Nothing compares to paddling around a lake on a calm, late-spring evening, observing the wildlife and peaceful locale.

Using GPS as a planning, and safety tool lets you relax enjoy the experience more fully.

Pre trip Planning
Marking off hazardous areas to steer clear of when travelling at a rapid pace can be boat-saver and lifesaver.

Navigate miles of logging roads to get to the correct "put-in" site without getting lost.

GPS as a Physical Fitness Tool
Decide your route while with your fitness aims and objectives in mind. Decide what is achievable, what is a challenging enough route (for you and others if you travel with a group), decide where you can take breaks along the way.

Canoers and kayakers can utilize GPS to accurately keep track of the distance they've traveled on water as well as their speed and direction. Decide on your fitness goals and then monitor your progress.

Record points of Interest
Record points of particular interest and beauty along your journey so that you can easily return on future trips.

Coordinate meeting with others
GPS allows you to easily communicate coordinates to companions and other canoers for a rendezvous or end of day celebration.

Easier than Paper Maps
Digital topos show a great deal more detail than black and white river guide maps (although you might want those as a backup).

Using digital maps and GPS on a PDA saves space. Carrying 24"x30" USGS paper maps means juggling 11 separate full sized topo quads.

GPS is Especially Useful for Sea Kayaking
For sea kayakers navigation can sometimes be more of a hassle than it needs to be. A navigational limitation is the low vantage point and consequently close horizon - an effect which is exaggerated even more by any major wave action. Consequently, shore detail can be obscured, and especially on low, relatively featureless shorelines. Hence, aiming points with low level features such as river or creek mouths can be undetectable until one is almost on top of them.

Safety
Avoid getting lost. Finding your way back in the dark, fog, or hard rain and you’ll be glad you brought a GPS receiver. You can paddle into the night with confidence that your receiver will lead the way back to your campsite. Getting lost is not always dangerous but it is a hassle that can be avoided.

If you get into serious trouble, you can use a GPS unit and a two-way radio to communicate your exact position to rescue teams.

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For more GPS and mapping related resources please visit http://www.mightygps.com

MightyGPS.com delivers GPS navigation solutions, maps, and gear at prices below the manufacturer's suggested retail pricing.
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Contributed by: Dave Rogers

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