Reviews (28)

Packed With Info
This book is very good I must have read it 3-4 times the first month I had it and picked up tips each time. It is well written, easy to understand, as I have never built a boat before, still havn't but hope to this winter. Excellent intro to a project like this.

A very handy technical back stop!!
This is a very useful book in terms of getting a handle on wood strip kayak construction. It is well written, concise and clear. It suffers from some unfortunate americanisms (eg material suppliers, wood types, etc). There are also some areas like staple-less construction that are not covered deeply enough - but overall a fine addition to the books in this space.
S. Halgrimson
I have found The Strip-Built Sea Kayak an interesting book.I have not been able to build a boat yet but plan to this spring. I have graphed the forms and found the book to explain it well.I hope the rest of the boat goes as well as the forms did. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Amateurs' manuals    2. Boating - General    3. Canoeing    4. Design and construction    5. Kayaking    6. Kayaks    7. Physical Education    8. Sports    9. Sports & Recreation    10. Canoeing & kayaking    11. Education / Physical Education    12. Shipbuilding technology & engineering    13. Woodworking   

Reviews (1)

Excellent Journal of 1880's travel through the Adirondacks
This is a compilation of stories written by George Washington Sears (a.k.a. Nessmuk) for Forest and Stream Magazine in the years 1880-1883. He paddled different custom built ultralight Rushton canoes each year,starting south of present day Old Forge, through the Fulton Chain toRaquette and reaching as far as Long Lake, Little Tupper Lake and beyond. His chronicles are enjoyable, easily readable tales of life and travel inthe wilderness of the 1880's Adirondacks.It is full of details which areinteresting to the student of Adirondack history. For instance, he allowedme to pinpoint the year of construction of the Grove Hotel (later known asthe Deerland Hotel) on Long Lake, and to give me background on it'soriginal owner. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 1821-1890    2. Adirondack Mountains    3. Adirondack Mountains (N.Y.)    4. Canoeing    5. Canoes and canoeing    6. Guidebooks    7. Nature/Ecology    8. New York (State)    9. Sears, George Washington,    10. Travel - United States    11. United States - General    12. White Water Canoeing And Kayaking    13. Biography: general    14. Camping & woodcraft    15. Canoeing & kayaking    16. Sears, George Washington    17. USA   

Reviews (9)

All You need
If you want to build a greenland kayak then this is all you need. Instructions are clear and not wordy. It also has sections on making paddles and paddling clothing. The style shown in this book has slight deviations from the original greenland technique but he specifically states all the changes. I built a kayak from this book with my only help being a second pair of hands, and i am only 15. The boat was exactly to his designs and it is fast, fairly stable, and responsive.

Terrific book with lots of details and pictures
This is a terrific book.I bought Robert Morris' book on Skin on Frame building and had many questions.Chris Cunningham's book provides lot of details and answered my questions.Both books compliment each other and since I do not know much about this process, I consider both required reading before I build.
Great detail and instruction
This book was great for a novice builder like myself. The intructions were clear and easy to follow. I like the way the instruction passages started with the result intended followed by detailed instructions.
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Subjects:  1. Design and construction    2. Kayaking    3. Kayaks    4. Ships & Shipbuilding - Engineering    5. Sports    6. Sports & Recreation    7. Water Sports    8. Woodwork - General    9. Canoeing & kayaking    10. Ship design & naval architecture    11. Sports & Recreation / Kayaking   

Reviews (8)

Great Fishing Tool
I recently read Capt. Kens book and found it to be a great source of info on Kayak fishing. I have never fished out of a yak yet but I know when I do I know I will be prepared with the help of this book. The technical side on how to rig the kayk is the best part.

Kayak Fishing a must read
I am new to the sport of Kayak Fishing. I found this book to be extremly imformative and a delight to read. With the wealth of information I gained from this book I feel confident in continuing my pursuit of Kayak Fishing. I know it will be a book that I will refer back to many times in the future. It is obvious Ken has a tremendous amount of enthusiasm, knowledge and experience for the sport and is willing to share it with the readers. I am anxiously awaiting his DVD's on Bass Fishing and fishing the flats. Keep up the good work.

