Canoeing, kayaking and other paddle sports Books

Book SynopsisThe Inside Passage is something of a holy grail for contemporary sea kayakers. It is without question the most scenic and challenging paddling trip in North America. Revised with route updates, map improvements, and stunning color photography, Kayaking the Inside Passage will aid kayakers in planning paddling trips on the rugged Pacific artery that runs along the western edge of North America. Robert Miller has traversed these waters for decades and created this inimitable guide to kayaking the entire 1,300- mile length of the Inside Passage along one select route with some alternate variations. No other paddling guide covers the entire length of the Inside Passage. Miller includes complete historical and natural background, along with proficiency and equipment recommendations. Paddlers will get the most out of their experience with the advice and hard- won insight of a seasoned veteran.

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Book SynopsisThis title offers step-by-step instruction in every technique, from beginner to advanced levels, shown in more than 600 action-packed photographs and diagrams. It is the ultimate how-to guide to the exciting water sports of kayaking and canoeing, both for novices and more experienced intermediate-level paddlers. It includes expert instruction on mastering the basic skills as a beginner on flat water, and progressing to the challenges of white water, open water and the sea. It offers essential advice on clothing and equipment, reading weather conditions and understanding hydrodynamics. Paddling in kayaks and canoes offers enormous scope for young children, teenagers and adults alike in terms of recreational fun, touring and camping holidays. This book provides practical advice on where to paddle, clothing and equipment, how to get into a kayak and a canoe, how to capsize safely, how to hold the paddle, and the skills needed to move and roll the boat. It also explores the fast and furious sports of white water paddling, play boating and surfing, and the competition scene.Illustrated with step-by-step sequences and over 600 inspirational photographs, this practical guide is a one-stop reference source for aspiring paddlers everywhere.

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Book SynopsisKayaking, canoeing and sailing are exhilarating, demanding and hugely enjoyable outdoor pursuits. This practical guide offers a comprehensive introduction to all three sports, for those at all levels of experience and ability. All aspects of each sport are covered, from basic information on equipment and where best to sail or paddle, to expert tuition on the core skills and techniques you will need - such as launching, rigging, tacking, paddling, capsizing and rescue. Packed with expert advice, professional hints and tips and illustrated with more than 1500 photographs and diagrams, this book contains everything you need to know about these thrilling aquatic sports.

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Book SynopsisRobin Lloyd-Jones has been exploring the west coast and islands of Scotland in his sea kayak for more than forty years. In this book he recalls many a memorable expedition to wild and beautiful shores. Amongst magnificent scenery and ever-changing seas, we are transported to Jura, Scarba, the Garvellach Isles, Mull, Staffa, the Treshnish Isles, the Monach Isles, Iona, Lewis and the Uists, Skye, the Orkneys, and the Shetland Isles. Along the way, he explains a great deal about kayaking, about the wildlife and history of the areas he visits. More than that, however, he makes us feel that we are with him in his kayak. Through his vivid and beautifully crafted prose, we experience the terror of a force nine gale, the tranquillity of moonlit trips, and the lure of tiny bays and seal-meadows accessible only to a slim kayak. We encounter dolphins, otters, unidentified monsters and nuclear submarines. This is a book to set the imagination adrift and appeal to the Robinson Crusoe in all of us; a book for those seeking wider horizons, be their vessel an armchair or a kayak.Trade Review'This was a delight to read with both beautiful yet accessible writing capturing the essence of sea-kayaking in Scotland' * Scottish Field *'A thrilling tale of natural beauty and the survival instinct of the human spirit' * The Wee Review *'The author takes a trip down memory lane ... all described in vivid and lyrical prose' * Scots Magazine *'That this book has been around on people’s bookshelves and in their imaginations for more than thirty years is testament to the enduring fascination people have with islands, the sea and exploration' * Autumn Voices *'Superbly written, by turns gripping, funny and evocative, this a classic of Scottish outdoor adventure literature and should prove entertaining and interesting even to those who have never lifted a paddle' * Scottish Mountaineering Journal *

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Book SynopsisScotland is famed for its rugged coastlines, pristine beaches, endless rivers and deep lochs. The whole country is a magnet for outdoor enthusiasts from all over the world. In this unique guide, adventurer Mollie Hughes introduces many of her favourite places to paddleboard, kayak, swim and surf. Mixing world-class surfing breaks with kayaking adventures on the west coast, and urban paddleboarding along the Clyde with invigorating swims in the lochs of the Cairngorms, the book shows us how to access and enjoy these varied blue spaces. Mollie includes her own personal experiences and tips, enabling wild watersports fans of all levels to make the most of the amazing opportunities Scotland has to offer.Trade Review'Hughes...discovered not only the best spots to make a splash but also the physical and psychological benefits being in "blue spaces" can bring' -- Sally McDonald * Sunday Post *'This beautiful book would make a fabulous present for a passionate water spots lover in any country in the world... very useful and informative' * Swim The World *'With Mollie's own personal experiences and tips and Rachel Keenan's stunning photography, the book will enable wild watersports fans of all levels to make the most of the amazing opportunities on our doorstep' * Southern Reporter *'It is no surprise that this Devonian has discovered the sea off western Scotland, or that she has produced a brisk and authoritative guide to splashing about in it' * West Highland Free Press *'Essential reading for lovers of the Great Outdoors... taking an enlightened, multi-disciplinary approach to aquatic exploration' -- Roger Cox * Scotsman Magazine *

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Book SynopsisThis is a unique guide to the best locations in Scotland for all wild-water sports, including paddleboarding, kayaking, wild swimming and surfing,beautifully illustrated with stunning photography and maps throughout.

