SoCal REI Stores Offer Classes
Just recently I invested in a high quality handheld GPS unit. I have a couple of friends who are going to help me set up the maps and show me the best ways to use it. Reading the instruction manual got me to thinking, where could I go to learn how to do some of this stuff on my own? After an online search and an email I found that REI offers a few classes that would benefit any DIY bowhunter. (There may be other stores and classes being offered in the area. If you know of any, please share!) There is a fee for most of these classes, but the instructors need to get paid and I am sure the information is very helpful. There are a few that are free. Yes, I said FREE. Check the REI website for more details.
There are many classes and events listed. I have posted links to each store local to me below, so be sure to check the ones in your area. If you are interested in getting together and going to one, let me know. I am going to attend the Pack Light and one of the GPS classes. You can register directly from the REI website. I am only posting four classes that that I think might benefit we DIY bowhunters in the field. Each store offers plenty more, so if you want to see the full list, go here:
Huntington Beach REI – www.rei.com/stores/88
Santa Ana REI – www.rei.com/stores/17
At the Huntington Beach REI:
4/6/2010 – 6:30 PM PDT
Class investment: REI Members $30, Non-members $50
- Learn the basics of how to read a map and compass in this interactive and hands-on class. Our professional navigation instructors will teach you features of a map, how to identify your position and plan routes. Maps and compasses provided, bring your own if you prefer.
4/8/2010 – 7:00 PM PDT
Class investment: FREE
- Getting ready for a trip has never been easier, let REI show you how to pack for adventure travel and backpacking ultra light.
4/20/2010 – 6:30 PM PDT
Class investment: REI Members $30, Non-members $50
- Learn about the online tools available for GPS users. Working with various software tools, you will learn how to load maps and waypoints, create a trip and download it to a GPS. This class is a must for all GPS users wanting to integrate interactive mapping software to improve their trip planning!
5/29/2010 – 9:00 AM PDT
Class investment: REI Members $45, Non-members $65
- On this course You’ll learn to read map contour lines and translate them to the actual terrain. With your compass we’ll teach you about magnetic north, true north and declination. Then we’ll put it all together to pinpoint your location and plan your route.
At the Santa Ana REI:
4/18/2010 – 9:00 AM PDT
Class investment: REI Members $45, Non-members $65
- On this course You’ll learn to read map contour lines and translate them to the actual terrain. With your compass we’ll teach you about magnetic north, true north and declination. Then we’ll put it all together to pinpoint your location and plan your route.
4/21/2010 – 7:00 PM PDT
Class investment: FREE
- Getting ready for a trip has never been easier, let REI show you how to pack for adventure travel and backpacking ultra light.
I am constantly learning and I am a technology lover. If you have any suggestions or know where other classes like these are being held, please share them. There are quite a few bowhunters out there that would truly benefit from some hands-on demonstration and instruction. I know because I am one of them.
Thanks for the great information! We have a GPS we bought 2 years ago that is sitting in a drawer because we gave up trying to figure it out!I really like your site… a great place for DIY hunters!
Thanks, Suzee. I enjoy yours as well. I want to be able share all aspects of DIY hunting with everyone. Any info we can all share will just make the experience that much better!