Must have book for kayak fishermen
Great book for the novice or experienced kayak fisherman. Full of needed information to get your kayak set up to fish and how to effectively fish from your boat. Tips on tackle and techniques for various species top off a tremendous source of information needed to enjoy this great sport. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Fishing    2. Kayaking    3. Sports    4. Sports & Recreation    5. Sports & Recreation / Fishing    6. Sports & Recreation / Kayaking    7. Kayaks and kayaking   

Reviews (4)

Good Book that will help yo build a Beautiful Wooden Kayak
This book is a complete presentation of what you will beed to do to build a stich and glue kayak, beginning to end.The designs in the boat are suitable for beginner and intermediate paddlers.People with even modest amounts of woodworking aptuitude will be able to build boats from this book if you can make the time and money committments, in my experience begin at 100 hours and $500.Tool requirements are modest, mostly hand tools, and are discussed in the book. Great book with only one gripe...
My one gripe is that the plans included with the book are close to useless. They're on tiny paper, and need to be severely enlarged before they can be used. A valuable read for the novice boat builder.
I'm planning to build one of Chesapeake Light Craft's Mill Creek kayaks this winter. I've been reading the CLC forums, the many customer web sites and the back issues of Wooden Boat magazine with articles on building CLC boats, but the most helpful read so far has been this book.Read more

Subjects:  1. Amateurs' manuals    2. Boating - General    3. Design and construction    4. Kayaking    5. Kayaks    6. Ships & Shipbuilding - Engineering    7. Ships & Shipbuilding - General    8. Small Ship Design And Construction    9. Sports    10. Sports & Recreation    11. Transportation    12. Canoeing & kayaking    13. Crafts & Hobbies / General    14. Technical design   

Reviews (1)

A complete and thorough "how to" guide to the sport and recreation of kayaking
This newly expanded and revised third edition of Kayaking Made Easy: A Manual For Beginners With Tips For The Experienced by Dennis Stuhaug is a complete and thorough "how to" guide to the sport and recreation of kayaking. Providing readers with a concisely presenting approach to preparing for and engaging in kayaking, Kayaking Made Easy offers a truly "user friendly" guide to everything from choosing the right hull for individual needs, outfitting the kayak with seat, flotation, spray deck and other fittings, mastering basic maneuvers from the sweep stroke to the sculling brace, and assembling a kayaking wardrobe that is both comfortable and affordable, to safe navigation through the hazards of wind, fog, eddies and rip currents, and ensuring that all companions, including kids, enjoy the active and fun ride. A welcome addition to personal and community library reference collections, Kayaking Made Easy is very strongly recommended reading for novice kayakers, and has much of value to offer even seasoned kayakers.
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Subjects:  1. Handbooks, manuals, etc    2. Kayaking    3. Sports    4. Sports & Recreation    5. Sports & Recreation / Kayaking   

Subjects:  1. Kayaking    2. Sports    3. Sports & Recreation   

Editorial Review

Anyone who kayaks--or would like to--will get a laugh out of Read more

Reviews (12)

Kayak:The Animated Manual of Intermediate and Advanced Whitewater Technique
Great book!The best book I have found for those looking to understand whitewater.

If you paddle rivers, you wantthis book!
Most introductory paddling books begin with equipment and clothing, run through basic strokes and present a couple of simple moves, eddying out and peeling out, for example, with some fundamental river information thrown in at the end.The assumption is that you will learn what you need to know on the water. Great Book for any level
Nealy does a great job of conveying his to-the-point descriptions in terminology that even the most novice of paddler can understand.Keep in mind that this book is geared towards the paddler that has been in the water a few times, but it is still a great book if you have never even sat in a kayak. As far as a read, it is great.This is a real page turner with tons of diagrams.I had absolutly no question about what the author was trying to say.Overall, it is an excellent book and well worth the money ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Kayaking    2. Kayaks    3. Rowing Sports    4. Safety measures    5. Sports    6. Sports & Recreation    7. White-water canoeing    8. Canoeing & kayaking    9. Sports & Recreation / Kayaking   

Reviews (1)

