Book Description

Customer Reviews (2)

The Only Solo Canoe Book to Buy
This is a great book for anyone who has or is thinking of buying a solo canoe. There are decided design and paddling differences between solo and tandem canoes and Cliff Jacobson covers most of these differences well. He begins telling his own history of using and building solo canoes since 1973 and gives an enthusiastic declaration for paddlingsolo canoes.
Choosing, tuning and outfitting the solo canoe are thoroughly covered as well as paddle strokes from the midpoint of your canoe. There is a chapter by Harry Roberts on "sit and switch" paddling with a bent shaft paddle and another chapter on freestyle technique by Charlie Wilson. These 2 chapters are alone easily worth the modest price of the book. There is included a short chapter on quick water techniques in a solo canoe. Solo Canoeing also covers camping and portaging the solo canoe and finishes up with sources for canoes and gear as well as a great index and glossary.
This is about the only readily available book on just solo canoeing and it is a really good guide to the nuances and pleasures of paddling solo. I hope to see the author expand this book in a third edition in the future and include a more comprehensive history of solo canoes from the time of the small native canoes (what we call rat boats in Alaska) to the time of Rushton and George Sears in the 19th century. Some of Mr. Jacobson's other books, like "Expedition Canoeing" have a chapter on solo canoes, but this is by far the most comprehensive treatment of the rediscovered and still evolving solo canoe.

Slim volume packed with good information
To acquire the knowledge and insight that Cliff Jacobson reveals in "Solo Canoeing" would take a lifetime of experience. Save yourself some time and buy this little gem of a book. He covers all the basics:How to buy, equip, paddle, care for and enjoy a solo canoe.Jacobson has been canoeingfor almost 50 years and has been writing about it for 30. His accumulatedwisdom of the canoeing sport is vast, yet he is able to condense this downto the knowledge you will need to enjoy this sport. He includes a valuableappendix of suppliers who make the products he recommends in his book. Iown several of Jacobson's books. Each one has delivered valuableinformation that was new and useful to my outdoor adventuring. ... Read more

Book Description

Customer Reviews (2)

A Word of Warning
This is indeed THE guide to paddling in the western Carolinas, but it contains one extremely important error:the put-in listed for the Upper Green (class III) is actually the put-infor the Narrows (class V).

Thetrue put-in for the Upper Green is just below the Tuxedo power plant; thetake-out is what Benner mistakenly describes as the put-in.

This is THE book
on North Carolina white water.There are a number of regional white waterguide books, and while they can be more helpful in some ways, they are notnearly so comprehensive.Benner has got it all.If it's in NC or SC andit's whitewater, then it's in there.The Caveat:Bob Benner is the oldschool author of most of the book.His son, David, is from the more elitehair-head generation.This means that the rivers rated by David are on adifferent scale from those rated by Bob.The good news: careful readingwill reveal the difference between Bob's description's and David's. ... Read more

Book Description

Customer Reviews (2)

Excellent instructional tool...
I've been looking for a book to help me get started in this new sport and now I've found it...Great discriptions of the skill and equipment necessary to get started. A must have for all those intrested in learning SurfKayaking!!

Excellent instructional tool...
I've been looking for a book to help me get started in this new sport and now I've found it...Great discriptions of the skill and equipment necessary to get started. A must have for all those intrested in learning Surkkayaking!! ... Read more

Book Description
This is a book for beginners going out on the water for the first time. It includes practical advice on where and when to paddle, clothing and equipment needed for safety and comfort, and how to prepare the body with fitness training. ... Read more

Book Description

Customer Reviews (1)

Will never be on the bookshelf
I just recently discovered this book when a friend loaned it to me, and I can't wait to order my copy.This is a nice reference book that will stay on my coffee table from April to September.I do a lot of canoeing/fishing on the rivers in the summer, and this book has already led me to a lot of great floats that I didn't know about, even though I'm a native West Virginian.It's not going to tell you what to expect around every bend, but it does list the more notable areas of each river, including the dangers and problems you may encounter.

The first section of the book has basic information on canoeing and kayaking, terms and definitions, dealing with locals, phone numbers and other sources of information, and more (Much of this is written in a humorous way, reminding me somewhat of Pat McManus).

