Land Navigation Fundamentals – Sydney

Taught by Australian Special Forces veterans, Kinetic’s Land Navigation Fundamentals is a two-day, entry-level course. With no prerequisite level of fitness or experience needed, this course is suited to anyone interested in learning about or improving their skill inland navigation. This should not dissuade those with some background in navigation, as the small group size allows us to tailor the content to suit you. Numbers are limited to 6 per course, so get in quick (or to request a larger group, contact info@kefgroup.com).

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

Day 1 – Essentials

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

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

Static navigation topics include:

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

Day 2 – Applied Navigation

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’ datasheet

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

Locations & 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 8 am on the Saturday and may not finish until 8 pm 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.

* Please advise if you require a loan compass as we only have a limited quantity. For recommendations on purchasing a compass, see Kinetic Fighting’s event page.

** Minimum age 15, if accompanied by a parent or guardian. A 16–17-year-old may attend independent of an adult with parent/guardian's permission.