The Essential Sea Kayaker: A Complete Guide for the Open Water Paddler (The Essential Series) » (Second Edition)

David Seidman, an editor at Boating magazine, is the author of The Essential Wilderness Navigator and The Complete Sailor. His own experience as an entry-level sea kayaker began in the late 1980s, and his memories of early challenges and misadventures are still fresh.

The Essential Series—Your Trusted Guides

"Does an excellent job."—Sea Kayaker

"A standout. Empathy for the reader-what a concept!"—Canoe and Kayak

"Filled with the details you need to make paddling safe and pleasurable."—WoodenBoat

"We needed a book of this quality."—Atlantic Coastal Kayaker

Combining the logic of a lesson plan with the grace of informality, this book is the next best thing to having a personal instructor always at your side. Known for nearly a decade as the sea kayaker's bible for its clear, user-friendly approach, The Essential Sea Kayaker is now updated and expanded to give you the information you need on

• Boat and gear selection and care
• Skills from your first launch through carved turns, Eskimo rolls, and negotiating wind and waves
• Safety, health, and rescue tips
• Group and solo paddling strategies
• Seamanship and navigation

Adopted by kayaking schools and seminars worldwide, the best introduction to sea kayaking is now even better.

David Seidman, an editor at Boating magazine, is the author of The Essential Wilderness Navigator and The Complete Sailor. His own experience as an entry-level sea kayaker began in the late 1980s, and his memories of early challenges and misadventures are still fresh.

Preface to the Second EditionIntroductionSea Kayaking 101: Setting Forth1 What You Will NeedKayakSingle or Double?; Slow and Stable or Fast and Tippy?; Rigid or Collapsible?; Meeting Your StandardsPaddleMaterials; Length; Blade; Feathered or Nonfeathered; ShaftGearSpray Skirt; PFD; Audible Signal; Bailers; Bow Line; Paddle Float; Flotation; Eyeglass Strap; Nose ClipsA Place to Learn2 Meet Your KayakLiftingMaking It FitTransporting by CarTransporting by HandGear Care and Storage3 Getting In and Out (Dry)Beach: Kayak in WaterBeach: Kayak on LandLow DockHigh Dock4 Getting In and Out (Wet)Wet ExitSwimming EmptyingPaddle Float Reentry5 Boat DynamicsStabilityBalance6 Paddling BasicsHolding the PaddleBasic Stroke: NonfeatheredBasic Stroke: FeatheredPush/PullBody TwistThe Complete StrokeDos and Don'tsStopping and BackingFine Points of Paddling Basics7 ManeuveringForward SweepReverse SweepStern Rudder StrokeRudders and SkegsDraw StrokeSculling DrawLinking StrokeDrills8 BracingPrinciplesSlap BraceLow BraceSweeping Low BraceHigh BraceSculling BraceSea Kayaking 102: Heading Out9 What You Will NeedSafety GearClothing; Paddling Jacket; Wet Suit; Dry Suit; Visual Distress Signals; Lights; Radios and Cell Phones10 Body LanguageKnee LiftCarved TurnsHip FlickExtended Bracing11 Eskimo RollPrinciplesPractice: SetupPractice: SweepPractice: Flick and Lay-BackThe Complete RollFine PointsReentry-and-Roll12 Through the SurfLaunchingLanding13 Wind and WavesIntoAcrossWith14 Group TravelTwo or MoreManagement and CommunicationAssisted RescuesAssisted ReentryGraduate Courses: Continuing Education15 Body BasicsCare and PreventionExercises; Fuel and Hydration; Tendonitis; Seasickness; Hypothermia16 Sea and SkyWeather WiseWeather ForecasterUseful Weather LoreDealing with the ElementsWind and Storms; Fog; Tides; Currents17 NavigationHow Not to Get LostEssential SkillsCharts and CompassesCharts; Compasses; Compass-Only Navigation; Navigation with a Chart; GPS ReceiversUnderstanding Boat Traffic18 Paddler's ResourcesFor Disabled PaddlersFor FamiliesGeneral Information on KayakingPeriodicals; Books; Charts and Tide Tables; Gatherings; Equipment; Clubs and Organizations; Schools for Sea Kayaking and Outdoor SkillsIndex