The book then lists each river basin, and after a short description of the area and a little history, it breaks it up into sections.The layout for each section is as follows:

1.TABLE - Contains capacities and ratings of the section including rapid classes, river gradient, water volume, scenery rating, time of trip, and river level.

2.MAPS - List of the names of the USGS maps and county maps that cover the section area.

3.DESCRIPTION - Describes the river, the scenery, and any other noteworthy aspects of the trip.

4.DIFFICULTIES - Notes any dangerous areas or other problems you may encounter along the way.

5.SHUTTLE - Suggests put-in and take-out spots or if there are any shuttle services provided.

6.GAUGE - Notes locations of river level gauges, phone numbers to call for river level information, or just basic references to gauge the level of the river for navigability.(I especially like this.Many times it goes something like, "If there are three stones showing on the so-and-so bridge, you should have no problems from point A to point B."This is nice since so many of our rivers have isolated sections that are nearly impossible to scout.)

If you live in West Virginia and want to canoe or kayak, or if you are planning a trip here for some river sports, this book is a great buy for the money. ... Read more

Book Description
500+ easy-to-digest tips for making sea kayaking safer and more enjoyable

Drawn in part from the popular "Tips" column appearing in Sea Kayaker magazine, SEA KAYAKER’S SAVVY PADDLER arms novice and expert paddlers alike with helpful, tested-and-refined-in-the-field advice. The tips and techniques are inventive, yet head-smackingly simple: for example, convert an old CD into a signal mirror; use a drinking straw to suck the air from bread bags to add days of freshness. These great ideas are complemented by practical discussions of such things as how to pack a kayak for a multi-day trip, lists of essential touring items, advice on choosing the best paddling boat or partner, recipes for quick meals on the water or in camp, and much more. Tips are organized into sections for ease of access:

* Major purchases
* Outfitting
* Navigation and safety
* Food, clothing and shelter
* Health and fitness ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Essential Reference for Seakayakers
As a kayak instructor, I highly recommend you purchase this book and keep it handy to read and review on a regular basis.It is not only great for beginners but also seasoned paddlers.One of the most overwhelming aspects of this sport is figuring out what gear you really need - especially when you see the price tags in all the "gucci" paddling stores these days.Doug Alderson brings kayaking back to basics by giving you hints on how you can enhance your kayaking kit with things from around the house or the dollar store.His tips are usually so simple they're ingenious.(Did you know that when Doug isn't paddling he's a high school industrial arts teacher?).Moreover, his advice on how to plan a trip, stay safe, and have a hassle free camping experience are by far the best I've seen, a testament to Doug's vast seakaying experience.I use this book as one of my main instructing references since students often ask me questions that are well covered in this book.The more I read it, the more I appreciate how much thought went into each paragraph and illustration.

random observations about kayaking
This is a collection of suggestions rather than a systematic discussion, not worth the money or time.

confidence and knowledge for even the newest paddlers
I started paddling just 2 months ago and bought this book before my first venture on the water. After reading it I felt like I had a basic idea of the kinds of things that could happen to me and what I could do about them. It contains advice from many experienced paddlers who want to help you avoid their mistakes and have a great time paddling. Being new to the sport I didn't even know what questions to ask - this book covers topics I hadn't even thought about. It gives advice on the best fabric choices in clothes for the weather, what to pack on the boat, what to have waiting for you at the end of your trip (hot cocoa among other things), how to tie some basic knots, how to scare bears away, how to pee without leaving the kayak (valuable information for women - like me). It's interesting, fun to read and not at all didactic. It includes many tips for more experienced paddlers and I will reread it often as I advance in the sport. The tips are offered by paddlers who obviously love their sport and want to share their great time with everyone else.

Author review
Seakayaker's Savvy Paddler condenses many years of sea kayak paddling into a concise manual of how to make your paddling, easier, safer, cheaper and more enjoyable. You can read it from the inside out or from cover to cover. Either way, you will find succinct advice and short-snappy TIPS ready to put to good use in a brief paddle around the lake or an extended trip along the open coast. This book will help you do more with less and extend your enjoyment, safety and adventure while exploring in your seakayak. ... Read more

Book Description

Customer Reviews (4)

Great Kayaking Guide
If you like to paddle on the Calif coast, this is the book for you.My wife and I have paddled (we thought) most of the coast, this book brought us to places that we could only dream of.They way its laid out, you can plan for a part/full or overnight trip.Tips on where to go, what you might see, camping, lodging, ect are great.If you paddle the Calif coast, you will be happy to have this book.