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Book SynopsisAn exhilarating and deeply moving story of one man's attempt to sea kayak the areas of the Shipping Forecast, perfect for fans of The Salt Path and Attention All ShippingForeword by Charlie Connelly, author of Attention All Shipping The Shipping Forecast has been described as the UK's national lullaby: a source of dependability and calm in our often chaotic world, it has charmed millions of listeners and aided generations of seafarers across the decades. No stranger to weathering a storm after living with a rare life-limiting condition and facing the death of his brother, avid kayaker Toby Carr set out to explore the areas of the Forecast.On a journey that took him to the harshest and most tranquil stretches of our sea, Toby found the real people, places and stories behind the familiar names and imagined environments of the well-loved BBC broadcast. From the wildness and peace of the sea, looking back at the land, Toby hoped to gain the strength and balance he knew nature could provide and to discover what anchors us to each other.Written by Toby's sister Katie from his extensive notes and recordings after his untimely death, Moderate Becoming Good Later is both an epic adventure - sometimes choppy, constantly moving - and a personal voyage of discovery that includes old friends and new, plenty of wildlife, and the ever-present sea.Trade ReviewHeartbreaking, and utterly wonderful. A journey that had to be made, and a story that had to be told. * Alex Bescoby, adventurer and author *The sort of adventure I've often dreamed of late at night, with additional layers of poignancy and love. * Alastair Humphreys, adventurer and author *A very moving tale, in every way imaginable. * Tristan Gooley, author of The Natural Navigator *What a special book. A manifesto for living, loving and laughing full-heartedly, whatever life's storms and forecasts bring. A guide and companion for us all, whether we are embarking on voyages of our choosing or dealing with waves and storms dealt to us. * Sarah Outen, adventurer and author *Toby was a true adventurer, undaunted by rough seas or the waves his own health lashed upon him. Like the broadcast shipping forecast, this is a voyage against the clock. Toby's outrageously fearless spirit and good humour will not fail to uplift and spur you on to pursue your own adventures. * Zeb Soanes, broadcaster and author *You can almost taste the sea air reading Moderate Becoming Good Later. This incredibly moving story weaves together one family's story and shows the sense of hope and love that can be found through adventure even when things don't go according to plan. It's a privilege to be allowed a glimpse into life offshore Britain through Toby and Katie's words. * Elise Downing, adventurer and author of Coasting *The perfect book for our times: from tragedy and stormy seas, come hope, connection, and elemental awe. Exceptionally beautiful and moving, a book that conjures connection to people, places and the ocean with the immediacy, grace and clarity of a kayak cutting through sea spray. * David Gange, historian and author of The Frayed Atlantic Edge *An incredible read of adventure and life that will draw you in and inspire you to pursue your own journeys. Katie has truly honoured her brother with this gripping recount. * Jenny Tough, adventurer and author of Tough Women Adventure Stories and Solo *Moderate Becoming Good Later is a wonderfully salty adventure, a quixotic odyssey driven by equal parts grit and good humour around the stormy shores of western Europe. But what really elevates this above other travellers' tales is the astonishing and moving story of the book's completion - a remarkable collaboration across the ultimate gulf. * Tim Hannigan, travel, nature and history writer *As enduring as any ancient Scandinavian saga, this is a candidly honest tale of a risk-laden, yet existentially meaningful and powerful sea kayaking project. The descriptive and eloquent storytelling had me entranced from their first lines. I read this wonderful book often with a lump in my throat, many tears in my eyes and a racing pulse, because of the pure adventure of his inspirational physical and emotional endeavours. * Nick Ray, expedition sea kayaker and author *What a brave and tenderly written account of one man's fortitude in coming to terms with a shortened life using visits by kayak to the familiar shipping forecast sea areas as "stepping stones" on his final journey. * Peter Jefferson, broadcaster and author of And Now The Shipping Forecast *Courageous, uplifting and exquisitely written, Moderate Becoming Good Later is a tale of the indefatigable resilience of the human spirit, the unbreakable bond of family, the life-affirming kindness of strangers and the perpetual freedom of exploring the unknown. It's a testament to how a shared passion can break down borders - when kinship with our peers from abroad is needed more than ever. I'll never hear The Shipping Forecast the same way again. * Si Willmore, journalist, author and editor *Toby Carr's epic adventures by kayak fill with colour and life those familiar yet mysterious areas of the Shipping Forecast. Thrilling and moving in equal parts, it should inspire us all to get out into the world and embrace its beauty. * Wyl Menmuir, author *Moderate Becoming Good Later is not just the brave and revelatory account of Toby Carr's long kayak around the Shipping Forecast, it is also a sensitive and nuanced portrayal of the author's emotional journey as he paddled from Fair Isle to FitzRoy, from Thames to Trafalgar. One of the most moving and affecting books I've read in a long time, it is profound, thoughtful, fascinating and, above all, beautiful. * Charlie Carroll, author of The Lip, No Fixed Abode and The Friendship Highway *Engaging, well-observed, well-written and full of life wisdom. Anyone who liked The Salt Path will love this book. * Nic Compton, photographer, sailor and author of The Shipping Forecast: A Miscellany *A mesmerising and poignant story that shares how the sea can bring together people, places and purpose. This is a must-read book not just for sea kayakers, but for anyone looking for inspiration to make the most out of life. * Doug Cooper, author of Scottish Sea Kayaking and coach *It's rare to read a book that links place and motivation so clearly. Toby's story of seizing life's opportunities despite obstacles should inspire all of us to not let life pass us by. And the love of his sister Katie in finishing this story for Toby is profoundly moving. * Ash Bhardwaj, travel journalist and broadcaster *A fascinating account of the people, places and conditions encountered in paddling a kayak around some of the areas covered by the well-loved Shipping Forecast. * Storm Dunlop, author of The Weather Almanac *Armchair travel at its best. And I say "armchair" because I was very happy to just read this one, with all its thrills and spills, without feeling the need to go and do it myself. At times, I could practically feel the ocean churning beneath me, and my queasy stomach doing somersaults. A unique and heart-warming adventure, and beautifully written too. Bravo. * Simon Parker, journalist and author of Riding Out *A beautiful, poignant but ultimately uplifting reminder to us that life is an adventure and we need to snatch every minute before it's gone. * Gavin Knight, author of The Swordfish and The Star *

