thus allowing for easily folding the map. Shelving paper is very strong and durable, almost like a flexible vinyl surface. It's also water proof and non glaring with the sun (unlike heat lamination). You'll find it sold in rolls, usually on the aisle that carries pots and pans etc, or kitchen cleansers. If you can, do the shelving paper (comes on a big roll) on a flat smooth surface, or a piece of glass works best. Ten use an Xacto type knife to cut off the excess along the edges. I have maps now that are 20+ years old that I used the shelving paper idea in. It's not necessary to laminate the back side, but you can if you want total water proofing. For simply durability, laminating just the front is suffice.
__________________
It`s funny to me to see how angry an atheist is over a God they don`t believe in.` -Jack Hibbs -ΙΧΘΥΣ <>< |
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#30
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Joash, yes I am.
Land Nav is one of my more popular courses. We cover a lot of material: colors of a map major and minor terrain features declination leapfrogging biangulation and triangulation terrain association boxing pace counting etc. then there is a custom course set out to test your newly acquired skills. It is challenging as you navigate around obstacles to reach your waypoints. here are some pics http://www.meetup.com/Outdoor-Self-R...162/#232105572 http://www.meetup.com/Outdoor-Self-R...otos/13488782/
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dirttime.com |
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