Clear, concise, good maps - well written
Outstanding, useful guide to the coastal areas - greatly appreciate the tips on local conditions and access.

Clear, concise, good maps - well written
Outstanding, useful guide to the coastal areas - greatly appreciate the tips on local conditions and access.

User friendly.A guidebook for paddlers of all levels.
Roger and Jan's book gives seakayakers invaluable information regarding some of the most beautiful paddling areas on the west coast.The maps included with the easily understood text allow the reader to easilyvisualize the targeted area.This guidebook will be of interest topaddlers of all skill levels since most of the featured paddles alsoinclude intermediate and advanced level alternative routes.The sidebarsscattered throughout the book impart interesting information about thearea.This book is a must have for those interested in exploring the coastof California. ... Read more

Product Description
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Customer Reviews (2)

Great book
I am quite a novice into paddling, have done it a few times as "one of those tourists in a rental canoe". Then purchased a canoe and two books including this one. I've never been aware that there was so much to know about canoes, water and paddling technique. I already learned a lot and will be able to re-use this book to review and learn more after I've practised the first items.
I would recommend this book to anybody in a similar or slightly more advanced situation. You should note however that this book is primarily focussing on down-river canoeing. Flat water is also covered briefly and a lot of river technique also work for lakes. In case you would be looking for specifics on flat-water navigation or trip planning, this book might be less appropriate.

Excellent resource for wide variety of paddling info
While this title may contain too much information for someone who has never paddled a canoe, it is an excellent resource for those who have paddled a bit but have never had formal instruction. There is detailedinstruction on a variety of strokes as well as identifying, entering andpeeling out of eddies. There is also very important info about readingwater and identifying hazards such as undercut rocks, strainers, hydraulicsetc. Also included is basic instruction on water-reading. This book hasmade it much easier for me to teach less experienced paddlers. If you'vebeen in a canoe enough to know how to get down an easy river, this bookwill likely have parts that are under and over your head. If you'resomewhere between beginner and expert, this book is definitely worthreading. ... Read more

Book Description

Whether your interest is in paddling in more challenging conditions, or in learning new skills and concepts that will boost your confidence for more sheltered paddling, Sea Kayaking: Rough Waters will help you get the most out of your time on the water.

With stunning photography by Jock Bradley and Paul Villecourt, fun illustrations, and a gold mine of knowledge passed on by expert paddler and instructor, Alex Matthews, Sea Kayaking: Rough Waters is a must-have for all sea kayakers.

YOU'LL LEARN ABOUT:

• Choosing and caring for equipment
• Optimizing your strokes and paddling techniques
• Rough water safety and rescue
• Navigating through tidal currents
• Paddling in surf zones
• Dealing with wind
• And much more...

Customer Reviews (1)

Great Reference
As a dedicated sea kayaker, I found this book to be an excellent addition to my library on sea kayaking.It's beautifully illustrated with numerous high-quality photographs.I wouldn't characterize it as an instructional book but more of a celebration and introduction to kayaking in challenging "big water" conditions.There's enough information to get one's appetite engaged and probably enough to get one started in learning the techniques needed to manage those conditions.However, it shouldn't be regarded as a substitute for formal instruction and practice. ... Read more

Book Description
This practical book, written by one of the most exciting new writers on the subject, offers a comprehensive introduction to the sport and more advanced course. ... Read more

Book Description

For some learners a picture is worth a thousand words--and this lavishly illustrated volume proves the rule. The expert advice and lively illustrations combine to offer serious how-to instruction in an entertaining fashion to sea kayakers of all levels.

Developed by an ACA-certified instructor over years of paddling and education, this complete program provides a visual tour of all that sea kayaking can offer, including ingenious tips on advanced paddling techniques, navigation and safety, and more.

Customer Reviews (6)

Funny and informative
This book has a lot of GREAT information in it.It gets the points across by funny but sometimes very serious cartoons and illustrations.There is a lot of emphasis on safety which is very important to learn up front.

