Land Navigation: Fundamentals

Taught by Australian Special Forces veterans, this course will give you the essential tools to expand your horizons and come back safe. Land Navigation Fundamentals is a two-day course packed with information and activities, including practical application of learned skills through navigation exercises. With no prerequisite level of fitness or experience needed, the course is suited to anyone interested in learning about or improving their skill in land navigation. Don’t be dissuaded if you already have navigation experience, as the small group format means the content can be tailored to you. Numbers are strictly limited to a maximum of 6 people*, so book now!

Land Navigation Fundamentals runs from approximately 8am to 6pm on a Saturday and 6am to 8pm on a Sunday (inclusive of breaks), with the general plan for each day as follows:

Day 1 – Navigation Essentials

We cover the fundamentals of navigation theory in the morning, followed by static navigation in the afternoon. Theory topics include:

• Map reading
• Bearings/back bearings
• Grid-to-magnetic bearing conversions
• Measuring distance
• Route planning and the nav’ data sheet

Static navigation topics include:

• Shooting bearings
• Relating the map to the ground
• Re-sections

Day 2 – Applied Fundamentals

The second day mainly involves navigating from point to point, to consolidate the learning of the previous day. This begins with route planning, covering topics including:

• Map appreciation
• Plotting navigation routes
• Filling a nav’ data sheet

The active navigation exercises that follow include cross-country navigation and applying tips and tricks such as ‘aiming off’.

Location & Transport

Pick up and drop off from major transport hubs is included in the ticket price. However, this does not include airport transfers unless on the same day as the start or finish of the course, and by prior arrangement.

Exact locations for all activities are to be confirmed closer to the event date, but will be north and west of Sydney within 2–2.5 hours’ drive of the airport.

Meals

A cut lunch is provided for each day, so please specify any dietary requirements on the personal details form that will be sent to you before the course. Breakfast, dinner and snacks throughout the day are the responsibility of the individual.

Accommodation

The course is run in locations to the north of Sydney, so if you’re travelling to attend, we recommend that you seek accommodation around the North Shore or Northern Beaches area of Sydney. We also recommend obtaining accommodation for the Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights (note: all accommodation is the responsibility of the individual).

If planning to fly in or out on the Saturday or Sunday respectively, please keep in mind that the course starts at 8am on the Saturday and may not finish until 8pm on the Sunday evening. This does not include up to 2 hours travel time back to Sydney airport.

Equipment

We recommend that you bring the following:

1. Comfortable, loose-fitting clothing suitable for cross-country hiking
2. Sturdy, comfortable, closed-toe shoes. Worn-in hiking shoes or boots are recommended but sneakers/running shoes will suffice
3. Hat and sunglasses
4. A daypack of at least 15 litres capacity
5. 2 litres of water
6. Snacks as required
7. A compass**
8. A small notebook and pencil (retractable Pacer-type recommended)
9. A Gore-Tex jacket or similar

Topographic maps, a clipboard and any other supplies required for navigation will be provided.

PLUS, our early-bird special includes a free tactical pen worth $49.95 and KEF cap worth $35 – CLICK HERE to secure your place! ***

* To organise a private group course, contact us.

** For those needing to purchase a compass, we recommend the Silva Expedition model or, for military personnel, the deluxe version. Please advise if you require a loan compass, as we only have a limited quantity.

*** Use the code ‘earlybird’ when booking before 1 October 2020