I've had good experiences with ball-type nautical compasses mounted on the foredeck of a sea kayak visible and out of the way, even for my aging eyes. It has worked for me in open water passages of up to 26 miles. But a compass doesn't account for the effects of ocean currents.

It helps if your horizon is broken and cluttered, hills, tall trees at a distance, etc. Take a bearing and head for an object which is on or close to your line. The more hills, the better for navigation, although travel may be difficult. The route you will need to follow may have nothing to do with compass bearings.