Excellent reference for the whitewater enthusiast.
Mssrs. Walbridge and Sundmacher cover the subject of whitewater rescuewell.It is geared toward the recreational boater, but is also a valuabletool for the public safety officer (police, sheriff, fire/rescue,SAR,ranger, etc.). It does not cover reading whitewater, since assumes thereader is already a boater of some sort.It does present the most commonproblems and solutions.In addition it covers use of the tools needed tosafely execute timely rescues.Easy reading, excellent photographs anddrawings illustrate the points well. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Canoeing    2. Handbooks, manuals, etc    3. Kayaking    4. Rafting (Sports)    5. Safety measures    6. Sports    7. Sports & Recreation    8. Water Sports    9. White Water Canoeing And Kayaking    10. White-water canoeing    11. Canoeing & kayaking    12. First aid for the home    13. Sports & Recreation / Kayaking   

Subjects:  1. Europe - France    2. Europe - Spain & Portugal    3. Kayaking    4. Sports    5. Sports & Recreation    6. Travel - Foreign    7. Travel / Europe / Spain & Portugal   

Reviews (8)

Very Basic
As the title suggests the book is for a beginner, however I was disappointed with how basic the information was. I am new to Kayaking and had found that most of the information is available on the kayak vendor's web pages, which I had already read. On the plus side the book is well written and easy to read. I would only purchase the book if you are still deciding to purchase a Sit on top kayak versus a Sit in kayak.

A Good Basic Buy
I'm still a bit new to SOT kayaking and I found that this book offered some excellent information and suggestions - the checklists were very helpful when I began equipping my kayak. Really solid, basic information!

No words of wisdom here.
Spend the money on a good basic sea kayaking Read more

Subjects:  1. Kayaking    2. Reference    3. Sports    4. Sports & Recreation    5. Sports & Recreation / Kayaking    6. Kayaks   

Reviews (23)

Lessons are not hard to learn
Deep trouble recounts the stories and reports of 20 kayaking incidents which range from death (often with sketchy information as you would imagine) to mild hypothermia to extraordinary feats of endurance and survival.
A guide of what not to do.
If you are new to this sport or an experienced paddler, this book can provide valuable insight on how to stay out of trouble and what to do, or not do if you find yourself in trouble.

excellent information
As a newby kayaker, I find this book to be highly
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Subjects:  1. Accidents    2. Canoeing    3. Kayaking    4. Northwest, Pacific    5. Safety measures    6. Sea kayaking    7. Special Interest - Adventure    8. Sports    9. Sports & Recreation    10. Water Sports    11. Canoeing & kayaking    12. First aid for the home    13. Sports & Recreation / Water Sports    14. True Stories    15. SPORTS & RECREATION    

Reviews (4)

Essential Reference for Seakayakers
As a kayak instructor, I highly recommend you purchase this book and keep it handy to read and review on a regular basis.It is not only great for beginners but also seasoned paddlers.One of the most overwhelming aspects of this sport is figuring out what gear you really need - especially when you see the price tags in all the "gucci" paddling stores these days.Doug Alderson brings kayaking back to basics by giving you hints on how you can enhance your kayaking kit with things from around the house or the dollar store.His tips are usually so simple they're ingenious.(Did you know that when Doug isn't paddling he's a high school industrial arts teacher?).Moreover, his advice on how to plan a trip, stay safe, and have a hassle free camping experience are by far the best I've seen, a testament to Doug's vast seakaying experience.I use this book as one of my main instructing references since students often ask me questions that are well covered in this book.The more I read it, the more I appreciate how much thought went into each paragraph and illustration.

random observations about kayaking
This is a collection of suggestions rather than a systematic discussion, not worth the money or time.

confidence and knowledge for even the newest paddlers
I started paddling just 2 months ago and bought this book before my first venture on the water. After reading it I felt like I had a basic idea of the kinds of things that could happen to me and what I could do about them. It contains advice from many experienced paddlers who want to help you avoid their mistakes and have a great time paddling. Being new to the sport I didn't even know what questions to ask - this book covers topics I hadn't even thought about. It gives advice on the best fabric choices in clothes for the weather, what to pack on the boat, what to have waiting for you at the end of your trip (hot cocoa among other things), how to tie some basic knots, how to scare bears away, how to pee without leaving the kayak (valuable information for women - like me). It's interesting, fun to read and not at all didactic. It includes many tips for more experienced paddlers and I will reread it often as I advance in the sport. The tips are offered by paddlers who obviously love their sport and want to share their great time with everyone else. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Kayaking    2. Sea kayaking    3. Sports & Recreation    4. Travel    5. Water Sports    6. Canoeing & kayaking    7. Sports & Recreation / Water Sports   

