5 comments about Sea Kayaking Illustrated : A Visual Guide to Better Paddling.

1. Sea Kayaking Illustrated is simply an outstanding guide for anybody who wants to immerse themselves in the marvelous world of sea kayaking. Although I might be considered an expert level sea kayaker, this book can serve as an excellent introductory level primer, yet has plenty to offer the more advanced practitioners of the craft. As a seasoned veteran of the wind and waves, I was pleasantly surprised to find lots of information in the book that was new to me, and presented in ways I hadn't before considered. There's everything from nuts and bolts basics to more advanced tricks of the trade. Everything from common sense kayak-carrying techniques to tips on how to deal with the various wildlife you'll encounter.
   
   As you can tell, I love this book. For the coup-de-grace, it's entertainingly illustrated and humorous, so you don't feel like you're reading a textbook. This is the first work i've read by Robison, but this is a talented author/illustrator, heck i'd probably read a book about druid preening osprey if he wrote it. I strongly recommend it for anyone who's into sea kayaking (or who wants to get into it). And then you look at the price of the book and realize it's really a no-brainer to buy it! Shred on!!!



2. This book is a superb resource for all sea kayakers, from aspiring novices to adrenaline-seeking rock garden explorers. Better than probably any other instructional book on sea kayaking does, Robison provides something for everyone. He thoroughly presents a comprehensive range of basic paddling skills and sprinkles among them subtle insights, tricks and tips derived from his impressive paddling career. As a former professional sea kayaking guide, I would recommend this resource to all sea kayakers. You are bound to learn from it and you will smile and giggle as you do. The illustrations bring the concepts to life and make the information quite accessible. An essential book for any sea kayaking library.



3. This is a great books. You almost have to see it to really appreciate it. There are thousands of hand-drawn images which makes everything very, very easy to understand. They make the book fun and you'll even get a giggle out of a few of them. It's definitely worth the money!



4. This book is fantastic. The pictures combine humor with instruction, and the book itself covers a lot of basics for those just learning about sea kayaking. I've been very happy with it.



5. This book has a lot of GREAT information in it. It gets the points across by funny but sometimes very serious cartoons and illustrations. There is a lot of emphasis on safety which is very important to learn up front.

2 comments about Discover Acadia National Park, 2nd: AMC Guide to the Best Hiking, Biking, and Paddling (AMC Discover Series).

1. and we were sure glad we bought this book. The map that comes with the book is five stars for sure. There were countless times we used the map to find out where we exactly were. The map was used to help people on the trail know exactly where they were. The book itself was a helpful planning tool for our hiking and biking times. I didn't get to spend as much time before the trip in it as I would have liked. It could be a five star book, but I haven't read enough of the book to feel comfortable giving it that rating; however, I do know that what I did read was accurate and helpful. It will certainly be an excellent resource for our next trip to Acadia.



2. We liked this book and did three hikes out of it. Overall the book was accurate. Probably next time we'd buy a pocket-size book, however, it was nice to read some of the detail and history about the areas we were hiking through. One item we suggest in the future is some drawing of the route. Although the book comes with a map and that worked (if we had it with us or handy).

2 comments about The Complete Sea Kayaker's Handbook.

1. 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.
   
   The Complete Sea Kayaker's Handbook did a great job helping to fill in my knowledge of kayaking in general and to help "remind" me of some of what I learned in my lesson. It is well put together and has a nice mix of anecdote and information, with more of the latter. The book is specific to sea kayaking which I also appreciated. I am not terribly interested in white water kayaking and didnt want a book that wasted my time with more then casual information on the subject.
   
   Hightlights for me:
   - Detailed and well presented information on kayak design and construction.
   - Nice explanations of paddle technique I was actually able to apply after I read the book (as a supplement to my lesson).
   - Informative chapters on navigation and logistics without belaboring the subjects.
   - Interesting side-bars going into more detail on one point or another throughout the book.
   
   I think the best thing about the book is Shelley's easy going yet informative writing style. The illustrations and photos were clear and useful. The tone of the book was that of a very well informed friend rather then some kind of uber-kayaker. This book worked for me. Good luck in your paddles!
   
