The Complete Book of Sea Kayaking, 5th (How to Paddle Series) [Paperback]

Derek C. Hutchinson (Author)

Book Description

Series: How to Paddle Series | Publication Date: January 1, 2004

Discover the excitement and adventure of paddling on the open sea. This thoroughly revised fifth edition of the bestselling Complete Book of Sea Kayaking is a comprehensive guide for the beginner and an invaluable reference source for the seasoned veteran. From basic strokes and techniques to advanced rescue maneuvers, kayak history to boat design, this is the fundamental book for all sea kayakers.

With this book in hand readers will learn about choosing a kayak and paddle, launching, how to outfit themselves, advice on kayak strokes, maneuvers, navigation, equipment, and the newest technology. This new edition contains additional material on the history and origins of the kayak as well as new information on navigation. The chapters on strokes and techniques have been expanded considerably and now present information in a master-class format that caters to novice paddlers.

Editorial Reviews

From the Back Cover

The Complete Book of Sea Kayaking is a comprehensive guide for the beginner and an invaluable reference book for the experienced. It describes equipment, basic and advanced techniques (including those for rolling and rescues), weather and navigation, and is illustrated throughout by the author's own drawings and by spectacular color photographs.
This new edition has been completely updated in line with the latest sea kayaking developments. The existing sections have been revised and new sections have been added, including choosing a kayak and paddles, a new deepwater rescue method, dealing with mudflats and quicksand, and how to compile your own local weather chart. A new chapter on racing makes a welcome addition to the book. Updated illustrations and additional historic photographs have been included, making this the essential resource for sea kayakers everywhere.

About the Author

Derek C. Hutchinson joined the British Canoe Union Coaching Scheme in 1963 and has since become an international authority on sea kayaking. He has led major kayaking expeditions all over the world and travels extensively throughout the United Kingdom and the United States, lecturing and coaching at all levels.

Product Details

• Paperback: 240 pages
• Publisher: Falcon; 5th edition (January 1, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0762728256
• ISBN-13: 978-0762728251
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 7.5 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #955,151 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #77 in Books > Sports & Outdoors > Outdoor Recreation > Kayaking > Sea Kayaking

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

38 of 38 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Great Book With Some Deficiencies, November 8, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: The Complete Book of Sea Kayaking, 4th (Sport) (Paperback)

The author is one of the greats in sea kayaking expeditions and kayak design, and generously shares the wealth of his experience with his readers. An excellent A to Z book for a beginner, as well as an intermediate kayaker. Very well written, magnificent illustations, great (British) sense of humor. The deficiencies: very vague on correct forward stroke techniques; describes many variations of eskimo roll, but again somewhat vague on how to learn to roll. Also the section on features of different kayak models is 15 years out of date, not updated for this edition. RECOMMENDATION: Buy it by all means, but it should not be your only book on the subject.

29 of 31 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars A Confused Laundry List, August 24, 2000

By 

Daniel Smith (Somerville, MA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Complete Book of Sea Kayaking, 4th (Sport) (Paperback)

Derek Hutchinson has led kayaking expeditions around the world and teaches highly regarded seminars on the sport. However, he seems unable to clearly translate this teaching ability to print. This book reads like a laundry list of things to do in a kayak: equipment choices, paddle strokes, rescue techniques, rolling, surfing maneuvers, etc.; without rhyme or reason as to their purpose or when they should be executed. The book does cover a complete range of topics relevant to the sea kayaker: all topics just mentioned plus weather, tides, navigation, wind, etc. Unfortunately, many sections are out-of-date, such as the equipment section; a lot of information, such as that on nautical charts and on weather, is specific to kayaking in Britain; and some information, such as that on tidal currents, is just plain wrong. I did learn quite a lot from the sections on turning strokes and eskimo rolling, but not as much as I feel I should have and not enough to know where or when to use a particular technique. Overall, I was disappointed with the quality of instruction presented in this book.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Updated, November 7, 2006

By 

M. Ziebell (prescott, AZ United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Complete Book of Sea Kayaking, 5th (How to Paddle Series) (Paperback)

A very good introduction to basic and advanced techniques by an author with tremendous seas kayaking experience. Lots of good diagrams, clear discriptions, nice layout.