Reviews (5)

Great book
Dowd has a way of sounding like your dad and the tone of the book is very relaxed and easy to follow. It claims to be pitched at intermediate kayakers starting out on expeditions yet basic skills like bracing, sculling and rolling are included. Even the most basic things that are left out are assumed by their absence and that keeps the book from being patronising in an overly wordy `beginners guide' type way.
Essential kayaking book
This is a fabulous book on sea kayaking.I loved reading it because of the very useful information and mix of serious and humorous writing styles.A must read - and you'll want to read it several times to soak up all the great information.Highly recommended for any kayaker.His exploits are impressive and inspiring.

The Bible of the Sport
There are a number of good books on kayak technique, but Dowd's is thebible of the sport, and with good reason. He's been kayaking for overthirty years, and he's done some of the most difficult voyages in kayakinghistory. He's specific in his recommendations, but open minded, too. Hefavors feathered paddles, but he understands the advantage of unfeatehredpaddles, and allows how they may be superior in many conditions.Read more

Subjects:  1. Canoeing    2. Kayaking    3. Safety measures    4. Sea kayaking    5. Sports    6. Sports & Recreation    7. White Water Canoeing And Kayaking   

Reviews (25)

This book took me out on the water with the author!
I couldn't put this book down!I was there with every storm, every breathless moment of this incredible journey!I was exhausted when I finished this page-turner strictly from the adventure standpoint, but the emotional journey which parallels the physical is equally compelling and I found the author's honesty to be refreshing and comforting.This is a beautiful book to read and re-read when your own life's journey makes you wonder if you're on the right path and it makes a wonderful gift as well!

big thoughts on a big lake
Linnea's book is one of only a handful of kayaking books really worth dipping into. Her prose and purpose are conveyed perfectly to the reader. Both kayakers and students of water will enjoy this work. Only Chris Duff's book comes close to matching it for creating lingering memories. Both works figure strongly in my book which reviews outdoor water recreation - Deep Immersion: The Experience of Water. Linnea writes with passion and enjoys getting wet and immersing herself in Lake Superior's coasts. As Thoreau wrote " That part of you that is wettest is fullest of life" (quoted from Profitably Soaked: Thoreau's Engagement With Water; Green Frigate Books, 2003).

Spirtual: Yes; Kayaking: Maybe
I picked up this book expecting it to be a book about not only a woman finding herself and understanding the place where she was in her life better but also a book about kayaking around Lake Superior (a trip I'm about to embark on next spring).I was not disappointed by the Spiritual nature of the book (even if it was a bit too New Agey for me) but I was disappointed by the lack of good kayaking stories (other than the obligatory toughness of the trip type stories).I was also surprised by how "unexpectedly harsh" the author found Lake Superior and the lack of real knowledge of the lake she possessed (especially since she lived on the shores of the lake in Duluth, MN).Anyone preparing to make this trip should have been better prepared for the fickleness of Lake Superior and anyone who actually lives on the lake should have known this wasn't going to be your summer camp paddling trip.Like many other reviewers, I did find her whinning a bit much at times.BUT overall I found this book enjoyable, touching at many points and made me anxious to start my trip at Sault Ste. Marie in June. (Picky-Nicky note here: This town is called "The Soo" by us native Michiganders and not "The Sioux" as the author spells it in the book..it is a local shortening of Sault Ste. Marie pronounced "Soo Saint Marie", not named after the Indian tribe) ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Biography    2. Biography / Autobiography    3. Biography/Autobiography    4. Canoeists    5. Canoes and canoeing    6. Essays & Travelogues    7. Religion    8. Sea kayaking    9. Social Scientists & Psychologists    10. Spirituality - General    11. Superior, Lake    12. United States    13. Biography & Autobiography / Women   

Reviews (2)

