Sea Kayaking: A Manual for Long-Distance Touring [Paperback]

John Dowd (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 1997

This guide to long-distance sea kayaking is intended for kayakers of all levels, from beginner to advanced. New to this expanded and updated edition of the classic guide, first published in 1981, are proven techniques for teaching kayaking, helpful information for kayakers who are disabled, and suggestions on how to enjoy a kayaking excursion with minimal impact on the environment.

"As before, Dowd's emphasis is on the right approach, the right equipment, the best skills and techniques, and on safety and survival. It is written out of Dowd's wide experience and intimate knowledge of kayaking. It is lucid, exhaustive and wise -- essential reading for all kayakers, and simply the best book on this marvellous pastime". -- Paul Theroux

"This comprehensive manual goes beyond technique and equipment to give a thorough analysis of weather, navigation, ocean currents and tides, storms, rescue, survival situations, and expedition planning. Essential reading". -- Paddles, Oars and Sails

"Both well-written and logically organized, Sea Kayaking is a virtual cornucopia of information pertaining to ocean touring. A glance at the table of contents turns up chapters on equipment selection, technique, seamanship, self-rescue, navigation, weather, storm procedures, and expedition planning, among others". -- Canoe

Product Details

• Paperback: 304 pages
• Publisher: University of Washington Press; Revised edition (May 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0295976225
• ISBN-13: 978-0295976228
• Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 5.5 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.7 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,152,229 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

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

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

62 of 62 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Comprehesive and readable, good practical advice, August 19, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Sea Kayaking: A Manual for Long-Distance Touring (Paperback)

I first read his 1988 edition as I was just getting into sea kayaking. I have since built 3 singles and a triple and have done week-long trips in Prince William Sound, Puget Sound, Sea of Cortez, and New Zealand. So I'm now fairly experienced and yet still learn (relearn?) new information and techniques when I reread it.

I especially appreciate Dowd's emphasis on self-rescues as opposed to assisted rescues. So many rescues that work in a pool with an unloaded boat are impossible in 38F water, 3-foot seas, with 150 pounds of gear in your touring kayak. And yet that is when you really need a solid rescue technique.

His references to some of the epoch, historic and recent, long-distance expeditions are inspirational. When you're slogging 5 miles back to camp against a 15-knot wind, it helps to remember that people have paddled across the Atlantic and that your task is doable.

Be safe, go see cool places, happy paddling. -David Thomas

44 of 45 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Bible of the Sport, August 18, 2000

By 

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

This review is from: Sea Kayaking: A Manual for Long-Distance Touring (Paperback)

There are a number of good books on kayak technique, but Dowd's is the bible of the sport, and with good reason. He's been kayaking for over thirty years, and he's done some of the most difficult voyages in kayaking history. He's specific in his recommendations, but open minded, too. He favors feathered paddles, but he understands the advantage of unfeatehred paddles, and allows how they may be superior in many conditions.

Dowd's advice isn't based on theory, but on experience. He's not afraid to admit his own mistakes, and in this latest edition, he desribes how he's changed a lot of his opinons on the rescue techniques he's taught in the past. He's realistic, and realizes that not every kayaker is going to develop a bombproof roll or be able to perform the Borze's paddlefloat rescue; he endorses alternate techniques like he (somewhat contentious) Sea Wings.

What it boils down to is this: Whatever other books you may own, whatever lessons you may have taken, whatever your level of experience- you need this book.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars One of the best books on Sea Kayaking that I have ever read!, March 17, 2007

By 

W. Merriman (Phoenix, AZ. USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Sea Kayaking: A Manual for Long-Distance Touring (Paperback)

I am not an avid reader, and I usually lose interest in a book and place it on the shelf mid way through if the author doesn't keep my interest. John Dowd had not only captivated my interest, but made it hard for me to put it down. Some of the best and informative information about Sea Kayaking that I have read yet. It should be a "Must Read" for any person involved in the sport of Sea Kayaking, beginner to novice. 5 Star Rating above all others!!!