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Book SynopsisBradt''s Paddling France is the first practical guidebook to explore the whole country by SUP (stand-up paddleboard), canoe and kayak - waterborne activities enjoying a popularity boom. Experienced paddleboarder, travel writer and local resident Anna Richards has toured the country''s rivers, lakes and coasts to handpick 40 outstanding itineraries for water-based exploration that suit all abilities from novice to expert, enabling readers to experience Metropolitan France as never before!Suggested routes extend from Brittany to the Spanish and Italian borders, and encompass some of France''s best-known tourist attractions - from the châteaux of the Loire Valley and Mont Saint-Michel to the Pont du Gard and Dune du Pilat - as well as less familiar destinations such as Der-Chantecoq Lake, Txingudi Bay and the Glénan Islands. Itineraries occupy dramatically varied landscapes: choose between paddling past coastal cliffs, small islands and steepling gorges, across twinkling lakes and down sp

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Book SynopsisPaddling Britain guide. Expert advice on Britain's 50 best places to stand-up paddleboard, kayak and canoe, from Cornwall to Norfolk, Wales to Scotland. Offers detailed routes for each location, plus wildlife and secret spots. Advises on where to stay and eat, getting there and when to go. Includes tips on kit, weather and paddling responsibly.

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Book SynopsisOff the coast of Oregon, the Columbia River flows into the Pacific Ocean and forms the Columbia River Bar: a watery collision so turbulent and deadly that it's nicknamed the Graveyard of the Pacific.Two thousand ships have been wrecked on the bar since the first European ship dared to try to cross it in the late 18th century. Since then, the commercial importance of the Columbia River has only grown, and the bar remains a site of shipwrecks and dramatic rescues as well as power struggles between small fishermen, powerful shipowners, local communities, the Coast Guard and the Columbia River Bar Pilots - a small group of highly skilled navigators.When Randall Sullivan and a friend set out to cross the bar in a two-man kayak, they're met with scepticism and concern. But on a clear day in July 2021, when the tides and weather seem right, they embark. As they plunge through the currents that have taken so many lives, Randall commemorates the brave sailors that made the crossing before him - including his own abusive father - and reflects on toxic masculinity, fatherhood and what drives men to extremes.Trade ReviewA riveting story of maritime tragedies and a personal passage...it is Sullivan's gripping, vividly detailed accounts of nautical disasters at the Columbia Bar that make the book such an achievement for the three-time Pulitzer Prize nominee...A strikingly rendered tale of the hard and lasting costs of courage. * Kirkus Reviews *Vividly evoking Sullivan's deep fascination with the Pacific Northwest and thirst for friendship and adventure, this is a thrill ride * Publishers Weekly *

