Eastern Arctic Kayaks is the product of years of kayak study by two of the world's experts. Combining analyses of form and function with historical background and illustrations of kayaking techniques, this volume will appeal to recreational kayakers and scholarly readers alike. An excerpt from John Brand's Little Kayak Book series makes this British publication available to American readers for the first time.

Across the vast expanse of northern lands from eastern Siberia to Greenland, Aboriginal peoples created fifty to sixty different models of kayaks. This book treats Canada’s share of this spectrum, which is broken down into three kayak groups: Mackenzie, Central Canadian and East Canadian. This is an initial survey of the history and construction of kayaks in the Canadian Arctic.

He shows how vessels' design varied in response to the demands of climate and the availability of resources as well as the needs of the hunters using them; he considers associated equipment, from paddles to paddlers' clothing. The result is a succinct but authoritative introduction to the kayaks of Alaska and Siberia."--BOOK JACKET.

The first two papers describe King Island and North Baffin kayaks, their construction and their equipment. Other articles are on kayak design variation, Greenland kayaks, “kayak fear”, Canadian revival and the fascinating Aleut designs. All papers are illustrated and reflect the Canadian Museum of Civilization’s collection.

Across the vast expanse of northern lands from eastern Siberia to Greenland a great variety of native kayaks were created by the Koryak, Chukchi, Aleut, Yuit and Inuit. Some fifty or sixty different models can be distinguished, and further subvarieties as well, which scholars group into about a dozen major lots or families. Canada's share of this spectrum is the subject of this essay which deals with three kayak groups, labelled for convenience "Mackenzie", "Central Canadian", and "East Canadian". Each is treated mainly in terms of historical records and construction. Variation within each grouping is discussed, but without more study a definitive statement is not possible. This essay is just an initial survey of Canada's kayaks. A score of scale lines drawings, mostly of kayaks in the Canadian Museum of Civilization, are included along with some photographs.

The author has also included detailed measurements of the kayak, a glossary of Yupik terms, and descriptions and drawings of kayak accessories."--BOOK JACKET.

Skinboat culture of the Inuits in Greenland. Part I- the kayak. Part II- the umiak. Covers construction, gear, types and use.

The bark canoes of the North American Indians, particularly those of birchbark, were among the most highly developed manually propelled primitive watercraft. They could be used to carry heavy loads in shallow streams but were light enough to be hauled long distances over land. Built with Stone Age tools from available materials, their design, size, and appearance were varied to suit the many requirements of their users. Upon arrival in North America, European settlers began using the native-made craft for traveling through the wilderness. Even today, canoes are based on these ancient designs. This fascinating guide combines historical background with instructions for constructing one. Author Edwin Tappan Adney, born in 1868, devoted his life to studying canoes and was practically the sole scholar in his field. His papers and research have been assembled by a curator at the Smithsonian Institution, and illustrated with black-and-white line drawings, diagrams, and photos. Included here are measurements, detailed drawings, construction methods, and models. The book covers canoes from Newfoundland to the Pacific Ocean, as well as umiaks and kayaks from the Arctic.