Kayaking: Whitewater and Sea (Outdoor Pursuits)

Rating:
Summary: A solid start that doesn't oversimplify the sport.
Review: Actually, it's two sports -- depending on who you ask. Ford does a great job of acknowledging and exploring the similarities and common concerns of sea and whitewater kayaking. The simple and straightforward advice on instruction and gear selection makes this a great book to read before you ever get in a kayak. It provides you with the knowledge to ask good questions and make reasonable decisions when you go to purchase gear. The book splits later into sea and whitewater sections, so if you are already sold on one and don't want to know about the other, you might shy away from this title -- don't. Expert paddlers agree that all types of paddling have something to teach all types of paddlers. Taking a few minutes to become more familiar with the other side of kayaking will benefit you, and the getting started angle of this book is too good to miss. For the undecided, or for future whitewater paddlers, this is an easy to read overview of strokes, river reading, vocabulary, and other concerns with good photos to help explain major points. Simple advice on rolling, manuvering, playing, and safety will give you plenty of things to learn as you begin to explore the awesome fun of kayaking.,