The Basic Book of Sea Kayaking (Falcon Guides How to Paddle) [Paperback]

Derek C. Hutchinson (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 2007 | Series: Falcon Guides How to Paddle

This concise introductory handbook is packed with expert advice and contains all the essential information a novice needs to hit the water while providing a quick reference for the more experienced paddler.

--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Editorial Reviews

From the Back Cover

A concise instruction book for beginners and a handy review guide for experienced paddlers, The Basic Book of Sea Kayaking is a must for every sea kayaker - whether paddling for exercise, outdoor exploration, or pure fun. Derek C. Hutchinson whittles his forty years of experience into five easy-to-understand chapters that cover the fundamentals. His fifty color illustrations show how to perform key maneuvers, from the forward paddling stroke to the Eskimo roll.

 

He'll help you:

Choose the right kayak and paddle for your needs

Select proper clothing, footwear, and equipment

Load and launch your boat

Master the basic paddling and bracing strokes

Learn capsize and rescue techniques

Understand the effect of tides and weather

--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Paperback: 81 pages
• Publisher: Falcon Press Publishing; 2 edition (May 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0762742836
• ISBN-13: 978-0762742837
• Product Dimensions: 8.6 x 6.4 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,238,173 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #37 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Sports > Water Sports > General

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

29 of 31 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Perfect Introduction to Kayaking !!!!!, September 6, 2001

By 

Kevin Hing (St. Petersburg, Florida United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Basic Book of Sea Kayaking (Paperback)

Derek Hutchinson is a master kayaker with a gift for teaching.

His "Basic Book" is just what the novice kayaker needs. For those who have not yet purchased a kayak, Hutchinson surveys the various types of boats and their respective strengths and weaknesses, with lots of helpful tips on what to look for in a new or used kayak. His discussions of clothing and equipment (particularly his discussion about paddles) is excellent and well-crafted to ensure that the beginner is properly dressed and equipped for his/her local conditions. He even offers such escoteric tidbits as making sure that your new kayak is left upside down overnight to adequately vent the styrene gas that might have built up during the manufacturing process (thereby preventing contamination of your gear and possibly making you sick).

Hutchinson's descriptions of basic paddling is very good...each subject is well illustrated with diagrams and photographs, and his instructions are written with a brief, clear and complete command of the subject that clearly bespeaks his decades of experience. The all-important sections on safety, rescues, and (gulp) capsize procedures are also very well written and illustrated.

I think the only thing better than buying and studying this book would be taking one of his kayaking courses (he has been designated a senior coach by the British Canoe Union).

In short, this expertly written book will answer many of your questions about kayak purchasing, outfitting, paddling technique and safety. For the money, you can't possibly go wrong.

37 of 47 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent beginners book, December 31, 1999

By 

s steibel (usa) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Basic Book of Sea Kayaking (Paperback)

This is a perfect book for the beginner, written by THE master himself, and for 6 bucks! If you really want to learn contact your local kayak shop and find out when Derek will be in your area (or somewhere close), and take his two day introductory class. He dosen't charge more than other instructors, but you will learn more in two days with Derek, than most people learn in two seasons. Learn from the best. By the way, that's me on the cover taking his two day course.