Extreme Sea Kayaking: A Survival Guide [Paperback]

Michael Powers (Author), Eric Soares (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 30, 1999

High-energy, high-adrenaline sea kayaking in surf, along rocky shores, in extreme weather conditions, is like no other experience in the world. Two of the world's top extreme sea kayakers have written the only tell-all, how-to manual for this wild sport, complete with riveting anecdotes. Learn here how the pros handle the wildest conditions, and read their advice (complete with spectacular photographs) on The Mighty sea--judging surf conditions and hazards; Exposed coast and open sea navigation and voyaging; Paddling techniques for ocean whitewater; Special techniques for bracing, recovery, and rescue in adverse conditions.

Editorial Reviews

From the Back Cover

"Expert kayakers looking for new challenges and less experienced paddlers looking to stay out of trouble will all find Extreme Sea Kayaking worthwhile reading." --Christopher Cunningham, Editor, Sea Kayaker Magazine

"'They're lunatics,' I whispered, but I couldn't hide my admiration." --from the foreword by Derek C. Hutchinson.

In this sport, the rules are simple: Stay alert and you'll play again!

Here's a book that will prepare you to enter the tumultous world of pounding surf, rocky coasts, and rough open seas. For fun.

Learn how the pros handle the wildest conditions, and read their advice on

• The mighty sea--judging surf conditions and hazards
• Exposed coast and open sea navigation and voyaging
• Paddling techniques for ocean whitewater
• Special techniques for bracing, recovery, and rescue in adverse conditions

The authors, both world-class kayakers, detail the handling techniques and paddle strokes for varying sea conditions. They also instruct you in hand signals (with a table of signs), calculated and intuitive navigation methods, and open sea survival.

With spectacular action photographs that bring to life the authors' entertaining and instructive exploits, this unique book launches you on an exhilirating encounter with the extreme edge of seagoing adventure.

Practice . . .

Slalom Strokes; Rolls: Eskimo, Screw, and Layback; Recovery Slaps; Emergency Exits and Reentry; Self-Rescues; Survival Swimming; Seal Launches and Landings

Prepare for . . .

Stormy Seas; Breaking Surf; Rock Gardens; Sea Caves; Collisions; Night and Fog; Currents and Winds; Cold Water; Open-Sea Voyages; Sharks

About the Author

Eric Soares and Michael Powers are veteran members of the legendary extreme kayaking group, the Tsunami Rangers. Powers is a photojournalist who has paddled coasts from Norway to Fiji. Soares, a Navy veteran, has been featured in television reports on extreme kayaking produced by National Geographic Explorer, the Discovery Channel, and MTV Sports.

Product Details

• Paperback: 128 pages
• Publisher: International Marine/Ragged Mountain Press; 1 edition (March 30, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 007050718X
• ISBN-13: 978-0070507180
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 7.3 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,571,488 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Incredible photos, good book to learn from, June 11, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Extreme Sea Kayaking: A Survival Guide (Paperback)

This is the Tsunami Rangers at their best--telling hair-raising tales, describing scenarios in easy-to-visualize detail, making us laugh at their antics and bravado. And there's a lot of great information here as well. What I liked best about the book was its infectious enthusiasm. The writers (especially Eric) have a knack for tapping into the child in themselves and others. That kind of "let's go play!" energy is so revitalizing. And when you combine it with a heartfelt reverence and awe for the ocean and all of nature's places and experiences, you have a solid base from which to launch into a life of adventure, exploration, and introspection.

Extreme Sea Kayaking first lays out the differences between extreme-condition and normal-condition kayaking, and discusses boats, paddles, and other equipment. The authors stress the importance of cross-training: 1) so you don't tire of the sport, 2) for the physiological benefits of variety, and 3) to avoid repetitive-motion injuries. There is information on psychological preparation, necessary skills to develop and hone, and dangers to be aware of. Then begins the real meat of the book: the surf zone, exposed coast and open ocean paddling, expeditioning, and paddling/playing in rock gardens. The final two topics were the most fascinating to me: sea caves and the concept of the tribe or team. John Lull's analysis of the differences between a kayaking team and a kayaking group are illuminating and convincing. The hand signals chart on page 99 deserves memorizing.

The book is filled with incredible photographs by Michael Powers, Jim Kakuk, Eric Soares and others. The layout is two-column and very interesting graphically. Short stories are sprinkled throughout, providing distraction, parallel storylines, and intrigue. The Rangers are not embarrassed to describe mistakes they've made (and they've made their share!), in hopes that it may save readers from similar lessons or fates.

One of my favorite lines from the book: "For to go to sea in a lithesome, silent kayak is, in a very real way, to become wild and free again."

9 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Extreme, January 3, 2000

By 

James Guy (Australia) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Extreme Sea Kayaking: A Survival Guide (Paperback)

This extreme book provides a well presented and informative guide to paddling under extreme conditions. I could not put it down as it was both informative and exciting. The stories mentioned throughout the book complement the clear and concise instruction given. Even if you never intend kayaking under extreme conditions, the book is well worth a read just simply for the amazing stories and photos

8 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Thorough, authoritative, practical, entertaining, September 28, 1999

By 

[e-mail] (Santa Rosa, CA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Extreme Sea Kayaking: A Survival Guide (Paperback)

As a developing ocean kayaker, I found this book to contain a wealth of valuable information about an aspect of the sport which is rarely represented in the literature. I have long been aware of the Tsunami Rangers' reputation and products, having seen their work on television and having purchased their rock garden techniques video. This book is a continuation of the quality educational tools they are producing. Anyone who kayaks, whether a beginner or an advanced boater, will find something to learn. I found the section on essential skills especially useful, and the discussion of "subjective naviagation" in the chapter entitled "The Mighty Sea" confirmed what I have long believed--true understanding of ocean conditions is developed only through long periods spent on the water, until within us we carry the rhythms of the sea. The Tsunami Rangers obviously do.