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Book SynopsisStand-up Paddleboarding in Great Britain is the essential companion to anyone curious about one of Britain’s most exciting water sports. Providing details on how to get started in stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) in a safe and environmentally friendly manner, this guide then suggests over 30 incredible places to SUP in England, Scotland and Wales.Enthusiastic paddleboarder Jo Moseley captures the joy of SUP by weaving together her experiences with suggestions for your own adventures. These routes will inspire you to gaze at fell tops from Derwent Water, drift along the Afon Teifi, stroll along the Isle of Mull’s Calgary Bay or spot another SUPer on London’s Regent’s Canal.Including information on each route’s difficulty, public transport, parking, refreshments and equipment hire, as well as stunning photography and overview maps, this book has something for both SUP enthusiasts and beginners. But most importantly, it exudes a passion for SUP which will inspire anyone who reads it.Table of ContentsIntroductionThe history and growth of SUPHow to get started in SUPEquipment and kitSafetyPlanningWeatherBeing environmentally thoughtful and responsibleHow I decided which places to includeWalesOxwich Bay Afon TeifiLlangrannog to TresaithLlyn Tegid (Lake Bala)Llandudno West and North Shore, Great OrmeScotlandPortencross and Largs, the CumbraesSound of Kerrera and Ganavan Sands, ObanIsle of MullLoch Morlich and Loch NessKenmore and Killin, Loch TaySt Andrews and the East Neuk of FifeEnglandCullercoats Bay to St Mary’s LighthouseRunswick BayTrent Loop, NottinghamWells-next-the-SeaRegent’s Canal, LondonMaidenhead and Cliveden House, River ThamesRoyal Military Canal, KentOld Harry Rocks, WeymouthSidmouth, East DevonRiver Exe and Exeter Ship CanalSalcombeLooe Island and Mullion CoveLostwithiel to Fowey Harbour, River FoweyPorthpean, St AustellThe Gannel, NewquayBristol Harbourside and Kennet and Avon CanalBridgnorth, River SevernRoyal Albert Dock, LiverpoolSkipton to Foulridge Tunnel, Leeds and Liverpool CanalUllswaterDerwent WaterFurther reading, listening and watchingAcknowledgements

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Book SynopsisStand-up Paddleboarding in the Lake District by Jo Moseley is the essential guide for anyone interested in discovering and enjoying this popular sport at its leading UK location the stunning Lake District National Park.

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Book SynopsisKayaking the Sea Roads is a personal journey by sea kayak into the heart of the sea roads that make up our Scottish Highlands and islands. Blending the intensity of the journey with a careful observation of the natural world and first-hand knowledge of the challenges of living and working in this place, the author reminds us that mother nature, vast and resilient, is still out there beyond our mobile phones and urban lives. For those with the eyes to see, its natural rhythms can awaken a deep sense of wonder and give us cause to become part of the environmental recovery so sorely needed. With Ed, we travel low in the water with the restless sea ever present and we camp with him on remote rough shores. We share his feelings of wonder at the natural world, his fear at the exposure to rough seas and we encounter with him not just the myriad animals and birds that share his every day but also the people, their communities and the often gnarly rural issues impacting on human and animal alike. Alongside a deeply felt appreciation of the natural environment is a first-hand insight into the environmental and land-management issues pertinent to the Highland coast. By exploring, for instance, the impact of native versus non-native species, of community land ownership, of tourism, hunting and the varied other uses and indeed non-uses of coastal lands and seas, the readers' eyes are opened to a Scottish Highlands that is so much more than just a pretty view. At the surface, this is an adventure story, but at its heart, it is a tale about belonging and a deep sense of place; and it is a journey home, home in the end to where the author's Highland love affair began.

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Book SynopsisEvery spring, paddlers from around the world migrate to eastern North America in pursuit of the massive early season flows. b.EAST follows some of the most committed and accomplished on this journey. With challenging, awe inspiring whitewater, b.EAST takes you on a though provoking ride that offers a window into the soul of the sport.

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Book SynopsisWhether your interest is in paddling in more challenging conditions, or in learning new skills and concepts that will boost your confidence for more sheltered paddling, Sea Kayaking Rough Waters will help you get the most out of your time on the water.

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Book SynopsisWritten for both whitewater and sea kayakers, this book provides novice kayakers with foundation skills and step-by-step instruction for the standard rolls, and experienced paddlers can learn how to execute advanced rolling techniques.

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Book SynopsisWhether your interest in kayaking stems from the desire to get outside and exercise, spend time with friends and family, or explore the endless waterways in the vicinity, this easy-to-read guide makes paddling fun and safe for both new and experienced paddlers looking to broaden their horizons.

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Book SynopsisRolling a Kayak is World Champion Kayaker and renowned instructor Ken Whiting's 6th DVD on kayaking technique, and the most comprehensive, clear, and concise guide to learning and perfecting the roll in a whitewater kayak. It provides beginner sea kayaker with the fundamental skills and step-by-step instruction for the standard C-to-C, Sweep and Pawlata rolls, while more experienced paddlers will learn advanced techniques like the Offside, Hand, and Back Deck roll, as well as tips and tricks for rolling in whitewater. 50 minutes running time.

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Book SynopsisRolling a Kayak is World Champion Kayaker and renowned instructor Ken Whiting's 6th DVD on kayaking technique, and the most comprehensive, clear, and concise guide to learning and perfecting the kayak roll. It provides novice sea kayakers with the fundamental skills and step-by-step instruction; while more experienced paddlers will learn advanced techniques. Learning to roll boosts your confidence, makes you a safer paddler, and will let you get more out of your time on the water. You'll learn: About the equipment; the fundamental skills; the standard C-to-C, Sweep and Pawlata Rolls; tips for teaching the roll; Offside, Hand and Back Deck Rolls; rolling in rough water, currents and surf; common errors and their solutions

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Book SynopsisRecreational Kayaking provides new and developing paddlers with the skills and knowledge necessary to comfortably and safely enjoy kayaking. Whether your interest in kayaking stems from the desire to get outside and spend time with your friends and family or to explore the endless waterways that surround you, this DVD is a must-have for every kayaker.

