Extreme Sea Kayaking

A guide to sea kayaking in surf and along rocky coastlines in extreme weather conditions. Anecdotes and photographs of spectacular situations are included.

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.

This riveting book offers 20 harrowing, real-life tales of sea kayaking accidents that will not only keep readers on the edge of their seats, but also instruct them with potentially life-saving lessons.

In this elegant and exciting collection Andrew Todhunter, himself an extreme sportsman and the author of the critically acclaimed Fall of the Phantom Lord, takes readers along as men and women push themselves to their limits in the world’s riskiest sports. In several of these essays Todhunter writes from personal experience, joining his subjects as they free fall from cliffs, wriggle through narrow underground crevices, and dive deep beneath the ice of a frozen lake. In these adrenaline-laced accounts of extreme sportsmanship, Todhunter captures not only the thrill of conquest but the deep pleasure of being someplace few others have gone as well.

Horrific car accidents, the Bali bombing, too many sausages ... Sean Smith survived them all. This is one man's story of his journey back to health and fitness and recapturing his passion for life....

A stunningly illustrated book detailing the world′s most breathtaking on–water adventures Whether it′s paddling down mountain chasms or exploring rugged coastlines, navigating a canoe or kayak counts as one of life′s indescribable joys. And in this memorable collection of 100 extraordinary on–water experiences, armchair adventurers and avid water sport enthusiasts are given a taste of canoeing and kayaking in every climate, condition, and geographical location. From the frozen wastes of North America, the rivers and seas of Europe and Asia, to the stunning waters of the Far East and Australasia, each paddle stroke is brought to life. With something for everyone—from the white water adrenalin junkie to the extreme sea kayaker—Ultimate Canoe and Kayak Adventures offers true–life adventurers useful, detailed information telling you exactly how, where, and when to attempt any on–water expedition yourself. The three co-authors are highly experienced paddlers from both sides of the Atlantic. Eugene Buchanan is editor-in-chief of Paddling Life, Jason Smith is editor of Canoe & Kayak UK while James Weir is a prize-winning paddler and journalist who still leads extreme paddling expeditions worldwide. Striking full–page photographs are matched with lively text that bring 100 adventures to life Offering a rare, inside look at living the life of adventure in every climate and latitude, this spectacular album of memorable canoeing and kayaking experiences is an ideal gift and a must for those who wish they′d been there—and those who already have.

In the summer of 1987 Ed Gillet achieved what no person has accomplished before or since, a solo crossing from California to Hawaii by kayak. Gillet, at the age of 36 an accomplished sailor and paddler, navigated by sextant and always knew his position within a few miles. Still, Gillet underestimated the abuse his body would take from the relentless, pounding, swells of the Pacific, and early into his voyage he was covered with salt water sores and found that he could find no comfortable position for sitting or sleeping. Along the way he endured a broken rudder, among other calamities, but at last reached Maui on his 63rd day at sea, four days after his food had run out. Dave Shively brings Gillet’s remarkable story to life in this gripping narrative, based on exclusive access to Gillet’s logs as well as interviews with the legendary paddler himself.