   Regards,
   
   Chris



2. I like to browse the boating sections of outdoor stores and listen to the staff recommend equipment to people just getting started in kayaking. It can be a terrific learning experience and the best stores will always recommend good instructional manuals and the importance of taking lessons. The one book they always seem to suggest is Shelley Johnson's Sea Kayaker's Handbook. It covers all the basics but goes one step further. For instance; it is commonly explained that "the longer a boat is the faster it will go and the better it will track". There is a sidebar entitled "It isn't so simple" which carries the explanation a little further. Another section covers how to handle wind. Reading this section would be very helpful to a new paddler purchasing their first boat because one of the basic decisions is whether to have a rudder or skeg. A little knowledge here could save a lot of money and make the sport much more enjoyable. Read this book, ask questions of a knowledgeable salesman, buy a boat, take a lesson or two, have fun, see you on the water!!!

5 comments about Out There.

1. This book was the first time I have read Kerasote - I completed it in two sessions. I thought it was brilliantly written. It had an educated style, which means I enjoyed occasionally checking some less common words (but cleverly appropriate)in my dictionary. This was an enthralling account of two basically dissimilar friends undertaking a great canoe trip down the Horton River toward the Arctic Ocean. I just wasn't willing to put the book down until the trip was over - the reader was right there with them. At one stage, I hoped for some photographs to supplement the map in the book - but then again Kerasote's writing was so good that I had a clear word picture of the events. Perhaps this was in keeping with the general theme of making do without everything on a platter? I found the historical notes provided a fascinating context for the modern day adventure. The professionalism of their outdoor skills was evident, and important for such a remote adventure. The potential 'clash' of the satphone was very much secondary to the description of the wonderful river trip itself. Actually, I thought the satphone was skillfully considered from a philosophical viewpoint - it was an issue that is very relevant now to modern mans interaction with serious wilderness adventure. This book was just brilliant stuff.



2. Enjoyed this great little book as I always do Kerasote's writing. I wanted to read it because he had written an article in an outdoor magazine 15 years ago on "Camping Beyond Aid" and I wanted to compare his thoughts then and now.
   
   But no matter: while camping "beyond aid" in the wilderness two weeks later, I developed a life-threatening medical condition that required Air Force helicopter evacuation.
   
   That sat phone sure would have come in handy.



3. Ordered this because it was suggested by Amazon as a book that might be of interest. This because I am so very fond of David Petersen's writing. Kerasote can't hold a candle to Petersen! He does not enlarge his subject to include any of the larger insights or issues, of which there are many imbedded in the subject of man and nature. From Melville to Petersen, we have struggled to describe and comprehend our relationship to society and nature. Kerasote adds little to the discussion.



4. This book was chosen for our book discussion group which was a good choice because it was easy to finish in time for the discussion and enjoyable. It did read like an article in Outside magazine, which I believe is part of the author's background. It does take you "Out There" which is what I liked about the book.



5. Well it started with Merle's Door. After that wonderful book I wanted to read more about the writer and see what else he had up his sleeve. Well I was not dissappointed with this book. What a joy to read. Every sentence, every word was descriptive. He does not waste words. Very enjoyable and a pleaseure to read. It feels like you are right there with him enjoying the same visual treat, in the canoe, watching the wildlife or lying in the tent while the rain pours from the skys. I love the way this guy writes. I too used to camp and canoe until work and worries kept me with my nose to the computer or exhausted from work stretched out on the couch. He has inspired me to see nature and be apart of it again. I am going to plan another camp/canoe trip soon and enjoy it all over again.
   
   If you like nature, being a part of it or just reading about it, this book is for you. It takes you away. Breathes new life into you, inspires you to enjoy what God has given us and to take care of it. And also to realize it is up to us to protect it. This guy is a TRUE nature lover. I want more Ted Kerasote books. Merle's Door is still my favorite, but this book comes in second:)I think his next book will come in third:):):)

5 comments about Kayaks You Can Build: An Illustrated Guide to Plywood Construction.

1. Kayaking has become the latest popular fad, with many discovering them easier to transport than canoes, and lower-impact than motorboats: for those avid kayakers who would customize their own design, her comes Kayaks You Can Build: An Illustrated Guide To Plywood Construction, an illustrated guide to plywood- constructed kayaks. You don't have to start from scratch: kits are widely available, and KAYAKS YOU CAN BUILD assumes one of these kits is the starting point, providing the authors' expertise as kayak builders and boatbuilding instructors as it follows the process.



