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Comprehensive, readable, and full of useful info. Exactly what I wanted as a new kayak owner.
Overall the book is a really good supplement to lessons and paddling experience. neither, paddle selection, etc. The kayaking instructor that I went to is definitely a knowledgeable individual but he is, as I have found many in the sport to be, very opinionated. I find myself going back and rereading sections of it after each time I go out paddling. The book is pretty neutral on subjects that are more personal preference like boat selection, skegs vs. This is a great book for the beginning kayaker.
It filled in a lot of the blanks and is a very balanced presentation of the subject matter. There is good coverage of the safety aspects and equipment, beyond what was in the lessons I took. I have canoed and sailed for close to 40 years and just recently took up kayaking. rudders vs. I am sure that will change with experience but it is a great reference. After several lessons and going out on my own a few times I bought this book.
Had I not read The Complete Sea Kayaker's Handbook I think my knowledge of the sport would have been limited to what I learned by trial and error on my own and the limited presentation I got from the instructor.
A common cliche is "this is the only book you'll need on the subject" or "If you can only read one this is the one to read" but in this case it's true. I have at least seven other books to base my findings on. The information contained in this relatively small (307 pages) sea kayaking manual will amaze you. Shelley's book is so full of factual information, which looks to be updated on a regular basis, you won't need a second source. This one is the best. Suprisingly, although every conceivable sea kayaking topic is covered, there is substantial detail on each subject. Enough not only to wet your appetite on the topic but you'll want to come back to it to get a better appreciation of the detail and depth presented after you have had a chance to try it out on the water (or sitting in your boat in the living room as I have been know to do).
All of the topics can be covered better by supplemental reading, and the bibliography is indeed a good resource. It's comprehensive. I think this book wets the appetite for whatever subject someone might find most interesting in there paddling (i.e. It is also easy to read and not overly technical for a book with a huge amount of technical information.
I read three intro to sea kayaking books. The two knot sections (boating & camping) in this book are exceedingly sparse, even for an introduction. navigation, history, outfitting, surfing, etc). Returned one, thought the other one was okay, and read this one twice cover to cover.
There are some notes on the history of kayaking, which provide a deeper appreciation for the activity. Indeed the author herself says at the onset: "I urge you to learn more than just these few."Thanks Shelley, great book. (I wish I had picked this one up first). Impartial, with dissenting views on some debatable points.
A real value at the Amazon price. The Handbook is well written, complete and a joy to read. It handles many subjects such as hull design, tides and waves in a very comprehensive and understandable manner.
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