Written by the 1997 National Outdoor Book Award winner, a veteran kayaking instructor and guide Complete update of a top-selling guide "Strongly recommended" by the Folding Kayaker newsletter Kayaking is the fastest-growing segment of the U.S. boating market

This book is a modern guide to sea kayaking by one of the leading exponents of the sport who is also a highly respected coach in this field. Gordon Brown is a BCU Level 5 sea coach based on the Isle of Skye, Scotland. He shares his knowledge with you in his own succinct humorous style and very visual approach. In this book Gordon covers topics of kayaking history, physiology, boat and paddle dynamics, seamanship and navigation, safety and rescue, weather forecasting, caves, rockhopping and tidal races, expeditions and overnighting, as well as a wealth of tips and resources for the sea paddler. This is a visually stunning book printed on 170gsm silk paper filled with top quality photographs. Over seventy photographs and illustrations help to make this an essential modern manual for the sea kayaker.

The Complete Sea Kayaker’s Handbook is a comprehensive guide to the full sea kayaking spectrum, bringing a fresh approach and a dynamic voice to the subject. Author of the critically acclaimed Sea Kayaking: A Woman’s Guide, Shelley Johnson covers all the bases for beginning to advanced sea kayakers. It’s all here, from selecting the right kayak and gear to preparing and making an extended tour, mastering the strokes, rolls, and exit techniques; navigating; and much more.

Sea Kayaking covers the basics of equipment and technique, including types of paddles and strokes, as well as such essential skills as how to read the weather and the water, how to navigate with and without GPS and how to travel with a group. Still regarded as “the bible” for both new and experienced kayakers after more than thirty years in print. Drawing on his many years of experience paddling in all climates, John Dowd presents practical advice on dealing with potential hazards (from surf to sea ice to sharks), carrying out rescues and planning for long-distance expeditions. New for this edition are hints about digital technologies for planning and navigating while kayak touring as well as lots of tips for outfitting boats, adapting equipment and finessing fishing technique while kayak angling—whether casting and jigging for fun on a day trip or trolling for dinner on a longer expedition. Also fully updated are the sections on managing risk and the inspiring stories of adventure, including Freya Hoffmeister’s record-breaking circumnavigation of Australia and Japanese paddlers’ increasingly challenging trips around the islands and beyond. As a sport, sea kayaking continues to evolve. Once the sport of a very few long-distance paddlers embarking on international expeditions, then the recreational pursuit of many weekend tourers, sea kayaking is now popular with many day trippers as well. As more and more paddlers take to the water—for the day, the weekend or many months, this classic guide continues to be required reading for those seeking adventure on the open ocean.

The most comprehensive manual on how to kayak safely in a wide variety of sea environments--from inland waterways to ocean rock gardens, tide rips, surf zones, and the open ocean. Aimed at beginners through experienced kayakers, this book describes how to deal with hazards, not just avoid them, using real-life, extensively tested techniques proven to work. You'll learn fundamental skills for recovery and rescue, and master safe paddling techniques in ocean conditions. Numerous photos accompany step-by-step descriptions of the Eskimo roll, towing methods, self- and partner-rescues, backup strategies, and group dynamics. The second edition has a fresh chapter on fine-tuning your strokes, which will significantly increase kayaking fun and safety.