Nigel Foster's Surf Kayaking (Sea Kayaking How- To) [Paperback]

Nigel Foster (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 1, 1998 | Series: Sea Kayaking How- To

Surf kayaking combines technical skill with a style of movement that can be as individual as any performing art. Nigel Foster's trademark photo sequences and straightforward writing style combine to teach the essential techniques of this increasingly popular sport. Detailed information on assessing surf conditions and a beach's safety profile; how to master acrobatics, including pirouettes and popouts; wave etiquette; and such special techniques as steering a zigzag course, performing a 360 and roller coasters, and more.

Editorial Reviews

From the Back Cover

Kayakers who prefer an adrenaline rush to the serenity of backwater kayaking are now taking to the surf as an alternative to whitewater. Surf kayaking combines an excellent workout with technical skill and a style of movement that can be as individual as any performing art. This is the only surf kayaking book available, and whether you're surfing for the first time or training for competition, kayaking guru Nigel Foster gives you all the information you need to do it right. His trademark photo sequences help to clearly teach the essential techniques of this increasingly popular sport. Let Foster show you how to assess surf conditions and take a beach's safety profile; how to master acrobatics, including pirouettes and popouts; correct 'wave etiquette;' and special techniques such as steering a zigzag course, performing a 360 and roller coasters, and more! Nigel Foster has been surf kayaking for 30 years and holds the highest coaching level awarded by the British Canoe Union (BCU). He is one of the select group of specialists responsible for establishing the surf kayaking coaching program now operated by the BCU. Foster is also a regular contributor to Sea Kayaker magazine and the author of Nigel Foster's Sea Kayaking.

Product Details

• Paperback: 128 pages
• Publisher: Globe Pequot; 1st edition (August 1, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0762702184
• ISBN-13: 978-0762702183
• Product Dimensions: 9.8 x 7 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #602,022 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #57 in Books > Sports & Outdoors > Outdoor Recreation > Kayaking > Sea Kayaking

More About the Author

Nigel Foster is regarded as one of the most charismatic and talented kayaking instructors in the world today. His innovative approach attracts kayakers of all levels throughout the USA, where he now lives, in Europe, and elsewhere around the world.
Introduced to kayaking as a teenager Foster soon became obsessed with trying as many styles of kayaking that he could, from surf competition to white water racing, slalom to marathon, sea touring to inland touring. He also learned to paddle a variety of different styles of canoe, from sprint to white-water. His first multiday solo kayak trip was around SW and southern England. That trip sparked a whole series of longer explorations. At age 24 he circumnavigated Iceland in his first design of sea kayak. Trips to Newfoundland, (he and his friend cut their kayaks in half to fly them out, as there were none available in Newfoundland in those days) the Faeroe Islands and Norway. He crossed France in a tandem racing kayak, and explored the west coast of Scotland.
Fully qualified as a teacher, Foster made a living teaching Outdoor Education in local authority centers in England and Wales. After his near-deadly solo kayak trip from Baffin Island to Labrador (see his book "Stepping Stones of Ungava and Labrador") he moved to the National Water-Sports Center in Wales.
When he launched his own business in Wales, (now based in USA) sea kayaking became his major focus, but not just on-water teaching around the world. Foster also designs sea kayaks for companies in USA, Canada and Sweden, writes (books and magazine articles), teaches canoeing, and for fun plays guitar. His most recent book "Stepping Stones of Ungava and Labrador" recounts not only his epic solo Hudson Strait crossing but also the journey he made to finish that trip in 2004 with his now wife Kristin Nelson.
Discover more about Nigel Foster on his web-sites www.nigelkayaks.com and www.nigelfosterdesigns.com

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent instructional tool..., December 28, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Nigel Foster's Surf Kayaking (Sea Kayaking How- To) (Paperback)

I've been looking for a book to help me get started in this new sport and now I've found it...Great discriptions of the skill and equipment necessary to get started. A must have for all those intrested in learning Surk kayaking!!

4.0 out of 5 stars One and only, September 21, 2009

By 

Scott Callow - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Nigel Foster's Surf Kayaking (Sea Kayaking How- To) (Paperback)

Seems to be the one and only guide to surf kayaking. Well done basic book. What we need now is a followup advanced guide that details moves more completely and discusses some of the whitewater tricks or barrel rolls etc. Nigel Foster is the guy to do it since he has a sense of balance and control in a kayak that others only dream about.

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent instructional tool..., December 28, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Nigel Foster's Surf Kayaking (Sea Kayaking How- To) (Paperback)

I've been looking for a book to help me get started in this new sport and now I've found it...Great discriptions of the skill and equipment necessary to get started. A must have for all those intrested in learning Surf Kayaking!!