Great Book!
This book is fantastic. The pictures combine humor with instruction, and the book itself covers a lot of basics for those just learning about sea kayaking. I've been very happy with it.

Fun, Funny and Informative!
This is a great books. You almost have to see it to really appreciate it. There are thousands of hand-drawn images which makes everything very, very easy to understand. They make the book fun and you'll even get a giggle out of a few of them. It's definitely worth the money!

the complete package: informative and entertaining
This book is a superb resource for all sea kayakers, from aspiring novices to adrenaline-seeking rock garden explorers.Better than probably any other instructional book on sea kayaking does, Robison provides something for everyone.He thoroughly presents a comprehensive range of basic paddling skills and sprinkles among them subtle insights, tricks and tips derived from his impressive paddling career.As a former professional sea kayaking guide, I would recommend this resource to all sea kayakers.You are bound to learn from it and you will smile and giggle as you do.The illustrations bring the concepts to life and make the information quite accessible.An essential book for any sea kayaking library.

You will enjoy this book!
Sea Kayaking Illustrated is simply an outstanding guide for anybody who wants to immerse themselves in the marvelous world of sea kayaking.Although I might be considered an expert level sea kayaker, this book can serve as an excellent introductory level primer, yet has plenty to offer the more advanced practitioners of the craft.As a seasoned veteran of the wind and waves, I was pleasantly surprised to find lots of information in the book that was new to me, and presented in ways I hadn't before considered.There's everything from nuts and bolts basics to more advanced tricks of the trade.Everything from common sense kayak-carrying techniques to tips on how to deal with the various wildlife you'll encounter.

As you can tell, I love this book.For the coup-de-grace, it's entertainingly illustrated and humorous, so you don't feel like you're reading a textbook.This is the first work i've read by Robison, but this is atalented author/illustrator, heck i'd probably read a book about druid preening osprey if he wrote it.I strongly recommend it for anyone who's into sea kayaking (or who wants to get into it).And then you look at the price of the book and realize it's really a no-brainer to buy it!Shred on!!! ... Read more

Product Description
This newest title in Stackpole's Basics series takes on the wildly popular sport of river kayaking. Packed with information and featuring hundreds of full-color photographs and illustrations, it provides clear, easy-to-follow instructions on selecting gear, getting your boat on the river, and mastering fundamental moves. Also covered are the ferries, peel-outs, and turns required to maneuver a kayak in moving water. For would-be day-trippers, river-runners, creekboaters, and even those aspiring to the world of extreme rodeo playboating, Basic Kayaking is where the journey begins.About the Author:Wayne Dickert is a professional kayaker and canoeist who competed in the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta. He is currently the manager of instruction for the Nantahala Outdoor Center in Bryson City, North Carolina. Photographer Skip Brown shoots outdoor sports and recreational activities for books and magazines. He is a Class V paddler, an advanced-rated hang glider pilot, and an accomplished windsurfer, snowboarder, and mountain biker. He lives on the Potomac River in Maryland with his wife and son. Roberto Sabas is a freelance illustrator whose work has appeared in various publications. He lives in Savoy, Illinois. A fully illustrated introduction to river kayaking Step-by-step instruction on essential techniques, including all major strokes and rolls Full-color gear guide plus chapters on river safety and reading the water ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

If an Author Forgets a Word, It Shouldn't Be Part of the Title!
I agree that this book seems to be mistitled.If it had been more appropriately titled "Basic Whitewater Kayaking" I would have kept looking elsewhere, others interested in whitewater (river-running, playboats, etc.) might have been drawn more to it, and life would be better.

While some basics are universal for the sport, this well-illustrated book is solely aimed at the whitewater enthusiast, and only accidentally takes along the quiet water paddler for the ride.

This Book is Mis-titled
This book was given to me as a gift by a well-meaning family member who knew I was getting into the sleeker side of paddling after being passed by too many kayaks while paddling a canoe.

The title would lead any sane person to believe that this book is indeed a good beginners book for general kayaking.

It is not.

It is, in fact, a highly specialized book for white water kayaking.It's also fairly terse, the bulk of it being made up of photographs.

For someone like me who is more interested in flat water, slow rivers, protected marine waterways, and coastal swamps this book is nearly useless.Keep looking.

