The Complete Sea Kayaker's Handbook is a comprehensive guide to the full sea kayaking spectrum, bringing a fresh approach and a dynamic voice to the subject. Author of the critically acclaimed Sea Kayaking: A Woman's Guide, Shelley Johnson covers all the bases for beginning to advanced sea kayakers. It's all here, from selecting the right kayak and gear to preparing and making an extended tour, mastering the strokes, rolls, and exit techniques; navigating; and much more.
Customer Reviews:
Avg. Customer Rating: 5.0 / 5.0
Excellent Comprehensive Kayak Handbook:
After previewing several kayak books in the "handbook" category (those that cover the activity broadly and without specializing in any specific topic), I ultimately decided on Shelley Johnson's Complete Sea Kayaker's Handbook. I was hesitant to go with the title due to its corporate publisher (McGraw Hill imprint) figuring the smaller publishers with more specialization in outdoor activity publishing would offer better books or the more well known authors might have better selections. But the reviews kept... more info
Read this book before purchasing a kayak:
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... more info
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. 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... more info