Clear, concise and complete. Excellent
I've found this book really invaluable. It's explanations are very clear, and everything is arranged as numbered steps to make it easy to remember. There are also photographs for every step, so you can build up a complete picture of the technique being described. There's no waffle or padding - everything is concise and to the point.
Must read for all kayakers
I have just read my copy of "Sea Kayak Rescue -- The Definitive Guide to Modern Reentry and Recovery Techniques" by Roger Schumann and Jan Shriner. And like their classes, it is outstanding.Read more

Subjects:  1. Canoeing    2. Kayaking    3. Rescues    4. Safety measures    5. Sea kayaking    6. Sports    7. Sports & Recreation    8. Sports & Recreation / Kayaking   

Reviews (2)

This book will get you started or enrich your experience
I'm new to kayaking and being a kind of do-it-yourself person, instead of taking a kayak class, I rather bought this book.
The Essential Whitewater Kayaker
A friend of mine let me borrow this book, seeing how I am new to the sport, and it was great.It took me from basic rolls to maneuvering in whitewater. This book is great from beginners to experienced paddlers. Nomatter your skill level this book is a must. I will definately get my owncopy. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Canoeing    2. Kayaking    3. Sports    4. Sports & Recreation    5. Water Sports    6. White-water canoeing    7. Canoeing & kayaking    8. Sports & Recreation / Canoeing   

Reviews (1)

Great comprehensive reference for new sea kayaker
Prior to getting this book I had one lesson and had paddled five or six times mostly in ocean harbors and estuaries. I have paddled several times since. I have done a fair amount of small boat sailing and canoeing before taking up kayaking.
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Subjects:  1. Canoeing    2. Kayaking    3. Sea kayaking    4. Sports    5. Sports & Recreation    6. Water Sports    7. Canoeing & kayaking    8. Sports & Recreation / Canoeing   

Reviews (2)

Gone Paddlin'
An absolutely superb resource for paddling in southern Wisconsin. So many rivers and lakes and so little time - this book helps you figure out where to spend that rare resource - your time on the water.

Contains a Wealth of Information
I was happily surprised at the amount of information in this book.I was particularly looking for information on kayaking Wisconsin rivers that have few rapids.(recreational family touring)This book contained excellent maps, information on where to enter and exit rivers, areas that may need to be portaged, what types of rapids you will encounter (all the different classes of rapids), what you will see, etc.I am very happy with this book.I also purchased PADDLING NORTHERN WISCONSIN: 82 GREAT TRIPS BY CANOE AND KAYAK. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Canoeing    2. Kayaking    3. Sports & Recreation    4. Travel    5. United States - Midwest - East North Central (General)   

Editorial Review

As its title suggests, this useful guide offers about as exhaustive a course in river running as you can expect to get on dry land.Author Jeff Bennett outlines a simple approach that will take you from the showroom of your local paddling outfitter to the rapids of your favorite river. You'll learn about rafting history, equipment, safety, and rescue, and explore the dynamic forces at play in the rivers themselves.From underwater currents, surface hydraulics, and rapids classifications to water and wave patterns known as haystacks and pillows, Read more

Reviews (2)

exceptional information
Bennet's book is detailed, readable and contains all the information that is needed to start rafting, though the information on the types of boats available is a bit dated.His chapters on the river bed morphology and the effects on the moving water are understandable and excellent and far makes up for the older information on this years raft models. if you're thinking of rafting it's a must!
Jeff Bennett has been doing rivers in North and Central America as aguide, whitewater instructor, international racer and professionalphotographer since the early 1970's.He has co-authored several otherbooks, including Class Five Chronicles.The Complete Whitewater Rafter isthe culmination of his river experiences and the progeny of his previousbook Rafting!.Although sole author, he envisions The Complete WhitewaterRafteras the culmination of a river-running evolution that has beenongoing for the last half century.He has borrowed tips and techniquesfrom contemporary instructors and classic technique textbooks.Read more

Subjects:  1. Canoeing    2. Handbooks, manuals, etc    3. Rafting (Sports)    4. Sailing - General    5. Sports    6. Sports & Recreation    7. Water Sports    8. White Water Canoeing And Kayaking    9. Active outdoor pursuits    10. Canoeing & kayaking    11. Sports & Recreation / Canoeing