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

~ (Author) "This book will give you the essence, the techniques, and the specifics of the sport of sea kayaking..." (more)
Key Phrases: paddle float reentry, stern rudder stroke, hip flick, Great Lakes, North America (more...)

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.

Product Description

"This book will give you the essence, the techniques, and the specifics of the sport of sea kayaking. With that knowledge you’ll be able to acquire the skills that will make sea kayaking the rewarding and enjoyable sport it should be. It will also get you thinking about long cruises in the Bahamas or getting better aerobic exercise out of an evening’s paddle. Sound like what you’re looking for? Good, because in this book you’ll find a place to start and a place to which you can return as you continue to develop. It’ll be easy. I promise." – David Seidman

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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 7.4 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #678,636 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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  #55 in	Books > Outdoors & Nature > Outdoor Recreation > Kayaking > Whitewater Kayaking
  #58 in	Books > Sports > Water Sports > Sea Kayaking

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)    (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.