John Dowd

Sea Kayaking

John Dowd

Still regarded as “the bible” for both new and experienced kayakers after more than thirty years in print, Sea Kayaking covers the basics of equipment and technique, including types of paddles and strokes, as well as such essential skills as how to read the weather and the water, how to navigate with and without GPS and how to travel with a group. Drawing on his many years of experience paddling in all climates, John Dowd presents practical advice on dealing with potential hazards (from surf to sea ice to sharks), carrying out rescues and planning for long-distance expeditions.New for this edition are hints about digital technologies for planning and navigating while kayak touring as well as lots of tips for outfitting boats, adapting equipment and finessing fishing technique while kayak angling—whether casting and jigging for fun on a day trip or trolling for dinner on a longer expedition. Also fully updated are the sections on managing risk and the inspiring stories of adventure, including Freya Hoffmeister’s record-breaking circumnavigation of Australia and Japanese paddlers’ increasingly challenging trips around the islands and beyond.As a sport, sea kayaking continues to evolve. Once the sport of a very few long-distance paddlers embarking on international expeditions, then the recreational pursuit of many weekend tourers, sea kayaking is now popular with many day trippers as well. As more and more paddlers take to the water—for the day, the weekend or many months, this classic guide continues to be required reading for those seeking adventure on the open ocean.

Sea Kayaking

John Dowd

This classic guide focuses on the fundamentals of seamanship that are essential knowledge to all ocean paddlers.Sea kayaking has come a long way since this informative manual was published more than twenty years ago. From an offbeat pastime enjoyed by an adventurous few, the sport has become an industry unto itself. Veteran paddler John Dowd’s readable, well-illustrated guide still stands as «the bible» for both new and experienced kayakers.Sea Kayaking covers the basics of equipment and technique, including types of paddles and strokes. But the key focus in this revised and updated edition is on sound seamanship and good risk management: how to read the weather and the water, how to navigate, how to travel with a group. Drawing on his long experience paddling in all climates, Dowd presents practical, concrete advice on dealing with potential hazards (from surf to sea ice to sharks) and carrying out rescues. The book contains new photographs and numerous helpful charts, diagrams and illustrations. It also covers expedition planning, instructional methods and sea kayaking for people with disabilities.As more and more paddlers take to the water, this classic guide continues to be required reading for those seeking adventure on the open ocean.