Sea Kayaking Basic Essentials

An information-packed tool for the novice or handy reference for the veteran. Distills years of knowledge in an affordable and portable book.

Paddle the coasts of far-reaching continents. Photograph sea wildlife at a close distance. Introduce family and friends to a fascinating and vigorous sport. Avoid dangerous habits. Customize your sea kayak for touring excursions. Maximize your enjoyment without sacrificing your safety. Minimize your limitations. Make packing uncomplicated.

An information-packed tool for the novice or handy reference for the veteran. Distills years of knowledge in an affordable and portable book.

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.

A practical guide that will help you to master the skills needed to manoeuvre a sea kayak efficiently. For beginner and intermediate paddlers. Doug draws on his personal and coaching experience to help the reader master sea kayak handling skills and techniques. Accurate sequential photos and simple concise language make the descriptions easy to follow and understand. The foundation skills of posture, connectivity (how your body is connected to the kayak), power transfer and learning to 'feel' how the boat responds, are explored initially. The author then goes on to tackle forward paddling, keeping the kayak on course, reverse paddling, edging, turning on the spot, forward turns on the move, reverse turns on the move, stern rudders, moving sideways, support strokes, and the use of skegs and rudders. Sea Kayak Handling is recommended as support material for the British Canoe Union 3 and 4 Star (Sea) awards. (The 1 star is a novice 'encouragement' award, the 2 star covers basic generic kayak skills, the 3 star basic/intermediate sea specific skills and experience, and the 4 star covers intermediate sea specific skills and leadership in moderate conditions).

Combines the logic of a lesson plan with the grace of informality to teach the essence of kayaking.

The official word on kayaking basics from the American Canoe Association, the nation's most respected authority on paddling, Essentials of Kayak Touring and Essentials of River Kayaking provide beginning paddlers with everything they need to enjoy a safe kayak outing. Beginning with instructions on how to be safe in the water, including proper use of equipment, preparing for cold, wind, and waves, and learning basic skills such as how to maintain their balance, these texts provide thorough information for those just starting to paddle. Find out how to select a kayak, proper lifting and carrying techniques, and how to launch it into the water. With well-written text and illustrations, learn all the basic strokes and maneuvers and important rescue techniques. Appendices include a glossary of kayaking terms and a list of resource organizations. Paddling safely requires, above all, the exercise of good judgment. And part of developing good judgment is understanding the challenges and hazards inherent in any situation and one's own ability to meet them.

The official word on river kayaking basics from the American Canoe Association, the nation's most respected authority on paddling, Introduction to River Kayaking provides beginning paddlers with everything they need to enjoy a safe kayak outing. With an emphasis on safety and kayak handling technique, Introduction to River Kayaking is the primary learning text for beginning kayakers, and for experienced kayakers who want to revisit the vital basics of river kayaking. Paddling safely requires, above all, the exercise of good judgment. And part of developing good judgment means understanding the challenges and hazards inherent in any situation and one's own ability to meet them. What are the Essentials of River Kayaking? - Safety - to safely paddle on rivers up through Class I, perform self-rescue, and respond to emergencies - Enjoyment - to become aware of paddling opportunities and the rewards of lifetime participation in paddling - Skills - to acquire the ability to safely and enjoyably paddle on Class I rivers Essentials of River Kayaking features: Real-life paddling scenarios The latest in kayaking safety and technology Illustrations and photographs of essential gear, boats, strokes, maneuvers, and rescue techniques Review questions and answers designed for the ACA's Essentials of River Kayaking course Detailed glossary of terms and important waterway safety information.