The Basic Book of Sea Kayaking (How to Paddle Series) (Paperback)

by Derek C. Hutchinson (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
This comprehensive and practical guide is a must-have for anyone drawn to the exhilarating and adventurous sport of sea kayaking - whether a complete beginner or a seasoned veteran. "The Basic Book of Sea Kayaking" packs forty years experience into five easy-to-understand chapters that cover all the fundamentals - from choosing the right kayak, paddle, and clothing to the best ways to load and launch your craft, as well as tips on basic kayaking strokes and understanding the effects of tides and the weather. This volume also includes more than 50 colour photographs and illustrations showing how to perform key manoeuvres such as the forward paddle stroke and the renowned Eskimo Roll.

From the Back Cover
A concise instruction book for beginners and a handy review guide for experienced paddlers, The Basic Book of Sea Kayaking is a must for anyone drawn to the sport of sea kayaking. Derek C. Hutchinson whittles his forty years of experience into five easy-to-understand chapters, covering the fundamentals of this exciting paddlesport. Fifty-plus detailed color illustrations show you how to perform key maneuvers, from the forward paddling stroke to the Eskimo roll. Whether kayaking for exercise, outdoor exploration, or pure fun, this book covers everything you need to know, including: choosing the right kayak and paddle; proper clothing, footwear, and equipment; the lowdown on how to load and launch your boat; tips on basic kayaking strokes; detailed explanations of rescue and capsize procedures; understanding the effect of tides and weather, and much more! Derek C. Hutchinson is the leading international authority on sea kayaking, and has been designated as senior coach in the British Canoe Union. He travels extensively in North America and Europe, lecturing and teaching. He is also the author of four kayaking books and has led numerous sea kayaking expeditions.
--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 81 pages
• Publisher: Falcon Press Publishing; 2 edition (May 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0762742836
• ISBN-13: 978-0762742837
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 6 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #151,551 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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  #25 in	Books > Sports > Water Sports > Sea Kayaking
  #48 in	Books > Sports > Water Sports > Swimming
  #87 in	Books > Outdoors & Nature > Outdoor Recreation > Kayaking

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

28 of 29 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Perfect Introduction to Kayaking !!!!!, September 6, 2001

By	Kevin Hing (St. Petersburg, Florida United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This review is from: Basic Book of Sea Kayaking (Sea Kayaking How- To) (Paperback)

Derek Hutchinson is a master kayaker with a gift for teaching.

His "Basic Book" is just what the novice kayaker needs. For those who have not yet purchased a kayak, Hutchinson surveys the various types of boats and their respective strengths and weaknesses, with lots of helpful tips on what to look for in a new or used kayak. His discussions of clothing and equipment (particularly his discussion about paddles) is excellent and well-crafted to ensure that the beginner is properly dressed and equipped for his/her local conditions. He even offers such escoteric tidbits as making sure that your new kayak is left upside down overnight to adequately vent the styrene gas that might have built up during the manufacturing process (thereby preventing contamination of your gear and possibly making you sick).

Hutchinson's descriptions of basic paddling is very good...each subject is well illustrated with diagrams and photographs, and his instructions are written with a brief, clear and complete command of the subject that clearly bespeaks his decades of experience. The all-important sections on safety, rescues, and (gulp) capsize procedures are also very well written and illustrated.

I think the only thing better than buying and studying this book would be taking one of his kayaking courses (he has been designated a senior coach by the British Canoe Union).

In short, this expertly written book will answer many of your questions about kayak purchasing, outfitting, paddling technique and safety. For the money, you can't possibly go wrong.

0 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent beginners book, December 31, 1999

By	s steibel (usa) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Basic Book of Sea Kayaking (Sea Kayaking How- To) (Paperback)

This is a perfect book for the beginner, written by THE master himself, and for 6 bucks! If you really want to learn contact your local kayak shop and find out when Derek will be in your area (or somewhere close), and take his two day introductory class. He dosen't charge more than other instructors, but you will learn more in two days with Derek, than most people learn in two seasons. Learn from the best. By the way, that's me on the cover taking his two day course.