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Book SynopsisTurreted fairytale peaks, glistening snowfields, waterfalls plunging over immense cliffs into the sea, a million tons of ice capsizing - this is the setting for "Fallen Pieces of the Moon", an account of a kayak trip along the west coast of Greenland, paddling about 150 miles of coastline in the Nuuk fjords area. Into the day-to-day account of contending with unsettled weather such as fog, unstable icebergs, midges and bugs by the billion, are woven insights into Inuit culture - their language, their shamanic practices, their hunting and navigation techniques and much more. On the way, the reader learns a great deal about the Arctic animals, pollution and the Arctic environment. Information on the early Arctic whalers, when whole fleets were beset and crushed by ice, is included; and an appreciation will be gained of the hardships endured by the Viking settlers and explorers such as Frobisher and Franklin who suffered scurvy, frostbite and starvation. Told with humour, the book is endlessly informative and entertaining on topics ranging from cannibalism, kayak rolling and Inuit string games to cargo cults or how the invention of bully beef influenced naval tactics." Fallen Pieces of the Moon" is a celebration of a sparse, billion-year-old landscape where the roots of things, both physical and human, seem less hidden. It conveys something of the wonder and awe that Greenland inspires in all who have been there. It describes days of absolute stillness, sliding though shoals of waxing suns; ephemeral cloudscapes on broad-winged breezes; a high corrie where jet black ravens float in a crystal bowl of Alpine air; and the ever-present icebergs like cathedrals of glass, like floating jewels, like fallen pieces of the moon.Trade Review'Anyone who has read Robin's previous kayaking book 'Argonauts of the Western Isles' will not be disappointed... ...one of the most attractive aspects of the bookis its use as a vehicle to introduce all sorts of little side stories and items of information, mostly historical'. Scottish Paddler -------------------- '...a celebration of a sparse and ancient landscape. ...numerous excellent photographs in both black and white and colour. ...is a well-written book that is both thoughtful and thought provoking. It does a good job of communicating something of the wonder and awe that Greenland inspired in the author. For anyone in the arctic and Inuit history and culture, this is the perfect sea kayaking book to enjoy while curled up in front of a warm fire this winter'. QUYAQ -------------------- '...endless interesting facts which will make it essential background reading for anyone going into the Arctic. If you are into sea kayaks or even the wider aspects of travel you will find this a fascinating read with a succession of interesting ideas along with the paddling narrative'. Canoeist -------------------- '...a journey through a wonderland of snow, ice, giant sea cliffs and a look at the west coast of Greenland that few people other than native Inuits can have seen. ...provides a close up of the Inuit way of life, their traditional methods of hunting, navigation, language, string games and their survival...this tale will give much enjoyment. Highly recommended'. Sea Breezes -------------------- '...few people will read this book without wishing to follow in the writer's paddle strokes. ...is one of the most engaging kayaking books I have read in a long time and it comes thoroughly recommended to paddlers of all abilities. The only disappointment I had was that it came to an end far too quickly...' Sea Paddler

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Book SynopsisThe west coast of Scotland casts a spell on anyone with a taste for adventure, a feeling for the past or a love of the wild, uninhabited places. With tidal currents of awesome power running between fascinating patterns of islands, it is a challenging place for any type of small craft. Robin Lloyd-Jones has been exploring here in his sea kayak for more than forty years.In this enchanced new edition of Argonauts of the Western Isles he takes us on many a memorable epedition to wild and beautiful shores. Amongst magnificent scenery and ever-changing seas, we are transported to Jura, Scarba, the Garvellach Isles, Mull, Staffa, the Treshnish Isles, the Monack Isles, Iona, Lewis and the Utis, Skye, the Orkneys, the Shetland Isles to places with music in their names, like Tir Nan Og the land of the ever-young, places which, once visited, become part of you.Along the way the author tells us a great deal about kayaking, about the wildlife and the history of the area but, more than that, he makes us feel that we are with him on his kayak.We experience what it is like to set out with one's destination below the horizon and nothing but open sea ahead, to bivouac under the stars, to spend the night aboard a wreck, to be 'hunted' by the vortex of the Corryvreckan whirlpool, to paddle into dark, booming caves, to feel an Atlantic swell rolling beneath the kayak and to become part of its rhythm. Through the author's vivid descriptions we know the terror of a force nine gale, the tranquillity of moolit trips, and the lure of tiny bays and seal-meadows accessible only to a slim kayak. We encounter dolphins, otters, unidentified monsters and nuclear submarines. And when he writes of the magic of remote islands, the Robinson Crusoe in all of us is awakened.This is a book to set the imagination adrift, a book for those seeking wider horizons, be their vessel an armchair or a kayak.Trade Review'We learn about wildlife, history, the terror of a force nine gale, the tranquillity of moonlit trips and the lure of tiny bays'. Scots Magazine -------------------- 'Lloyd-Jones has a wealth of kayaking experience and his tales are interesting, well written and told with an engaging sense of humour. Despite being about unfamiliar locales for most of us, these stories are most engaging and will be appreciated by anyone interested in sea kayaking. Argonauts of the Western Isles is highly recommended'. QUYAQ -------------------- 'His love of, and fascination with, this part of the world shine through what is an eminently readable account of his many ventures. ...an absorbing account of one person's adventures on the sea... ...this is a thoroughly engaging book and one which I would wholeheartedly recommend'. Scottish Island Explorer -------------------- '...a 'must have' for all kayaking and outdoor enthusiasts'. Scottish Paddler -------------------- 'Argonauts of the Western Isles was never just a kayaking book. It was a rite-of-passage story of one young man and his chums exploring the boundaries of an exciting sport and discovering a new world, all told through a series of ripping yarns which appealed to everyone with a sense of adventure. If anything, the new chapters are even more accessible and even if you've never picked up a paddle, you'll want to. If you're already a kayaker then this book must be on your shelf.' Ocean Paddler

