The kayak touring, stand up paddling, and kayak fishing along the Connecticut and Rhode Island coast is some of the finest in the country. Most of these waters are protected from large ocean swells, while ocean currents allow for lively waters and abundant sea life. These conditions permit beginners and experts alike to explore the many islands, coastal preserves, and dramatic coastlines in Long Island Sound, Fishers Island Sound, Block Island Sound, and Narragansett Bay. Along with over 100 photographs, Sea Kayaking and Stand Up Paddling Connecticut, Rhode Island, and the Long Island Sound provides readers with over 40: Kayak tours, and rough water play areas, for the beginner and advanced paddler Preferred areas for Stand Up Paddlers Kayak fishing areas and tips Maps with overviews of the paddling circuits and launches Utilizing the author’s vast knowledge of these waters, Sea Kayaking and Stand Up Paddling Connecticut, Rhode Island, and the Long Island Sound is an exceptionally comprehensive resource for all car-top boaters in this region.

Paddling Long Island is the only book on the market to depict routes and destinations across the whole of Long Island and the New York City area. And it showcases 50 of the very best. It is a diverse selection, too. After all, according to skill level, weather, personal mood, and other factors, a paddler may want open, fast water one day, but a quiet, protected experience at another time, and something in-between later on. It’s all here, from New York City to the far eastern tip of Long Island’s Montauk Point. What’s more, the book’s guidance and language are geared to wide-ranging skill levels: the novice will be enlightened and encouraged, and the seasoned kayaker or canoeist will be engaged and engrossed. That is because the author’s intimate, lifelong knowledge of the area’s waterways shines in his descriptions of natural and social histories, humorous stories, personal anecdotes, and beautiful black-and-white photographs. In addition, the author provides contact information on local paddling clubs, outfitters, and Internet links. And a final extensive section on personal safety, boat and equipment preparedness, and related topics makes this book an invaluable tool.

John F. Willey, a native of Haverhill, Massachusetts, was born in 1930. The oldest of four children, tough times awaited him and his family as the Great Depression got under way. With the economy worsening, bankers start jumping out of windows and the whole country is scared. The Willey family somehow gets by while refusing welfare. During these troubled times, John experiences the twangs of romantic love and enjoys many other boyhood firsts. But as he gets older, John becomes addicted to alcohol. He twists up his life, but he eventually overcomes his demons and begins helping others who face similar problems put their lives in order. Despite some bumps along the way, John has lived an amazing life surrounded by adventure, loving relationships, and friends. He did not sit and watch life go by but participated in it every step of the way. Learn from his experiences and find inspiration in Living the Life I Always Wanted.

“A well-written and comprehensive tale . . . a lively history of the people and events that forged modern-day New York City.”—The Urban Audubon Experience a seldom-seen New York City with journalists and NYC natives Sharon Seitz and Stuart Miller as they show you the 42 islands in this city’s diverse archipelago. Within the city’s boundaries there are dozens of islands—some famous, like Ellis, some infamous, like Rikers, and others forgotten, like North Brother, where Typhoid Mary spent nearly 30 years in confinement. While the spotlight often falls on the museums, trends, and restaurants of Manhattan, the city’s other islands have vivid and intriguing stories to tell. They offer the day-tripper everything from nature trails to military garrisons. This detailed guide and comprehensive history will give you a sense of how New York City’s politics, population, and landscape have evolved over the last several centuries through the prism of its islands. Full of practical information on how to reach each island, what you’ll see there, and colorful stories, facts, and legends, The Other Islands of New York City is much more than a travel guide.

Although books on strip building canoes abound, this is among the first to adapt the technique to crafting attractive, functional kayaks. Using high-quality, computer-generated illustrations and photographs to explain key techniques, the book provides complete plans and measurements for three different kayaks: 1) A simple solo craft for beginners, 2) A high-performance solo kayak for intermediate paddlers, and 3) A tandem design for two paddlers. With its easy-to-follow guidance and instructions, The Strip-Built Sea Kayak makes top-notch kayaks accessible to budget-minded paddlers.

Beneath the glitter and glamour, New York hides surprising chances to pursue active outdoor sports. This guide features detailed descriptions of rides, routes, resources, and hangouts for two dozen sports in and around the Big Apple. 50 maps.

Want to go vertical? Let Rock Climbing Connecticut point you to the best ascents in the state. Scale the rock at Ragged Mountain, jam your way up the cracks at Chatfield Hollow State Park, and get pumped on the bouldering circuit at 7 Falls State Park. What Connecticut climbs lack in vertical height, they more than make up for in steep and sustained adventure. Inside you'll find information on the best climbing routes and bouldering problems at many favorite areas, along with protection information and gear recommendations that will keep you heading to the top. You'll find: detailed topos for all the major crags; descriptions of hundreds of routes; background and historical information on many of the crags; easy-to-follow driving and approach directions to climbing and bouldering destinations.

Get the authoritative guide to the rivers of New York, featuring 50 of the state’s best paddling trips. From the slow tidal rivers of Long Island to the swift whitewater in the Adirondack Mountains, the best way to experience nature in the Empire State is by paddle! Canoeing & Kayaking New York is a comprehensive guide to New York’s creeks and rivers. Written by expert paddler and New York native Kevin Stiegelmaier, the guidebook provides engaging and concise information, while offering carefully selected details vital to successful trips for beginners and experienced paddlers alike. For more than a decade, Canoeing & Kayaking New York has been a trusted source for paddlers. This popular guidebook presents paddling routes like the majestic Hudson River as is heads to the urban waterways of New York City, the incomparable scenery along the Marion River, the peaceful solitude offered by the Sangerfield River, and the Old Erie Canal—perfect for families with children. Inside you’ll find: Details on 50 of the best trips along New York’s premier rivers for paddling River profiles with maps and GPS coordinates Recommended runs for waterfalls, wildlife viewing, trips with children, and more At-a-glance data including river class, length, and time Canoeing & Kayaking New York is simply the best and most informative New York paddling guide. Wet your paddle and whet your taste for outdoor adventure!

The authoritative guide to the Connecticut River for boaters, canoeists, and kayakers.