2. There are so many tips and good ideas in this book. It is definetly worth it, Starting with building the ideal workbench, the ideas for using the templates to hold in the sides to fiberglass it as one piece instead of cutting it up to fit inbetween the bulkheads. Lots of nice color pictures, beautiful presentation. I'd definely recommend this book.



3. Great book. Invaluable tips. Great color pictures really help you understand things you might not get from just reading your instruction manual. If you have this book, you don't really need any others, as there is little in the rest of them that isn't in here. And this one is easier to read, and has useful full color pictures.



4. The title of this book implies that you will know how to build a plywood kayak after reading it. However; it only tells you how to proceed after buying a prefabricated kit from one of three suppliers. (One of which was founded by one of the authors)
   Nowhere does it give you the dimensions you need to start from scratch and build your own. If you have lots of money and don't mind buying a kit, this book is an excellent reference. But for builders on a budget like myself, I don't recommend buying this book.



5. I wish I had had this book the first time I built a stitch-and-glue boat. Loads of really good advice and neat tricks. I'm often approached by people after they've seem my boats asking me for advice. This is now the book I'll recommend first to someone who wants to build a kit. As another reviewer noted, this book is really for someone who plans to build from a kit, not from scratch. If its your first time building, I recommend you follow the author's advice and go with a kit - building from scratch, while exciting, is tough the first time around (unless, perhaps, you're a experienced woodworker). I've seen too many scratch built boats that ended up costing about the same as a quality kit - and looked like crap to boot.

5 comments about Kayak Fishing: The Ultimate Guide.

1. I love this book! I've been reading it over and over again. I'm just starting to fish from kayak. so i found almost ev'rything i was searching for. Great pics too! It gives very good info. Kayakfishing is not so popular in Finland yet. so i didn't get any info from my fishing friends!
   
   It really is an ultimate guide for the sport!
   
   five stars!
   
   Antti Matikainen



2. Had this book been entitled "Kayak Fishing: A Beginner's Guide" or "Kayak Fishing: A Pictorial" I would have easily given it 5 stars; however, when a book calls itself "The Ultimate Guide" it had better have more than pretty pictures and basic beginner information.
   
   Pretty much all of the information in this book is easily, almost unconsciously acquired by the neophyte kayak fisherman in the first couple of months in the sport, through talking to salesmen when buying the first kayak, and in the first few trips out in the kayak through common sense and trial and error - actually, much of this information is included in the free pamphlets that come with the gear.
   
   On the side of kayaking technique and safety, many other books and videos have stated the information more thoroughly and more correctly. The author is obviously a fisherman first and a kayaker a distant second. Even on the side of fishing, the information is fairly scant. There is basic information on techniques, again, things that can be learned fairly easily without spending another $15 on a book, but what is really needed is fishing strategies, and Null's scope is too broad, and therefore too shallow to get into this. Null has experience as a saltwater fishing guide on the Texas coast; he would have better served his readers by limiting the scope of his book to fishing from kayaks on the Texas coast.
   
   While the photography in the book was very pretty, I found the writing style to be fairly amatuerish - worthy of a self-published or regionally published book, but below the level one expects of a nationally distributed book.



3. Lot's of good information in this book. I am an experienced kayaker and have done some fishing but was looking for more information and ideas. This book provided it. I would highly recommend it.



4. this book was great for an intro to kayak fishing. lots of ideas and tips for rigging your boat. also a good source for all of the gear you may need. if you are an experienced kayak fisherman you will find little new info in this book.



5. Basically a well written and complete book on kayaking basics. Most of the book deals with the basics; approximately, the last 25% of the book gets into areas that aren't covered by many other kayak books. A good resource for the beginning to intermediate kayak fisherman.

3 comments about The Complete Kayak Fisherman.

1. Ric Burnley's book is fantastic! Throughout this well written book he carefully describes in detail all things relevant to choosing, rigging, paddling, and fishing with a heavy emphasis on safety. Clearly the best kayak book I've read and since I'm new to this sport I've read several that don't come close to explaining facets of the game that both beginners and advanced yak fishermen will need to know. My only criticism is that when describing regional differences, there is absolutely no mention of kayak fishing in Hawaii, which can be a different challenge althogether. We have a rapidly growing kayak fishing community out here and it was completly overlooked.



