'...Her writing is clear and concise, sprinkled with bits of humor and many tips gleamed from her years working as a kayak instructor, guide and outfitter' - "Sea Kayaker Magazine". The first edition of "The Complete Sea Kayaker's Handbook" received immediate acclaim with its selection as the Best Outdoor Instructional Book by the National Outdoor Book Award group. Now this book boasts 352 pages with changes throughout to reflect the growth of kayaking as a sport. This book is your first step to adventure on the water, with everything you need to know, from buying a kayak to dressing for the water. Updates of this title include: new photos throughout showing new boats, equipment, stretching, and repair techniques; a new section on used boats and how to shop for them; expanded sections on: boat materials section to include the newer laminates, buying a new kayak, use of GPS for navigation, family paddling, Planning Your Dream Trip, and Taking Care of Your Stuff to include more retrofit and repair information on a wider range of boat and paddle material; improvements in materials and more data on hypothermia; and, changes in safety technique descriptions reflecting the new equipment on the market information on stretching, proper posture in a kayak, and easy modifications to kayak seats for more comfortable paddling. Topics of this title include: Getting Ready; Kayaks; Accessories and Clothing; Getting to Know Your Kayak; Controlling Your Kayak; Getting Into and Out of the Water; Real Life Paddling; Finding Your Way: Kayak Navigation; Trip Logistics; Group safety; Kayak Camping; Planning Your Dream Trip; and, Taking Care of Your Stuff.

Table of Contents

Chapter 1. Getting Ready; Chapter 2. Kayaks; Chapter 3. Accessories and Clothing; Chapter 4. Getting to Know Your Kayak; Chapter 5. Controlling Your Kayak; Chapter 6. Getting Into and Out of the Water; Chapter 7. Real Life Paddling; Chapter 8. Finding Your Way: Kayak Navigation; Chapter 9. Trip Logistics; Chapter 10. Group safety; Chapter 11. Kayak Camping; Chapter 12. Planning Your Dream Trip; Chapter 13. Taking Care of Your Stuff; Resources; Index

About the Author

Shelley Johnson is well known as both a kayaking instructor and advocate. She is an American Canoe Association certified instructor, a member of the Maine Association of Sea Kayak Guides and Instructors, and a Registered Maine Guide. She is the author of Sea Kayaker's Pocket Guide and Sea Kayaking: A Women's Guide.