Iceland By Kayak

In 1976, Nigel Foster had no idea he would attempt to circumnavigate Iceland by kayak the following year. A chance meeting with a well-known expedition kayaker in the Scottish Isles changed all that. While others scoffed, he made plans, using the technology of the day: calling people on rotary dial telephones, visiting public libraries, consulting travel agents, folding letters into envelopes to be stamped and carried to the mail box. Slowly, as Foster learned about Iceland, he began to realize the difficulties ahead. Nobody had circled Iceland by kayak before. So, was it a foolhardy escapade? Possibly, but Foster describes how his earlier adventures made him optimistic. When the small team he first envisions dwindles to two, he has misgivings, but the project seems to take on an energy beyond his control. In June of 1977, he finds himself with Geoff Hunter on the heaving deck of a ferry bound for Iceland with snow dashed mountains rising before them. Despite contrasting personalities, Foster and Hunter have compatible goals. Together, they enrich their adventure, forgoing speed of travel to better experience Iceland. Icelanders welcome them with touching generosity. Their encounters are often outright hilarious. Ashore, the two hike up steaming volcanic peaks, not missing the opportunity to bask in mountain hot springs, or in contrast explore glaciers and ice-filled lakes. They camp on black sand beaches, eat seagulls and puffins, and deal with malfunctioning gear. Afloat, it is the moody ocean that pervades all, with its heaving shore-breaks and numbing chill. Here are towering cliffs, cacophonous seabird colonies, whales, driftwood logs from Siberia, and storm-whipped islands. As they forge ahead, their story becomes interwoven with threads, historical and geological, that enrich the narrative, making it a valuable resource for any traveler to Iceland. This is a story of Iceland as experienced in the 1970s. It reveals the atmosphere and character of the land and people at that time. There is a freshness untouched by high tech, which makes the recounting of this major accomplishment, the first circumnavigation of Iceland by kayak, a delight to read.

What makes travel special? Perhaps the chill realization that a polar bear's eyes are fixed on you. Maybe it is the chance meeting with a man who buries sharks in a beach, only to dig them up months later, not out of morbid curiosity, but for food. Perhaps it is the undulating wing-beat of a dark shell-less gastropod in the canal of a 17th Century French sea port, or the criminal history of a rusting ship with a tree growing from its hold.Encounters in a Kayak brings the reader along on the magical experiences that surround sea kayaking. It’s about the animals, people, and special places around the globe that have grabbed the attention of renowned kayaker and writer Nigel Foster. His irrepressible curiosity drives him to tease out the unexpected stories hidden behind his subjects. These nuggets from around the world are bound together by water and a centuries-old form of sea travel: kayak. The result is a book of broad appeal for those interested in kayaking, traveling, and adventure.

With its colossal glaciers, vast lava flows andthundering waterfalls, Iceland's primordial landscapeawards visitors with unforgettable vistas and incredibletrekking beneath the glowing northern lights. Whetheryou're an outdoor enthusiast, an independent traveller ona budget, or a comfort-seeking tourist, the author showsyou how to do ......

South Africa's best-known adventurer Riaan Manser takes on his toughest – and coldest - challenge ever, to kayak around Iceland accompanied by Dan Skinstad, who suffers from mild cerebral palsy. Confronted by icy seas, raging winter storms and logistical nightmares, the two adventurers overcome daunting obstacles, including coming to terms with how to work together as a team. Around Iceland on Inspiration is a story about courage, friendship, determination and inspiration. It captures the true spirit of adventure and the stark beauty of Iceland. Around Iceland on Inspiration is Riaan's story behind the controversial TV series aired in 2012 and is set to become another best-seller.

Ultimate Adventures: A Rough Guide to Adventure Travel features adventures for all travellers, including “soft” experiences for those testing their bravery levels and extreme adventures for adrenalin junkies, each rated by physical, psychological, skill and wow factor! Whether your appetite for adrenalin takes you to arctic freezes, ocean depths or sweltering deserts, this book will tell you the how, why and when to plan your ultimate adventure. Experienced tour leader and trekker extraordinaire, Greg Witt brings cultural sensitivity and humour, as well as concise practical information. The guide is packed with maps & safety advice and includes information on all the best local guides. Make the most of your time on Earth with this spectacular foray into world adventures.

"A comprehensive guide for those who travel the open waters in the Southern Hemisphere" --

Eastern Arctic Kayaks is the product of years of kayak study by two of the world's experts. Combining analyses of form and function with historical background and illustrations of kayaking techniques, this volume will appeal to recreational kayakers and scholarly readers alike. An excerpt from John Brand's Little Kayak Book series makes this British publication available to American readers for the first time.

This lavishly-illustrated, clearly-written guide to kayaking will have you out on the water fast - and in safety.