The Essential Sea Kayaker: A Complete Guide for the Open Water Paddler, Second Edition [Paperback]

David Seidman (Author)

Book Description

Series: Essential (McGraw-Hill) | Publication Date: December 6, 2000

Expanded to include sections on seamanship, navigation, and health issues, the completely updated and redesigned new edition of David Seidman’s bestselling guide reaffirms its reputation as the best sea kayaking guide available. A top-to-bottom introduction for novice and mid-level kayakers, this highly visual handbook provides kayakers with the whole scoop on everything from gear, transportation, and paddling technique to the finer points of Eskimo rolling, rescue protocol, group and solo paddling.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"... Seidman provides what so many so-called experts have not: a good, basic book about sea kayaking graced with a friendly, enthusiastic voice." -- Canoe

"... does a good job of demystifying our sport and making it accessible for novices." -- Sea Kayaker --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From the Back Cover

The Essential Series--Your Trusted Guides

"Does an excellent job."--Sea Kayaker

"A standout. Empathy for the reader-what a concept!"--Canoe and Kayak

"Filled with the details you need to make paddling safe and pleasurable."--WoodenBoat

"We needed a book of this quality."--Atlantic Coastal Kayaker

Combining the logic of a lesson plan with the grace of informality, this book is the next best thing to having a personal instructor always at your side. Known for nearly a decade as the sea kayaker's bible for its clear, user-friendly approach, The Essential Sea Kayaker is now updated and expanded to give you the information you need on

• Boat and gear selection and care
• Skills from your first launch through carved turns, Eskimo rolls, and negotiating wind and waves
• Safety, health, and rescue tips
• Group and solo paddling strategies
• Seamanship and navigation

Adopted by kayaking schools and seminars worldwide, the best introduction to sea kayaking is now even better.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 160 pages
• Publisher: International Marine/Ragged Mountain Press; 2 edition (December 6, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0071362371
• ISBN-13: 978-0071362375
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 7.2 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,050,225 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #64 in Books > Sports & Outdoors > Outdoor Recreation > Kayaking > Whitewater Kayaking
  • #80 in Books > Sports & Outdoors > Outdoor Recreation > Kayaking > Sea Kayaking

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

46 of 48 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Essential, though perhaps not complete, August 23, 2000

By 

Michael J Edelman (Huntington Woods, MI USA) - See all my reviews
(TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Essential Sea Kayaker: A Complete Course for the Open-Water Paddler (Paperback)

I don't know if I'd agree with the subtitle; Seidman's guide is by no means complete (for that, see Dowd's "Sea Kayaking") but it certainly does cover the essentials of the sport, and as others have noted, it is certainly sufficient to introduce a newcomer to all the essential techniques needed to get started. While no book is a replcement for a good teacher, Seidman gives you enough to get out and teach yourself basic strokes, braces and perhaps even rolls- though that's something best seen demonstrated first.

The photos are one of the strongest parts of the book, and a good argument for buying it- next to the "Perforamance Sea Kayaking" video Seidman's book has the best illustrations of basic moves to be found anywhere. If you were only going to buy one kayaking book, this would not be a bad choice- but after working your way through it you'd be well advised to move on to more detailed and specialized books as well.

24 of 24 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Covers technique & basic gear for beginner/intermediate., July 15, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: The Essential Sea Kayaker: A Complete Course for the Open-Water Paddler (Paperback)

This was the first book I bought after purchasing my kayak. It covers the gear you will need for paddling, safety and clothing. As well as discussing basic paddling and bracing strokes, a number of rescue techniques are covered, including the roll. Armed only with what I learned from the 8 pages on the eskimo roll, I went out and had myself rolling in two days. The book also include a chapter on family and handicapped paddling.

There is little coverage of extended or overnight trips.

19 of 24 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Very well written and informative, May 3, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: The Essential Sea Kayaker: A Complete Course for the Open-Water Paddler (Paperback)

I got into sea kayaking after reading this book and it is all the author said and more. I've lent this book to a number of friends who are now also "hooked". This is an easy to read book, one that evokes the possibilities of kayaking along with information necessary to develop the confidence to make them happen. I highly recommend it to anyone considering this great sport.