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Rating: 
Summary: Essential, though perhaps not complete
Review: I don't know if I'd agree with the subtitle; Seidman's guide is by no means complete (for that, see Dowd's "Sea Kayaking") but it certainly does cover the essentials of the sport, and as others have noted, it is certainly sufficient to introduce a newcomer to all the essential techniques needed to get started. While no book is a replcement for a good teacher, Seidman gives you enough to get out and teach yourself basic strokes, braces and perhaps even rolls- though that's something best seen demonstrated first.The photos are one of the strongest parts of the book, and a good argument for buying it- next to the "Perforamance Sea Kayaking" video Seidman's book has the best illustrations of basic moves to be found anywhere. If you were only going to buy one kayaking book, this would not be a bad choice- but after working your way through it you'd be well advised to move on to more detailed and specialized books as well.
Rating:
Summary: Essential, though perhaps not complete
Review: I don't know if I'd agree with the subtitle; Seidman's guide is by no means complete (for that, see Dowd's "Sea Kayaking") but it certainly does cover the essentials of the sport, and as others have noted, it is certainly sufficient to introduce a newcomer to all the essential techniques needed to get started. While no book is a replcement for a good teacher, Seidman gives you enough to get out and teach yourself basic strokes, braces and perhaps even rolls- though that's something best seen demonstrated first. The photos are one of the strongest parts of the book, and a good argument for buying it- next to the "Perforamance Sea Kayaking" video Seidman's book has the best illustrations of basic moves to be found anywhere. If you were only going to buy one kayaking book, this would not be a bad choice- but after working your way through it you'd be well advised to move on to more detailed and specialized books as well.
Rating:
Summary: Essential, though perhaps not complete
Review: I don't know if I'd agree with the subtitle; Seidman's guide is by no means complete (for that, see Dowd's "Sea Kayaking") but it certainly does cover the essentials of the sport, and as others have noted, it is certainly sufficient to introduce a newcomer to all the essential techniques needed to get started. While no book is a replcement for a good teacher, Seidman gives you enough to get out and teach yourself basic strokes, braces and perhaps even rolls- though that's something best seen demonstrated first. The photos are one of the strongest parts of the book, and a good argument for buying it- next to the "Perforamance Sea Kayaking" video Seidman's book has the best illustrations of basic moves to be found anywhere. If you were only going to buy one kayaking book, this would not be a bad choice- but after working your way through it you'd be well advised to move on to more detailed and specialized books as well.
Rating:
Summary: Very well written and informative
Review: I got into sea kayaking after reading this book and it is all the author said and more. I've lent this book to a number of friends who are now also "hooked". This is an easy to read book, one that evokes the possibilities of kayaking along with information necessary to develop the confidence to make them happen. I highly recommend it to anyone considering this great sport.
Rating:
Summary: Very well written and informative
Review: I got into sea kayaking after reading this book and it is all the author said and more. I've lent this book to a number of friends who are now also "hooked". This is an easy to read book, one that evokes the possibilities of kayaking along with information necessary to develop the confidence to make them happen. I highly recommend it to anyone considering this great sport.
Rating:
Summary: Exactly the sort of basic kayaking book I was looking for
Review: This book is exactly what I needed to guide me through the kayak shopping and learning process. It begins with equipment basics to help you choose what's right for you and proceeds step by step through other basics of kayak ownership, use and transportation. I recommend it to all beginning kayakers and to anyone who's considering buying a kayak.
Rating:
Summary: The Best on the Market
Review: This is the best general kayaking book on the market today (2001). Covers the range of the activity. Enjoy.
Rating: 
Summary: Covers technique & basic gear for beginner/intermediate.
Review: This was the first book I bought after purchasing my kayak. It covers the gear you will need for paddling, safety and clothing. As well as discussing basic paddling and bracing strokes, a number of rescue techniques are covered, including the roll. Armed only with what I learned from the 8 pages on the eskimo roll, I went out and had myself rolling in two days. The book also include a chapter on family and handicapped paddling. There is little coverage of extended or overnight trips.
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