2. A very well written book and a must have for anyone just starting out in the sport.All the subjects that appear on the various discussion boards are addressed with good illustrations and clear directions.



3. In my area, we don't have a local Kayak Shop to rely on for information, advice, and guidance. This book does all of that and more if you are interested in the sport of kayak fishing!
   
   Whether you are a novice or an experienced yak fisherman, this book is a great read to make you an even better kayaker. It reads as if you are talking with a pro inside a kayak shop. It was so informative and laid out in such a way, that I highlighted stuff in my personal copy! This will help me find key knowledge later after I am through reading it. My personal highlighting is also complimented by a great index by the author to find those "juicy" tid-bits.
   
   This book helped me choose gear, install accessories, and learn some great techniques & safety principles. Although he does not say this is the best kayak, piece of gear, etc., he guides you to some better brands and helps you make knowledgeable choices by imparting his own experience and expertise. He tells you what to look for, what to avoid, and encourages you to not make the mistakes he made (i.e. going cheap the first go around - only to buy more pricey (better) stuff later, thus costing you more.)
   
   He compliments this by brining in subject matter experts from companies that produce paddles, kayaks, GPS systems, etc. This is a BIG PLUS! Hear it from him.....hear it from those who make/develop this stuff!!!
   
   I love the underlying theme woven throughout the book - SAFETY & BEING PREPARED! Being a Boy Scout leader, these two principles are near and dear to my heart!
   
   I definitely give this book a 5 star rating - it is a must read for any kayak fisherman. My son will be obligated to read it before he assumes control of his new yak received at Christmas. In my area, we don't have a local Kayak Shop to rely on for information, advice, and guidance. This book does all of that and more if you are interested in the sport of kayak fishing!

5 comments about The Strip-Built Sea Kayak: Three Rugged, Beautiful Boats You Can Build.

1. I got the book on paddle constructon but the strip-built sea kayak book never arrived. I had forgotten ordering it and wish to have it now. thanks



2. With all the rave reviews already stated, I add my own.
   
   Mr. Schade will break your heart in the very introduction of the book; at this moment you will come to understand the true dedication of this author to his craft (and love for his wife). Then there is a descent into the inner secrets of this craft that he loves. As an accomplished gymnast, he will certainly make this kayak-building appear easy, almost too easy, and yet the details are in place to convince you that, yes, you can do it yourself.
   
   You have to pinch yourself to bring yourself back to the reality that you will spend many hours building this kayak, that it will cost you quite a bit, and that the process is not as easy as it looks. Then stop pinching yourself and start planning; the reality is that you can do it!
   
   There are a few gaps in the details that I had to think my way through, but none of these gaps are intentional. In fact, these opportunities are more exciting than aggravating.
   
   This is not the only good resource available for learning the strip-building technique. I am already modifying Mr. Schade's designs to include elements provided elsewhere, as he would even encourage himself. On the other hand, this book is all you need to make a great kayak, and the information in this book is superior to anything that I have seen elsewhere.
   
   I would recommend this book even to those who never plan on building a kayak if for no other reason than to appreciate this fine art of shipbuilding.



3. This is a very good book. Schade's style is very easygoing and informative. A pleasure to read and learn from.



4. Nick Shade is an artist, not a woodworker. He doesn't fret over minute details, or force you to make things perfect. But his designs are positively gorgeous. Since his book is a recent print, he covers many aspects of construction the older books do not cover, and many of the ideas are his own and are used professionally on the curent market. He does not cover everything, and if you want to find out the most recent developments as far as boatbuilding, you have to subscribe to the blogs online. (such as on Ted Moores' site). He is not as clear as Ted Moores in KayakCraft, but sometimes has more ideas. I suggest to buy both and visit all the websites.



5. I have learned all the needed information required to build a Strip kayak.
   
   Yet! the kayak plans in the book are not good enough for building a kayak. Purchase plans separately!

5 comments about Kayaking Made Easy, 3rd: A Manual for Beginners with Tips for the Experienced (Made Easy Series).

