2005 National Outdoor Book Award Winner. A fully illustrated introduction to river kayaking with a full-color gear guide plus chapters on river safety and reading the water. Step-by-step instruction on essential techniques, including all major strokes and rolls.

An introduction to canoeing that uses step-by-step photographs to demonstrate the essential strokes and maneuvers; includes safety tips and information on equipment.

CLICK HERE to download the section on sea kayaking "Safety: Self & Assisted Rescue" from Sea Kayaking * Features 130 demonstrative photographs and 30 charts and illustrations * Written by a veteran paddling coach and expert in kayak stroke efficiency * Advice from expert contributors throughout adds full range of experience The latest addition to the award-winning Mountaineers Outdoor Expert series, Sea Kayaking: Basic Skills to Advanced Paddling Techniques, offers authoritative advice for paddlers of all levels, from beginners considering their first gear purchase to competitive kayakers looking to perfect their forward stroke. As a longtime paddling professional and National Team coach, author Dan Henderson draws from a lifetime of personal experience, teaching, and his academic research in exercise science to instruct readers on everything they need to know to get out on the water, including: * Gear -- how to pick the right kayak for your body size, skill level, and lifestyle * Foundations of safety, how to plan and prepare, and must-know advice for assisted and self-rescue * Basic paddling styles to advanced techniques (side slipping, edging, bracing) * Techniques for a range of conditions caused by wind, waves, currents, swells, and more * Expedition planning and camping * Getting the most out of kayaking for fitness “Dan’s participation in paddlesports is celebrated by a lifetime of contribution to the sport, friendships that span the globe and professional success across all disciplines of paddling. The opportunity to learn from Dan’s experience will only add to your enjoyment and success in the sport.” -- Joe Jacobi, Chief Executive Officer USA Canoe/Kayak

For a generation, the Basic Illustrated series has been as much a part of the outdoors experience as backpacks and hiking boots. Information-packed tools for the novice or handy references for the veteran, these volumes distill years of knowledge into affordable and portable books. Whether you’re planning a trip or thumbing for facts in the field, Basic Illustrated books tell you what you need to know. Basic Illustrated Kayaking Basic Illustrated Kayaking includes a buying guide to kayak design, kayak features, accessories, and gear so the reader can decide the kind of kayak that is right for him or her. The book is packed with step-by-step information on transporting, launching and landing, basic and advanced strokes, techniques, navigation, rescues, and expedition planning. It focuses on recreational (flatwater) kayaking, providing step-by-step instructions and easy-to-follow photos.

From its beginnings, river canoeing in the United States has grown enormously. New equipment, materials, and techniques have advanced the capabilities of boaters. This handbook explains the techniques of whitewater canoeing, with concise instructions and clear illustrations, for a safe introduction to the sport. Oriented to the open two-person canoe, the material presented in this book also is applicable to solo paddling and closed canoes. The chapter on equipment and clothing contains information on the latest types of canoes available and discusses the advantages and problems of each in whitewater canoeing. Different shapes for canoes are reviewed along with their implications for recreational and whitewater canoeing. Information is given for lifevests and helmets, knee straps, painters, and bailers. Floatation devices are covered, along with splash covers and carrying yokes. Other chapters cover effective paddle strokes, reading fast water, river maneuvering, rescue techniques, strategies, canoe slaloming, and wilderness whitewater canoeing. A special chapter on becoming a whitewater instructor is included. Appendices illustrate how to reinforce paddle blades; making a throw-line rescue bag; universal river signals; the English Gate; use of a flannel board for training; and the difficulty classifications of rivers. (ALL)

This exciting and demanding sport is much different than its flat-water sibling, with different equipment and techniques, all of which are covered in Basic Illustrated Sea Kayaking. Full-color images cover the many sea kayak models and accessories, as well as important information on tides and currents, packing and loading tips for comfort and safety, and a glossary chock-full of helpful terminology. You'll discover how to perfect your paddle stroke, perform self rescues and assisted rescues, paddle and navigate safely, pack your sea kayak for an expedition, and get your kayak on and off your vehicle.