Complete Folding Kayaker, Second Edition [Paperback]

Ralph Diaz (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: February 27, 2003

Most kayakers paddle a boat with a rigid hull. Yet a distinct group of enthusiasts paddle "foldables", portable kayaks that can be assembled and disassembled in minutes, packed in a backpack and carried by plane, train or car just about anywhere. Foldable kayaks are more seaworthy, more durable, more versatile, easier to maintain, and more stable than hardshell kayaks. This new edition of "Complete Folding Kayaker" is both updated and enhanced. The best source of information on portable kayaks available.

Editorial Reviews

From Booklist

Diaz's guide is sensibly divided into three parts, corresponding to the preliminaries, acquiring knowledge and skill, and actual practice and use. Besides all phases of kayak operation, Diaz discusses taking a folding kayak through customs, and considers such operational details as how to distribute equipment in the boat for best operation. He also includes a look at the history of sea kayaking, all the technical tips the novice kayaker is apt to need, tips for where and how to enjoy the freedom and excitement of kayaking, and even a bibliography, which is rare for a recreation book. Libraries with collections on either individual sports or water sports would do well to add this handy, clear, and entertaining guide. Mike Tribby --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Review

"Ralph Diaz is still the best connected person in the industry, and the best source of information on folding boats." Michael Edelman An Introduction and Guide to the World of Folding Kayaks (2001) www.foldingkayaks.org

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Product Details

• Paperback: 256 pages
• Publisher: International Marine/Ragged Mountain Press; 2 edition (February 27, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0071408096
• ISBN-13: 978-0071408097
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 7.4 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (12 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,400,350 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

22 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A strategic read for choosing a folding kayak., January 12, 2001

By 

John Ellsworth (Northport, NY) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Complete Folding Kayaker (Paperback)

If you are about to buy a kayak, rigid or folding, you will benefit by reading this book, at least most of it. Each boat type has its virtues and drawbacks, but what are they? In a careful, comprehensive, and clear manner, Ralph Diaz sets forth the virtues of the folding kayak. In doing so, drawbacks of both designs surface. This book is invaluable in obtaining a perspective before you buy.

Diaz discusses the heritage of the folding kayak: a boat used by Eskimos to hunt at sea; a boat built of bones, driftwood, and animal hide. Diaz points out that although springing from an old design, the current "skin and frame" vessel is constructed of modern materials. This synthesis of old and new renders a craft that is strong, light, roomy, seaworthy, versatile, easily repaired, and portable. These features now compete winningly with the contemporary rigid design.

Diaz suggests criteria for selecting a particular model. These he puts into the category of "Sizing up your needs." Among the questions you need to ask are: Do you wish to kayak in a single or double? Will you need to assemble and disassemble it regularly? For instance, do you live in the city and keep the kayak in your closet? Also, where do you paddle? In protected waters or the open sea? What is your predominant launching area like? Shells, rocks, sand, a dock, debris? How will you use it? What are your skill levels? How strong are you? Answers to these questions will ultimately determine which of the varied designs will meet your needs. This chapter includes strategies for buying a new folding kayak as well as what to consider when buying used.

Diaz then compares the major folding kayaks made in the US, Canada, Germany, and France. Here he evaluates six double- and eight single-folding kayaks. For each boat, conscientious attention is paid to the following key factors: assembly and portability, stability and seaworthiness, tracking, maneuverability, speed and efficiency, versatility and access, quality and durability, and cost and depreciation.

Other chapters address equipment and accessories, handling and operating skills, traveling with a foldable, speed assembly hints, sailing a folding kayak (including various rigs), camping, repairing, maintaining, and modifying your folding kayak.

Most of the book is dedicated to the folding kayak, while portions are applicable to kayaking in general, rigid or folding. Since the book was published (1994) some of the evaluated models have been dropped from production and new models have been introduced. Naturally the evaluation criteria remain the same, whether new or used.

If you are new to kayaking and are thinking about making a purchase, all of this book will prove useful, if not essential. If you are already versed as a kayaker and are open about kayak design, most of this book will strengthen your perspective, aim you in the right direction, and contribute to your making an intelligent choice.

15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Still the bible, June 30, 2003

By 

Michael J Edelman (Huntington Woods, MI USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Complete Folding Kayaker, Second Edition (Paperback)

Back in 1997 I wrote the first Amazon review of what was then the only book devoted entirely to folding kayaks.(You might want to scroll down and read it; everything I wrote still applies).With no competition you'd think Ralph would be content to rest on his laurels, but instead he's put a lot of effort into an extensive rewrite of the original book. All the new boats that have appeared on the market since the first edition have been included, and plenty of solid information from Ralph's invaluable Folding Kayak Newsletter has been integrated into the new edition.

If you have the slightest interest in folding kayaks, you certainly owe it to yourself to buy a copy of this book. And if you already own the first edition, you should absolutely get this one as well, for all the new material Ralph has included. It's still the bible of the sport.

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars You've Got to Know When to Fold 'Em, April 23, 2003

By 

Bill Marsano (New York, NY United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Complete Folding Kayaker, Second Edition (Paperback)

Complete Folding Kayaker, 2d Edition

By Bill Marsano. The folding kayak or boat-in-a-bag is rare compared to rigid or hardshell kayaks--and a lot more expensive. But unlike those others, you <can> take it with you. You can break it down into component parts, stuff the bits into one or two bags or even, in the case of the Feathercraft, a specially designed backpack with padded shoulder straps and a hip belt, and take it wherevever you're bound. That's the whole point: No more hoping to find kayak rentals at your destimnation. No more settling for whatever beat-up barges the renters happen to have on hand.

If that tempts you, then you need this book to help sort out the facts and fiction (are folders fragile? less efficient than rigids? less stable? etc.) and get a handle on the numerous makes and models, which vary considerably in price, weight, size and design. Diaz, who is a good writer and an enthusiast (he publishes the Folding Kayak newsletter), has done his homework, updating his 1994 first edition to include and critique several kayaks that are new to the U.S, market

That's a critically important part of this book: So far as I know, this is the sole source of independent information covering the whole category. But Diaz offers a lot more. He goes beyond the hardware to presnt a very good course in basic kayaking: instruction and skill drills, safety, navigation. sailing rigs, kayak camping, and repairs and maintenance. The Resources chapter alone (on books, guidebooks, magazines and newsletters, websites, dealer access and much more) will keep you busy all by itself.

In short, if you've got an itch to paddle, this book will help you make an intelligent choice and teach you what you need to enjoy it when you get out on the water.--Bill Marsano owns a Feathercraft Kahuna and has unfolded it numerous times in the U.S., Italy and France.