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Book SynopsisThis is a complete beginner's guide to the sit-on-top kayak. Sit-on-top kayaking is the fastest growing water-based activity. It's fun and easy to learn. Anyone can do it! Paddlers, newcomers and those curious about the sport will find all the answers to their questions in this book. Using colour photos and clear descriptions, this book is the perfect introduction to sit-on-top kayaking. Choosing the right kayak, how to store and transport it, how to get the most fun out of your boat and how to stay safe whilst doing so are explored in detail. Snorkelling, fishing and scuba diving are some of the other activities that benefit from using sit-on-tops and these are also covered.Table of ContentsWhy Choose a sit - on - top kayak? 7Where can You paddle? 8Rivers 8Canals 9Lakes 9The Sea 10Getting started 11Buy or hire? 11Get tuition 11Transport and storage 11Choosing a kayak 13Essentials 15Equipment and Accessories 16Paddles 17Clothing and flotation 22Kayaking with Children 29Getting afloat 30Warm up 30Lifting and carrying 31Launching 32Getting to know your kayak 34Paddle Skills 34Forward paddling 35Paddling in strong winds 36Turning and sweep strokes 37Extended paddle sweeps 39Reverse sweep 39Making a 360 turn 40Stopping 40Reversing 41Edging turns 42Stern Rudders 43Moving sideways 44Support strokes 45Low brace turn 47Rescues 47Staying safe 53Paddling as a group 53Solo paddling 54Float plans 54Your safety kit 55Communication afloat 56Flares 57Towlines 58Weather and the kayaker 59Wind 59Sun 61Sea and surf 62The surf zone 62Landing and launching in the surf 64Tides and currents 68River paddling 69Diving and Scuba 73Kayak Fishing 75Kitting the kayak out 75Staying safe 76Clothing for fishing 78Fishing safety gear 79Fishing equipment 79Caring for the environment 83Last Word 84Glossary of terms 85Useful contacts 87Instruction and guided tours 87National governing bodies 87Websites and magazines 88Books 89

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Book SynopsisThis book is a celebration of the life and adventures of Andy Jackson, Scottish kayaking legend. In December 2004 the kayaking community was stunned by the premature death of Andy Jackson. "Tall Stories" collates accounts and photos of the tall man's adventurous life. As we follow him around the world, Andy's gregarious good humour comes across at every turn. From his native Scotland to Nepal, New Zealand and North America on his 'World Tour' and on to Iceland and Chile, Andy made a friend of everyone he met.Every first weekend in September, kayakers from around the world gather at the Wet West Paddlefest to celebrate his life and paddle two of his favourite rivers. Andy will remain an inspiration for generations to come.Ron Cameron first encountered Andy Jackson in Tain, Easter Ross when Andy was 19 and he was 43 and kayaked, skied and climbed with him regularly until the time of his death, suffering no significant injuries as a result. He was stupid/smart enough to rent Andy a house for about six years. Sometimes he thinks he should have stuck to climbing but paddling and skiing with Andy was a life enhancing experience.Table of Contents1 Boy Meets Girl 62 Wild Child 243 World Tour - Nepal 364 World Tour - New Zealand 445 World Tour - North America 546 The House 727 The Home Front 808 The Summer of 96 1029 Iceland 11410 Chile 12211 Flying Fish 12812 The Legacy 136

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Book SynopsisThis is a guidebook to 44 great sea kayak trips around the archipelago of the Outer Hebrides, from Berneray to the Butt of Lewis and including St Kilda. As well as describing 44 great kayaking journeys, this book presents all the navigational and tidal information a sea kayaker needs on this magnificent section of coast. This means that it can also be used as a kayaker's 'pilot' for any journey they might wish to undertake in this area. It follows the successful format of other Pesda Press sea kayaking guides, presenting the information in a user-friendly fashion and making lavish use of maps and colour photographs.

