Learn practical, easy-to-use techniques for navigating the sea safely and confidently In Simple Kayak Navigation, kayaking instructor Ray Killen explains everything you need to know about plotting your course for a safe and smooth sea adventure. He teaches you dozens of essential navigation procedures specially adapted to the needs of sea kayakers. Killen's simple, easy-to-learn navigational methods will help you determine your position, ensure your safety, and keep you on track. Emphasizing the importance of pre-trip planning, Killen shows you how to plot your course and how to make adjustments to it when unexpected situations arise. You'll also get advice on navigating in fog and wind, compensating for currents, avoiding collisions, and taking bearings. You'll also learn how to: Use GPS to plan routes and determine heading, speed, and position Make sense of nautical charts and maps Interpret buoys, lights, and other aids to navigation Make the best use of both deck-mounted and hand-held compasses Use tides and currents to your advantage

At last, a practical, hands-on manual of navigation techniques for the coastal kayaker! Lee Moyer, sea kayak designer, manufacturer, instructor, and store owner, reveals all the techniques a sea kayaker needs to know to be safe on open water. Lee's straightforward, practical simplified approach will make the reader want to run right out and try the techniques described. Who would have thought learning navigation could be such fun! Learn how to plan a trip (including full chart preparation); plot a course (including open-water crossings and island-hopping); read charts and compasses (including knowing the difference between magnetic and true north, and how to use each); account for current, wind, and waves in your planning and paddling; paddle at night; avoid the other guys on the water. This book will help you become a safer kayaker and give you the tools to have more fun on the water!

Sea Kayak Navigation is recommended as support material for the new British Canoe Union navigation courses that are currently being introduced.

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).

"Fundamentals of Kayak Navigation" is the authoritative source for information needed to chart an accurate course in a sea kayak, whether on open water or between islands or icebergs. Covers chart reading; compass use; finding and keeping track of position; predicting tides and currents; trip planning; navigating at night, in fog, and in boat and ship traffic; and much more.

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.

A comprehensive guide to Kayak navigation, with information on chart reading, compass and GPS units, predicting tides and currents, and navigating in adverse weather conditions.

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.

"...Her writing is clear and concise, sprinkled with bits of humor and many tips gleamed from her years working as a kayak instructor, guide and outfitter." --Sea Kayaker Magazine The first edition of The Complete Sea Kayaker's Handbook received immediate acclaim with its selection as the Best Outdoor Instructional Book by the National Outdoor Book Award group. Now this book boasts 352 pages with changes throughout to reflect the growth of kayaking as a sport. This book is your first step to adventure on the water, with everything you need to know, from buying a kayak to dressing for the water. Updates include: New photos throughout showing new boats, equipment, stretching, and repair techniques A new section on used boats and how to shop for them Expanded sections on: boat materials section to include the newer laminates; buying a new kayak; use of GPS for navigation; family paddling; Planning Your Dream Trip; Taking Care of Your Stuff to include more retrofit and repair information on a wider range of boat and paddle material Improvements in materials and more data on hypothermia; Changes in safety technique descriptions reflecting the new equipment on the market information on stretching, proper posture in a kayak, and easy modifications to kayak seats for more comfortable paddling Topics include: Getting Ready; Kayaks; Accessories and Clothing; Getting to Know Your Kayak; Controlling Your Kayak; Getting Into and Out of the Water; Real Life Paddling; Finding Your Way: Kayak Navigation; Trip Logistics; Group safety; Kayak Camping; Planning Your Dream Trip; Taking Care of Your Stuff