Giving students an opportunity to practice skills in a controlled environment helps ensure proper technique and gives students the opportunity to gain confidence with their new skills before applying them in an open water environment. This method of instruction has proven to be very effective and is why it's an industry standard. However, controlled environments are not limited to watery environments only. A very effective way of teaching divers to navigate by compass is by practicing in a parking lot or on the beach. Any area or location with plenty of space to walk a fair distance can be used effectively for teaching and practicing this basic and very important skill.
I like to start by orienting them to proper compass use and familiarity with the different parts of the compass, i.e. the dial, lubber line, etc. Once everyone is comfortable with the compass and can turn their bodies in the correct direction/heading, I then have them practice counting their paces to reach approximate distances. I have them simulate kick cycles with their paces. In addition, we also talk about using time to measure distance and discuss other methods for measuring distances as well, and once they demonstrate consistency walking and counting so many paces to reach an approximate distance, we tie it all together in simulated dive.
A great way to help them learn to trust the compass is to have students place a beach towel over their heads so they can’t see where they are going, yet are still able to read the compass. Have another student or assistant walk beside the student using the compass to ensure they don’t get tripped up or run into anything while practicing their compass use. After every student has had an opportunity to navigate various patterns making both left hand and right hand turns coming within 5ft of their starting point, they are now ready to test their new skills under water. Again, you can add more fun by having a contest over who can navigate back closest to the starting point. Include prizes and other recognition to make the competition more exciting.
