Basic Essentials: Sea Kayaking (2nd Edition)

A concise instruction book for beginners and a handy review guide for experienced paddlers, The Basic Book of Sea Kayaking is a must for anyone drawn to the sport of sea kayaking. Derek C. Hutchinson whittles his forty years of experience into five easy-to-understand chapters, covering the fundamentals of this exciting paddlesport. Fifty-plus detailed color illustrations show you how to perform key maneuvers, from the forward paddling stroke to the Eskimo roll. Whether kayaking for exercise, outdoor exploration, or pure fun, this book covers everything you need to know, including: choosing the right kayak and paddle; proper clothing, footwear, and equipment; the lowdown on how to load and launch your boat; tips on basic kayaking strokes; detailed explanations of rescue and capsize procedures; understanding the effect of tides and weather, and much more! Derek C. Hutchinson is the leading international authority on sea kayaking, and has been designated as senior coach in the British Canoe Union. He travels extensively in North America and Europe, lecturing and teaching. He is also the author of four kayaking books and has led numerous sea kayaking expeditions.

The most comprehensive canoeing techniques book ever is now available for the first time in paperback. Illustrated with 600 full-color photographs, this wide-ranging book is designed with both beginner and seasoned canoeists in mind. Gary & Joanie McGuffin, North America's most celebrated canoeing couple, discuss issues rarely covered in other how-to guides, such as developing fitness and balance. The book offers first-hand, experience-based instruction on outfitting, reading the river, paddling strokes for all flatwater and whitewater conditions, advanced turns and maneuvers, portaging, safety and rescue techniques - even how to tie a canoe on your vehicle. Recommended by both the American Canoe Association and Paddle Canada, Paddle Your Own Canoe features: - Canoeist's vocabulary - Selecting the right canoe - Selecting the right paddle - Portaging techniques - Self-rescue techniques - Solo whitewater spins - Complete flatwater techniques - Complete whitewater techniques