1. Done with humor and well done instructions even for the one who has never touched a kayak.



2. Good information for a beginner, also helps with understanding terms used in kayaking.



3. Disclaimer - This reader has no kayaking experience. Your humble reviewer has taken to the waters on the Nimitz, in canoes on still and running bodies of water, a twenty one foot sloop, pontoon boats, rowboats, down the rapids of the Chatahoochie in a guided raft, and on the garden variety cabin cruisers that litter the waterways like so much floating garbage. (do you detect a bias?)
   
   Your reviewer does read a fair bit, and compared to other books on this and other subjects, found Kayaking Made Easy to to be a very enjoyable read. The conversational style of the author reached me loud and clear. With some experience in boating and outdoor activities the advice seems sound.
   
   The work is geared to touring and casual flatwater kayaking with some great advice for "gunkholing" and generally loitering about the calm waterways. Serious touring and navigation is also discussed. One thing that really impressed me was the brief tutorial on boarding the kayak - notably missing in a different book.
   
   I am contemplating the purchase of an inflatable kayak and found this book more help than the one I bought specifically on inflatable kayaking.
   
   Since I am not a kayaker per se, this book could be entirely bogus. I seriously doubt that, it seems sound and a very enjoyable read. I would buy another book from this author. Even those who don't ever plan to kayak might like this book for non-ficiton. Very happy with my purchase.
   
   A wonderful gift idea for the outdoorsy, water loving type buddy who does not own a boat but might be inspired by this introduction to the world of kayaking.



4. This book might be packed with information about the various paddling techniques but takes at least three readings to understand what the author is trying to describe. The narrative would be helped tremendously if some pictures were included. Simple things like showing the proper wrist rotatation during strokes, even body positioning during the stroke are not illustrated.
   
   In addtion, the authors writing style leaves a lot to be desired. The author wants to imagine he is right next to us while we sit in the kayak. Things like, '...go ahead and pick up your kayak while we walk down this hill together....' UGH!!!!
   
   Just describe each technique and some illustrations to go with each step would do wonders for this book.
   
   As a novice to kayaking I can't recommend this book



5. I agree with Mark-from-DC; there is WAY to much verbage and WAY too few diagrams. Verbose "how-to" passages must be read several times to get the gist of what the author is trying to describe. I actually ended up diagramming my own sketches as I re-read sections. I too, would not recommend this book, and for the same reasons. I found it a big disappointment.

5 comments about Outdoor Navigation With GPS: Hiking, Geocaching, Canoeing, Kayaking, Fishing, Outdoor Photography, Backpacking, Mountain Biking.

1. This book was just what was needed to get going with a new geocaching device.



2. I've been a basic-feature gps user for several years, but decided it was time to figure out the 80% of the buttons/features which were greek to me. This book was perfect for the task. I read it cover to cover (simultaneous with testing features on my newly aquired rino) in just a few hours -- time well spent. Text is sufficiently technical and detailed to fully capture the information, but written in an interesting and simple manner. I especially appreciated the correlation with compass and paper mapping techniques and the information on what to do if/when the gps unit fails (batteries dead, dropped and broken, etc.). Also agree with the reminder to "put away the electronic toy" and watch where you're going! After all, we go into the wild in order to see the wild -- not view it on a 2 inch screen.
   
   Only suggestion for future editions: some of the illustrations were too small to be maximally helpful. Since "the big picture" plus small details are both necessary to truly follow the examples related to paper mapping techniques, I would have preferred seeing the full map view (as is) plus a "blow up" illustration of the details.



3. Just what I needed to get started with my Garmin 76csx. Good price and arrived on time.



4. Now in an updated second edition, Outdoor Navigation with GPS is a no-nonsense guide to basic GPS navigation skills, useful for all kinds of outdoor activities ranging from hiking, mountain biking, and fishing to geocaching, outdoor photography, canoeing/kayaking, and any other activity involving the negotiation of wild terrain. Written in a jargon-free style accessible to readers of all backgrounds, chapters cover how to program waypoint coordinates and reach them, prepare for and recover from disaster, read topographic maps, and much more. Black-and-white photographs and diagrams illustrate this "must-have" for outdoorsmen in the modern age.



5. As a newhbie to GPs, I found this book, Outdoor Navigation With GPS: Hiking, Geocaching,etc. easy to read and understand.
   All aspects of GPS useage are covered fully and concisely.