2005 National Outdoor Book Award Winner. A fully illustrated introduction to river kayaking with a full-color gear guide plus chapters on river safety and reading the water. Step-by-step instruction on essential techniques, including all major strokes and rolls.

This concise introductory handbook is packed with expert advice and contains all the essential information a novice needs to hit the water while providing a quick reference for the more experienced paddler.

An introduction to canoeing that uses step-by-step photographs to demonstrate the essential strokes and maneuvers; includes safety tips and information on equipment.

For a generation, the Basic Illustrated series has been as much a part of the outdoors experience as backpacks and hiking boots. Information-packed tools for the novice or handy references for the veteran, these volumes distill years of knowledge into affordable and portable books. Whether you’re planning a trip or thumbing for facts in the field, Basic Illustrated books tell you what you need to know. Basic Illustrated Kayaking Basic Illustrated Kayaking includes a buying guide to kayak design, kayak features, accessories, and gear so the reader can decide the kind of kayak that is right for him or her. The book is packed with step-by-step information on transporting, launching and landing, basic and advanced strokes, techniques, navigation, rescues, and expedition planning. It focuses on recreational (flatwater) kayaking, providing step-by-step instructions and easy-to-follow photos.

This exciting and demanding sport is much different than its flat-water sibling, with different equipment and techniques, all of which are covered in Basic Illustrated Sea Kayaking. Full-color images cover the many sea kayak models and accessories, as well as important information on tides and currents, packing and loading tips for comfort and safety, and a glossary chock-full of helpful terminology. You'll discover how to perfect your paddle stroke, perform self rescues and assisted rescues, paddle and navigate safely, pack your sea kayak for an expedition, and get your kayak on and off your vehicle.

A generously photographed and illustrated handbook for beginners and seasoned paddlers, Kayaking Made Easy is brimming with advice, humor, and personal anecdotes about every aspect of flatwater and sea kayaking. Dennis Stuhaug, an encouraging and enthusiastic instructor, takes a step-by-step approach to introducing kayaking gear, strokes, maneuvers, and the complexities of long-distance navigation. This edition is completely updated with information about new equipment and techniques, all accompanied by stunning full-color photos.

A practical guide that will help you to master the skills needed to manoeuvre a sea kayak efficiently. For beginner and intermediate paddlers. Doug draws on his personal and coaching experience to help the reader master sea kayak handling skills and techniques. Accurate sequential photos and simple concise language make the descriptions easy to follow and understand. The foundation skills of posture, connectivity (how your body is connected to the kayak), power transfer and learning to 'feel' how the boat responds, are explored initially. The author then goes on to tackle forward paddling, keeping the kayak on course, reverse paddling, edging, turning on the spot, forward turns on the move, reverse turns on the move, stern rudders, moving sideways, support strokes, and the use of skegs and rudders. Sea Kayak Handling is recommended as support material for the British Canoe Union 3 and 4 Star (Sea) awards. (The 1 star is a novice 'encouragement' award, the 2 star covers basic generic kayak skills, the 3 star basic/intermediate sea specific skills and experience, and the 4 star covers intermediate sea specific skills and leadership in moderate conditions).

From its beginnings, river canoeing in the United States has grown enormously. New equipment, materials, and techniques have advanced the capabilities of boaters. This handbook explains the techniques of whitewater canoeing, with concise instructions and clear illustrations, for a safe introduction to the sport. Oriented to the open two-person canoe, the material presented in this book also is applicable to solo paddling and closed canoes. The chapter on equipment and clothing contains information on the latest types of canoes available and discusses the advantages and problems of each in whitewater canoeing. Different shapes for canoes are reviewed along with their implications for recreational and whitewater canoeing. Information is given for lifevests and helmets, knee straps, painters, and bailers. Floatation devices are covered, along with splash covers and carrying yokes. Other chapters cover effective paddle strokes, reading fast water, river maneuvering, rescue techniques, strategies, canoe slaloming, and wilderness whitewater canoeing. A special chapter on becoming a whitewater instructor is included. Appendices illustrate how to reinforce paddle blades; making a throw-line rescue bag; universal river signals; the English Gate; use of a flannel board for training; and the difficulty classifications of rivers. (ALL)

Go with the flow! You’re no idiot, of course. You love being on the water and in the great outdoors. But when it comes to canoeing or kayaking, you’re starting to think you hear a waterfall. Don’t head for higher ground! The Complete Idiot’s Guide® to Canoeing and Kayaking will prepare you for your journey—whether you’re heading down a local river, around a regional lake, or into the ocean. In this Complete Idiot’s Guide®, you get: • Detailed information on the different types of canoes, kayaks, and tips for choosing the right one for you. • Paddling strokes, maneuvers, and techniques for all kinds of conditions. • Foolproof tips on navigating all types of waters—from rough rapids to slow-moving streams. • Great advice on using kayaks and canoes for fitness, fishing, camping, and competition. Learn more about: • Safety considerations, including quick exits, Eskimo Rolls, swift water-rescue techniques, and more. • Safely paddling with kids, to make sure everyone has fun. • Clothing and equipment, including how to choose and care for a personal flotation device. • Paddling techniques and how they evolved through the years. • Planning a trip and choosing an outfitter or guide. • Building your own canoe or kayak.