Kayaking: Book recommendation
In a previous post I noted that I've taken up kayaking. The basic kayak stroke came pretty easy to me and I thought I had "this paddling thing" conquered. But on my first lake outing, I once found myself heading straight into some trees with tangled limbs bending low over the water. With plenty of time (I thought) to make an evasive maneuver, I began stroking on just one side of the kayak, assuming that this would turn the kayak in the opposite direction and away from the hazard. That hoped-for result did not materialize, though. Instead I continued, but even faster, straight into the trees, which almost knocked me out of the boat. Clearly I needed some instruction on how to turn a kayak, or how to stop, or how to back ... preferably all three. When I got home I picked up my copy of Kayaking Made Easy, recently purchased through Amazon but only partly read. Sure enough--in the unread part of the book--author Dennis Stuhaug explained all the essential kayak strokes, and many others for special situations. On my next kayak outing I practiced turning, stopping and backing, and to my delight and self-satisfaction found that none of those things is particularly difficult--you just need to thing about what you want to do and then select the proper stroke to accomplish your ends. The turn stroke, for example, is not immediately intuitive, as witness my first unsuccessful experiement. Yes, you do stroke on the side of the kayak that is opposite the direction in which you wish to turn, but it is not the long, close-to-the boat draw stroke used to propel you forward when you have a clear path ahead and are concentraing on speed and directness. Instead, it is a much shorter stroke, but one that describes an arc, mostly well off to the side. As for stopping the kayak, that turns out to be a cinch--you just dip a paddle blade straight into the water for a couple of seconds (of course, the angle of the blade and the placement in relation to you and the boat also count in how well it works). I really like Kayaking Made Easy. Stuhaug's tone is engaging, friendly and encouraging toward beginners. He meanwhile conveys a great deal of information. Not the least of it is the detailed descriptions of the strokes (many of which I have yet to try; who knew there were so many?), accompanied by clear, easy-to-grasp diagrams. He also covers the types of kayaks, how to select one, how to outfit yourself and your boat, how to navigate a kayak in open water, how to make kayaking a family activity, and more. Be advised that if your interest lies in whitewater kayaking, this book will not be of much help to you. It is aimed at flatwater (lakes, sounds, slow rivers) and sea kayakers. The third edition of Kayaking Made Easy just appeared this past April. Here's what a reviewer at Amazon has to say: A complete and thorough "how to" guide to the sport and recreation of kayaking, June 4, 2006 This newly expanded and revised third edition of Kayaking Made Easy: A Manual For Beginners With Tips For The Experienced by Dennis Stuhaug is a complete and thorough "how to" guide to the sport and recreation of kayaking. Providing readers with a concisely presenting approach to preparing for and engaging in kayaking, Kayaking Made Easy offers a truly "user friendly" guide to everything from choosing the right hull for individual needs, outfitting the kayak with seat, flotation, spray deck and other fittings, mastering basic maneuvers from the sweep stroke to the sculling brace, and assembling a kayaking wardrobe that is both comfortable and affordable, to safe navigation through the hazards of wind, fog, eddies and rip currents, and ensuring that all companions, including kids, enjoy the active and fun ride. A welcome addition to personal and community library reference collections, Kayaking Made Easy is very strongly recommended reading for novice kayakers, and has much of value to offer even seasoned kayakers. Technorati Tags: kayaks, kayaking, boats, boating, water, lakes, seas, sounds, how-to, books, manuals, beginning kayaking, outdoors, paddle sports, outdoor sports, water sports Search Stomper links: kayaks, kayaking, boats, boating, books, book reviews, outdoor sports, water sports, paddle sports, adventure


- posted by Gavin L. Watkins @ 2:34 PM