Paddle Your Own Kayak: An Illustrated Guide to the Art of Kayaking [Hardcover]

Gary McGuffin (Author), Joanie McGuffin (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 12, 2008

Outstanding reviews for the authors' Paddle Your Own Canoe:

"This is the best book on how to canoe." - Canoe and Kayak

"Absolutely the best canoe paddling book on the planet! Clear writing, world-class photography... This book rocks!" - Canoeing icon Cliff Jacobson

Paddle Your Own Canoe set a new standard for how-to-canoe books. In this much-anticipated follow-up, Gary and Joanie McGuffin use the same model for the art of kayaking. The authors discuss the kayak's Inuit history, types of kayaking, recommended kayak sizes and shapes, and proper gear and clothing. They also offer expert, step-by-step instructions on all of the sport's essential techniques.

Illustrated with more than 600 color photographs and illustrations, Paddle Your Own Kayak is designed for both seasoned and novice kayaker, offering guidance on:

• Balancing the body
• Strokes and maneuvers
• Paddling fundamentals
• Recoveries and rescues
• Carrying and launching
• Weather and water conditions techniques
• Staying centered
• Navigation methods.

A special section on kayak camping provides good advice on what to look for in a destination, how to select a site, packing your kayak, setting up tents and shelters, meal preparation, water filtration, first aid and much more.

(2009)

Editorial Reviews

Review

Joanie and Gary McGuffin have provided an invaluable resource to beginners and experienced kayakers alike. (Kim Good The Muskokan Sun 20080828)

An excellent resource.... You'd be hard pressed to think of a kayak-related topic that isn't covered in this book. (Ryan Murdock Outpost 200810)

The McGuffins share their obvious joy of kayaking and create within the reader a desire to experience the same. (Kim Good Parry Sound Beacon Star 20080801)

[The McGuffins'] passion for kayaking is obvious and articulately relayed through their eminently readable and incredibly handy book. (The Calgary Herald 200809)

Read this guidebook first -- it can safely lead you through the processes you must ford for a successful kayaking future. (Woodall's Camperways 20090501)

"When you pick up a paddle and step into a kayak, be prepared for change. It will enrich and change your life more than you can imagine!" (Gary and Joanie McGuffin Author interview, Open Book, Toronto 200901)

With personal anecdotes and observations, the authors' love of the wilderness and paddling shine through the practical information presented. (Diana Mumford Wavelength 20100501)

Excellent for those ready to take basic skills to the next level. (John Helling Library Journal 200006)

A very good instructional book on how to kayak. (Glenn Perrett www.simcoe.com (Metroland) 201005)

Superb and inspiring photography... coupled with well written and insightful content make this "coffee table" style book a prized possession. (Solent Sea Kayaking 200006)

For those just starting out in the adventure of kayaking, this book is a master stroke. (Konnie LeMay Lake Superior Magazine 201005)

Another first-rate effort from the paddling partners who have been producing quality work for many years. (CHESSMAN, the Journal of Wilderness Canoeing )

This book is a master stroke... I'd suggest you get this before you even put a paddle in water. (Konnie LeMay Lake Superior Magazine )

Another first-rate effort from the paddling partners who have been producing quality work for many years. (CHE-MUN, the Journal of Wilderness Canoeing )

I'd suggest you get this before you even put a paddle in water. (Konnie LeMay Lake Superior Magazine )

About the Author

Gary and Joanie McGuffin are stars in the paddling world, well known for their wilderness expeditions as well as for their conservation efforts. They are the authors of Superior: Journeys on an Inland Sea, which won the 1996 Great Lakes Booksellers Award, and the bestselling Paddle Your Own Canoe, which set the standard for paddling instruction books. They live on a 300-acre wilderness preserve overlooking Lake Superior.

(20080731)

Product Details

• Hardcover: 208 pages
• Publisher: Boston Mills Press (May 12, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1550464647
• ISBN-13: 978-1550464641
• Product Dimensions: 8.7 x 11.3 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.7 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #147,352 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #31 in Books > Sports & Outdoors > Outdoor Recreation > Kayaking

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Best book on kayaking!!, April 2, 2010

By 

D. Masselink (Shelbyville, MI USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Paddle Your Own Kayak: An Illustrated Guide to the Art of Kayaking (Hardcover)

This is the BEST book I've seen on kayaking - it's great for beginners; and helps the experienced kayaker remember key points! The best part of all is that it's hilarious - if you're a "visual" sort of person - the funny cartoon illustrations should stick with you even if you forget the text....LOL!! It's also the first book I've read that deals with some of the more delicate issues of kayaking - like "how to take a potty break in the middle of the ocean"; or explains with drawings how the hull shape creates initial and/or secondary stability. It would be very helpful for the first-time kayaker who is in the process of buying a boat, since it explains all aspects of kayaking and what type of boat works best. It could even save lives, because it stresses safety, and there's a lot of little $200-300 "death traps" (sit-in kayaks with no flotation) being sold to first-time kayak buyers....grrrrr...

It's a very, VERY informative book that's fun to read!!

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Best Way to Learn, February 15, 2009

By 

David R. Foley (Cadillac, MIchigan) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Paddle Your Own Kayak: An Illustrated Guide to the Art of Kayaking (Hardcover)

This informative pictorial covers everything you need to know about paddling, loading, and rescues with a kayak. Step-by-step photo sequences leave nothing to the imagination. It takes the guesswork out of controlling your craft. In addition the scenic shots of Lakes Superior and Huron are inspiring and make you want to head to your nearest Great Lakes launch. Don't put this book on the shelf, leave it out on the coffee table where others can enjoy it.
Dave Foley
Cadillac, Michigan

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Book!, August 10, 2010

By 

TN user - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Paddle Your Own Kayak: An Illustrated Guide to the Art of Kayaking (Hardcover)

I bought this book before I even bought my first kayak. Because of some personal limitations I have, I wanted to see if I thought I would be able to handle kayaking. This book described the different kinds of kayaks, paddling strokes, equipment, clothing, etc. in a simple easy to understand format. I would highly recommend this book to any beginning kayaker or someone who is thinking about taking up kayaking.