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Book SynopsisFrom the Mersey to the Solway and the Isle of Man in the West and the Humber to Berwick in the east, 'up north' is described to us in the author's own inimitable style. Industrial areas and the wilder landscapes are described with the same care and attention to detail. The result is a wealth of varied sea kayaking voyages to suit all tastes and abilities, from easy sheltered paddles to testing offshore passages and everything in between. In addition to the usual important information needed to plan a trip, recommended cafes, pubs and chip shops are strategically located to provide sustenance at the end of your trip. Detailed tidal information also allows the book to serve as a valuable inshore pilot for water users such as anglers, windsurfers and sailors. Jim started paddling in any old kayak he could muster during the school holidays. He has since paddled (and swum) many of the exciting white water rivers of England, Scotland and Wales, as well as many of those in the French Alps. A passion for sea kayaking combined with an interest in writing and photography, brought about the first comprehensive guidebook to the Welsh coast, for sea kayakers. His first publication ("Welsh Sea Kayaking" co-authored by Andy Biggs) is a great success and has already gone to a reprint.

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Book SynopsisCompletely revised, this is the second edition of the sea kayaking guidebook - Oileain, The Irish Islands. The guide describes 270 more islands than the previous edition, has a wealth of new photos, a new design and improved presentation of the tidal information. Dave Walsh describes over 570 islands. The essential information for kayakers or anyone in a small boat is here: landings, camping, drinking water and tidal information. Any wildlife to be found is detailed and on the islands that are or have been inhabited there is a wealth of information on their history and archaeology. The stories are fascinating and often told with a wry humour which makes them very readable. The book is illustrated throughout with colour photographs and maps. The writing and photographs capture the very essence of the wild places described.

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Book SynopsisThis illustrated guide will help you plan your journey along the River Spey, one of the UK's classic canoe and kayak touring rivers. The river may be navigated from Loch Spey to Spey Bay, and here this is divided into seven sections. These can be paddled as single day trips or combined into multi-day adventures. Each section is described in detail and includes agreed access points, local attractions, plus accommodation and camping options. To help you plan your trip there are also eight suggested multi-day itineraries, which range from three to five days.Whether you opt for a five-day expedition or a scenic day trip, here you will find all the information you need to prepare for your journey. There is advice on equipment, food and safety, as well as information on wildlife, wild camping and navigation skills. The River Spey is a stunning river that should be on every paddler's tick list and this guide will help you to make the most of your journey.

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Book SynopsisAt last, a guidebook covering some of Scottish paddling's best kept secrets. Scotland is a world-class sea-kayaking destination, the Scottish Islands being rightly famous for the standard of paddling they offer. The North and East Coasts don't have as many sheltering islands as the West and there is always some sort of swell, but they will richly reward your efforts to explore their hidden nooks and crannies - stunning cliff and coastal scenery, numerous bird colonies, and fascinating fishing villages each with their own history and character. Forty-five journeys from Cape Wrath to Berwick upon Tweed are described in a way that is both inspirational and informative. Details of launching and landing sites, tides and potential hazards are provided and the coast is described in exquisite detail. This means that it can also be used as a kayaker's 'pilot' for any journey they might wish to undertake in this area. It follows the successful format of other Pesda Press sea kayaking guides, presenting the information in a user-friendly fashion and making good use of maps and colour photographs.

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Book SynopsisIn this book Tim Gent shares his enthusiasm for and experience of travelling and camping from an open canoe. He covers planning a journey; selecting the right canoe and equipment for the journey you are planning and how to pack your canoe. All the traditional skills of campcraft such as fire lighting, cooking on an open fire, campsite selection and many more are explored, as are the more modern lightweight options.If you read Tim's book you will be inspired to paddle off into the distance and experience the joys of a waterborne nomadic existence ...even if only for a break from our modern sedentary lifestyle.

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Book SynopsisThis revised and updated 2nd edition is an illustrated guide to some of the finest tours of Scotland's waterways. Wild lochs, placid canals and broad rivers, as they can only be seen from a canoe or kayak.Eddie has chosen his favourite twenty-five inland touring routes and described them in great detail. The routes are beautifully illustrated with numerous colour photos and maps. The selected routes are suitable for open canoes, sit-on-tops and touring kayaks. Many of them can be tackled as a single voyage or a series of day trips, with campsites en route. The journeys are all accessible but highly varied, taking place on inland lochs, sheltered sea lochs and rivers (of an easy nature, up to grade two).A wonderful book for planning voyages and inspiring dreams, or sharing your experiences with others.

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Book SynopsisThough geographically close the two areas covered in this sea kayaking guidebook are as different in character as it is possible to conceive. The South East of England has a varied landscape of chalk cliffs, pebble beaches, vast expanses of sand, mudflats, and river estuaries. At one extreme the tidal Thames runs through the densely populated City of London and at the other the deserted North Norfolk coast. Conversely the Channel Islands are a small number of large islands and a vast number of islets and reefs. Here we are talking pink granite, white sandy beaches and very strong tidal streams. They are closer to France than to England (a mere 12km between Les Ecrehous reef and mainland France). Many of the routes here are very committing but there are also a good number of gentler paddles.