The title and subtitle of this book are incredibly deceiving and are a disservice to readers who might not know better until they get a few pages into the book and realize what they got stuck with.

The best starting point
I live near rivers and have seen others kayaking all the time and I wanted to know about this fun looking sport. This book lays it all out for you and tells you what you need to know. It starts with the gear you will need and how it works to how to paddle a boat. Armed with this knowledge I took my first class and I felt well prepared. I have now taken three classes and I keep referring back to the book to remind me of proper technics. I am considering buying a boat of my own and the book explains all the different types of boats and their uses for different types of water. I can see this book helping me for awhile as I grow in this great sport.

Great Introduction to Whitewater Kayaking
I picked up my first copy of this book having just paddled with Wayner.I am an advanced paddler but wish I had had this book starting out.It is nice to see all the words we use defined. For those of us who learn by reading this book will be a great first step and for others a welcome refresher. I found the sections on particularly useful. I plan on ordering two more copies for friends who say they want to get into this amazing sport. ... Read more

Book Description

Book Description
The Inside Passage is something of a holy grail for contemporary sea kayakers. It is without question the most scenic and challenging paddling trip in North America. Kayaking the Inside Passage will aid kayakers both in planning and in carrying out paddling trips on the rugged Pacific artery that runs along the western edge of North America.

It is a complete through-trip guide to sea kayaking the entire 1,300-mile length of the Inside Passage along one select route with some alternate variations. This route runs from Olympia, Washington, past Vancouver Island and up through Glacier Bay National Park in Alaska. No other paddling guide covers the entire length of the Inside Passage. There are 33 maps, 50 photos, and pen-and-ink illustrations. Miller includes complete historical and natural background along with proficiency and equipment recommendations. 50 black & white photographs, 33 maps, index. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Kayaking the Inside Passage: A Paddling Guide from Olympia, Washington to Muir Glacier, Alaska
Mr. Miller has a wealth of knowledge in kayaking, the passage, and the environment. He shares this with humor and historic accuracy. I particularly enjoyed his observations of human interaction. However, it would be a much more digestable read if I didn't have to use the dictionary every ten minutes to discover the meaning of the obscure language he uses throughout the book. Although I clearly understand the gist, the audience (me)... would be more interested in a text that had a manageable rhythm. Perhaps he is trying to prove he is a literate, intellectual outdoor person. I will use this book to help plan my own month long trip in the inside passage.

Been There, Did It ... With This Book.
This summer 2005 I used this book to kayak the inside passage from Anacordis WA to Glacier Bay, AK. I left Anacordis on 18 June 05 and reached Glacier Bay on 25 Sept O5.This book was my guide the entire way.I tried every recommended campsite, and paddled the recommended route almost entirely, without stopping, for 1400 miles, and 3 1/2 months. So ... perhaps, in a small way, I am qualified to review this book.

The book's recommended route is impecable - perfect all the way from Anacordis to Glacier Bay, with one exception, as follows: Between Petersburg and Juneau AK, the author routes the kayaker along admiralty island to see a bear sanctuary, and then into a blind lagoon where the kayaker is forced to use a land trolley to transport his kayak across a peninsula. This route is a poor selection because 1)The bear sanctuary is impossible for kayakers to see because of beligerant forest service policies requiring advance reservations. No exceptions; 2)The blind lagoon's trolley has the rails disconnected at the north end, requiring the kayaker to CARRY his kayak on his back down a steep, high hill to finish the portage.Instead, kayakers buying this book would do best in ignoring the author's Petersburg to Juneau route, and instead paddle along the mainland shore, where multitudes of iceburgs float, where the second best whale-watching area in north america is, and best of the best, where the Tracy Arm Glacier is, arguable the finest, most impressive and actively calving glacier in all of Alaska.Why the author bypassed the miraculous Tracy Arm to NOT see a bear sanctuary that doesn't permit impromptu kayakers ... we can only guess.

