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

~ (Author), Joanie McGuffin (Author) "NO MATTER WHERE WE LIVE, the physical environment we grow up in inscribes its mark upon eac h of us very early in life..." (more)
Key Phrases: low shaft angle, capsized paddler, injured paddler, Lake Superior, Wreck Island, Great Lakes (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Review

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 20098082)

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)

"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 & Joanie McGuffin Author interview, Open Book, Toronto 20090501)

With personal anecdotes and observations, the authors' love of the wilderness and paddling shine through the practical information presented. (Diana Mumford Wavelength 20081115)

[The McGuffins'] passion for kayaking is obvious and articulately relayed through their eminently readable and incredibly handy book. (The Calgary Herald 200901)

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

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

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

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

Product Description

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.

(20080618)

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 208 pages
• Publisher: Boston Mills Press (May 12, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1550464647
• ISBN-13: 978-1550464641
• Product Dimensions: 11.1 x 8.6 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.7 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #227,470 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 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 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

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Book, September 28, 2009

By	Michael J. Oneill (St. Paul, MN) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Amazon Verified Purchase

This is simply one of the greatest with the most beautiful photography kayak books you can get. It takes you through all the basic strokes, rescues, equipment and other things you may want to know about kayaking. Its also great resource for any level paddler. I review this book every time I'm going to do a class or skill session on kayaking. Buy it, you won't regret it...

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Paddle Your Own Kayak, December 16, 2008

By	John Santana (Staten Island, NY) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Excellent book with the right photo illustration to match its writting content. I thought the book so good that I purchased two, for a holiday gift.