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Book SynopsisWelsh Canoe Classics is an illustrated guide to some of the finest tours of Wales' waterways. Scenic lakes, broad estuaries and whitewater rivers, as they can only be seen from canoe or kayak. Eddie, Adam and Wilf have chosen the best inland touring routes which are described in great detail and illustrated with numerous colour photos and maps. The selected routes are suitable for open canoes, sit-on-tops and touring kayaks, and include seven whitewater trips. Many of them can be tackled as a single voyage, others as a series of day trips with campsites en route. The journeys are all accessible but highly varied, travelling along lakes, estuaries, rivers and canals. This is a wonderful book for planning voyages and inspiring dreams or sharing your experiences with others.

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Book Synopsis"The north west of Scotland is quite simply the best place to paddle a sea kayak in the world." - Gordon Brown.On the north west coast of Scotland and around Skye there are islands galore, hidden beaches, tide races, great places to enjoy the local seafood and amazing people to meet. All of this set within a fantastic, variable culture of Norse and Gaelic influence that go to make this an area you will return to time and again. Ardnamurchan Point to Cape Wrath, the names of the headlands at either end of the area contained within these pages, even have their own section in the weather forecast.Fifty great voyages are described in a way that is both inspirational and informative. Details of launching and landing sites, tides and potential hazards are provided and the coast is described in exquisite detail. This means that it can also be used as a kayaker's 'pilot' for any journey they might wish to undertake in this area. It follows the successful format of other Pesda Press sea kayaking guides, presenting the information in a user-friendly fashion and making good use of maps and colour photographs.

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Book SynopsisThe River Thames is simply a fantastic place to paddle your canoe, kayak or paddleboard, whether touring, training, racing, expeditioning or just 'bimbling'. From its early reaches in the Cotswold Hills, through the Home Counties into London and far out beyond into the estuary, the river's surroundings are remarkably varied and diverse, yet always attractive and engaging. If your mental image of the Thames depicts an urban sewer, be prepared to be amazed; the water is clean, the banks are invariably green and naturalists describe the river's ecosystems as a 'wildlife superhighway'. This natural beauty is equalled by the human story which the Thames narrates; from locks, gardens and parks to mansions, abbeys, castles and palaces, the paddler is continuously immersed in what MP John Burns famously called 'liquid history'. The riverine Arcadia of willow-draped banks, back channels and islands celebrated in Three Men in a Boat and The Wind in the Willows was not a myth, and it still exists.Is a paddler's guidebook to the Thames needed? Britain's best-known river might actually be the least-known by paddlers.The huge paddling population and numerous canoe clubs based along it belie a surprising fact; many of these paddlers aren't sure what is found up- and down-stream from their patch. In a river stretching 347km, this is both understandable and forgivable. However, there are other reasons for the relatively low numbers of paddlers encountered whilst enjoying the Thames. Information about where and how to launch is hard to come by, existing guides and media give the impression that the Thames is the preserve of powerboats and rowers, and finally, the perception often lingers that it isn't actually very attractive or interesting. This book sets out to redress these major omissions and misconceptions, and to reclaim John 'Rob Roy' MacGregor's river for paddlers.Mark Rainsley has spent three decades using paddlesport as a means of avoiding adulthood and responsibility. He is a fanatical paddler who has descended challenging whitewater rivers worldwide, and who is dedicated to exploring every nook and cranny of the UK's coast by sea kayak. He created the UK Rivers and UK Sea Kayak websites and is a prolific contributor to paddlesport magazines and other media.Mark authored other Pesda Press titles.

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Book SynopsisIn this guidebook you will find descriptions of both well-known classics and little-known gems. It covers the length and breadth of the country and provides something for everyone, whatever the conditions. Whether you are a white-water novice or an out and out hair boater, you need this book. With maps, pictures and first-hand accounts, here is a guide that captures the spirit of Scottish white water. The proceeds from the sale of this book will go towards protecting and enhancing access to the rivers that we all enjoy. New in the 3rd Edition New to this edition by popular demand are river maps to some of the most popular runs; improved location maps, full lat/long coordinates for your sat nav as well as grid references; three brand new sections (Shetland, Harris/Lewis, and Glen Carron to Glen Shiel), notes on other island rivers, and descriptions of over 90 new runs.

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Book SynopsisThe Norfolk Broads is a unique wetland environment, with marvellous wildlife and scenery that is ideal for exploring by canoe or kayak. This guide provides all the information you need to plan your journey through this picturesque landscape. Seven rivers and fourteen Broads are described in detail, with information on launching points, local attractions, wildlife and history. Distances between launching points are also provided, along with details of riverside campsites and pubs, enabling you to plan single and multi-day trips. To help you prepare for your journey there is also advice on tides, safety, access and environmental issues. The 2nd Edition contains 128 small but significant updates.Table of Contents1. The Norfolk Broads 2. Safety 3. Access and Environmental Issues 4. How to use this guide 5. The rivers and their associated Broads 6. Table of launching points 7. Launching Point Descriptions by River - River Bure - River Ant - River Thurne - River Wensum - River Yare - River Chet - River Waveney 8. Table of Waterside Pubs 9. Waterside Pubs 10. Waterside Campsites 11. Table of Canoe and Kayak Hire Centres 12. Distance Charts 13. High Tide Times around the Broads Appendix - Broads Authority Canoe Trails

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