Campsites:The author openly admits that he lost his notes on what his campsites were for much of the trip. Thus, the campsites recommended on the book's maps are anotated in the book with painful phrases paraphrased like "... the topo map shows this to be flat ground, so there maybe SHOULD be a campsite there...." OUCH.Speaking as a traveller who has visited all the author's recommended campsites, the author is right only better than half the time, and when the campsite he recommends turns out to be a swamp ... or indeed IS flat ground but is fronted by jagged rocks impossible to haul a kayak up the beach on ... that means the tired kayaker must continue paddling blindly and exhaustedly, perhaps with light failing and conditions deteriorating, looking for a campsite on his own. Now this wouldn't be so bad, except that for the vast majority of the inside passage, the mountains fall directly into the sea, leaving jagged cliffy coastlines where campsites appear only once every ten miles or so. Campsites are as scarce as hens teeth. So ... a tired kayaker having timed his paddling day to end at the author's recommended campsite ... has only a 50-50 chance of indeed finding shelter there, and will perhaps be forced to continuing paddling on ... and on ... and on.

Author's commentary and background research is superb. Many times I found myself teaching the locals about their own area by reading them this guidebook's commentary. The book is very readable and fun, yet is highly educational. The author's anecdotes had me rolling on my tent floor in laughter many times. Exceptions: The author comments that one can expect to see one to five bears a day along the inside passage. This is not so. I paddled 3 1/2 months, and only saw 6 bears, all of them black, none of them browns. Bears, and signs of bears, were few. Land wildlife is actually very rare along the entire inside passage ... but marine wildlife abounds.Only three places in 1400 miles did I see a deer, for example.

Overall, this book earns its 5 stars. But note the exceptions above to correct the book's few quirks. Hats off to the author on doing such a good job guiding us through such a demanding, lengthy, and thrilling journey.

Not Just a Kayak book
Full of history, regional politics, and local knowledge, this book is not just for kayakers.Anyone planning or dreaming of an Inside Passage voyage will enjoy this read. And yes, it hasthe maps,references, and all the hard-to-find details for actually doing this trip.

Kayaker's and Armchair Cruiser's Delight
Miller's book is filled with delights on every page. I picked it up because I'm heading up The Passage by ferry for the first time and I thought a kayaker's perspective could be interesting. I was not disappointed! Every page is an entertainment. From the trials of flood and ebb tides to the ever-present danger from bears to the capsulated history about almost every one of the 3,000 islands along the way. I felt I was present.

This is not just about paddling, which is detailed to the max, but about economics; and the climate; and the sheer brutality as well as the compassion of the men and women who braved it;

As I go on my comfortable armchair cruise, I will now know not only what is in front of me but what transpired at this spot 100 years ago, 500 years ago and even how the surface of the earth came to this spectacular visage.

How the eminent naturalist, John Muir got his come-up-ence from an elderly chief; how the first settlers crossed the land bridge into the new continent; how the more recent "discoverers" overcame hardship and missed opportunities to enter into a struggle between nations that, although currently without bloodshed, is still continuing.

I received much more than I was expecting from "Kayaking...". I received a wealth of background which will make my coming trip a true "delight".
... Read more

Book Description

Customer Reviews (2)

Good intro book
In the 26 pages (between Foreword and Glossary) there is an awful lot of good explanation on canoe basics, complemented with many and clear drawings. As a novice in canoeing, I learned a lot more than one could expect from such a thin book. Some techniques like re-entering-the-canoe-in-deep-water and boat-over-boat rescue technique seem better explained here than they are in some thicker books. (I write "seem" as I haven't tried yet at the time of writing this :-) ).
It should be noted that this is -as the title says- a basic introduction book; the book has all the information you need to get started. It will enable you to row and control a lot better than the average newbee in a rental canoe, but that is about how far it goes.

Good first manual for novice recreational paddlers
The American Canoe Association's Introduction to Paddling, canoeing basics for lakes and rivers, is a short and clear introduction to canoeing.It describes the canoe and related equipment, how to use same, and severalcautionary thoughts.

The strokes described are few and clear, and rivermaneuvers and safety considerations are clearly laid out.

A fineintroductory handbook for any novice canoeist, and probably all that isneeded for thye casual paddler ... Read more

Book Description
A comprehensive guide to canoeing and kayaking in and near Vancouver, including rivers, lakes, and ocean. Trip descriptions contain detailed driving directions to access points as well as photographs. Both roads and waterways are shown on clear and easy to read maps. Trips are rated from novice trips suitable for parents with children to challenging. ... Read more