Rating: 
Summary: WOW...Every kayaker should read this book!
Review: I'm a new kayaker and this book was recommended to me by my instructor. Kayaking, I have learned, is a lot more than just getting into a kayak and paddling off. Believe me, this book has guaranteed that I will never be anything less than the most prepared when I get in my boat. Whether it is just a paddle across a small lake or a trip across Lake Superior, YOU CAN'T CUT CORNERS! Even small mistakes (cotton clothing instead of synthetic) can have dire consequences. A must read for anyone planning to paddle.
Rating:
Summary: WOW...Every kayaker should read this book!
Review: I'm a new kayaker and this book was recommended to me by my instructor. Kayaking, I have learned, is a lot more than just getting into a kayak and paddling off. Believe me, this book has guaranteed that I will never be anything less than the most prepared when I get in my boat. Whether it is just a paddle across a small lake or a trip across Lake Superior, YOU CAN'T CUT CORNERS! Even small mistakes (cotton clothing instead of synthetic) can have dire consequences. A must read for anyone planning to paddle.
Rating:
Summary: Be Prepared!
Review: If the Boy Scouts ever offer a merrit badge for sea kayaking, this could be their text book. They share the same advice: "be prepared." As a novice sea kayaker I can see how something which can be so easy could lead to overconfidence- getting one into "deep trouble" due to lack of preparation. This book uses a case study method to illustrate how carelessness or lack of knowledge can lead to serious consequenses or death, but simple solutions can make the difference between inconvenience and survival. This book can save lives. It's easy to take for granted such advice as "dress for immersion," "wear your PFD," "keep current on weather reports," or "cary a signaling device," but seeing the results of ignoring such advice drives home the point. After reading this book one will be much better prepared for eventualities, however unlikely they may be.
Rating:
Summary: How NOT to become a Statistic!
Review: In 1998 4,406 people drowned in the U.S. (National Center for Health Statistics). One could only guess at the number that died from the effects of hypothermia even after being rescued. Read this book with the goal to reduce your chances of becoming a statistic!
Rating:
Summary: A sobering but useful book for the novice kayaker
Review: Kayaking can be great fun, but it can be dangerous.These are stories of kayak emergencies, some but not all of which ended in disaster. The emphasis is on learning from the mistakes of others -- how to dress, what to bring along, what skills to practice, when to stay out of the water. These are experiences it is better to have vicariously - and to learn from.
Rating:
Summary: A sobering but useful book for the novice kayaker
Review: Kayaking can be great fun, but it can be dangerous. These are stories of kayak emergencies, some but not all of which ended in disaster. The emphasis is on learning from the mistakes of others -- how to dress, what to bring along, what skills to practice, when to stay out of the water. These are experiences it is better to have vicariously - and to learn from.
Rating: 
Summary: Allright Already!!
Review: The book and the stories are well written and informative to a point but they all take place in the northwest. Hypothermia and tidal conditions unique to that area dominate the problems described. After a while the book was repetitive and did not address paddling safety beyond that area. I would love to see some variety replace the repetition - the same research and reporting on problems accross the country and perhaps internationally.
Rating:
Summary: A must-read for every kayaker.
Review: This book is a must-read for every kayaker, not just sea kayakers. These true, white-knuckle accounts drive home the point that the unexpected can and does happen, often with tragic results. It's too bad the kayakers who perished or were on death's doorstep in these stories did not have the benefit of reading this book first. It certainly would have sharpened their judgement and kept them out of harm's way.
Rating:
Summary: A Wakecall to Safe Kayaking Practices
Review: This book is fascinating. It covers a range of mishaps experienced by kayakers of all skill levels from novice to expert. Several themes run through the book: disregard for water temperatures, unexpected changes in weather and seas, kayaking in conditions beyond the paddler's skill level, failure to consider all available information about the planned route. Some of the stories turn out well, others turn out tragic. Sidebars in the text offer valuable insight into various safety topics. This book is a must-read for anyone who wishes to paddle in open or tidal water. Know that most, but not all, of the incidents reviewed oiccur in the San Juan Islands or nearby locales, and that many of the stories are from the mid 80's. However, the authors write in a manner that makes it easy to see yourself in the difficult situations discribed. I wonder whether, with the rise in popularity of kayaking in recent years, if this book could be easily updated with more recent events. The authors would do well to continue their efforts on a regualr basis to promote safe kayaking practices.
Rating:
Summary: A Wakecall to Safe Kayaking Practices
Review: This book is fascinating. It covers a range of mishaps experienced by kayakers of all skill levels from novice to expert. Several themes run through the book: disregard for water temperatures, unexpected changes in weather and seas, kayaking in conditions beyond the paddler's skill level, failure to consider all available information about the planned route. Some of the stories turn out well, others turn out tragic. Sidebars in the text offer valuable insight into various safety topics. This book is a must-read for anyone who wishes to paddle in open or tidal water. Know that most, but not all, of the incidents reviewed oiccur in the San Juan Islands or nearby locales, and that many of the stories are from the mid 80's. However, the authors write in a manner that makes it easy to see yourself in the difficult situations discribed. I wonder whether, with the rise in popularity of kayaking in recent years, if this book could be easily updated with more recent events. The authors would do well to continue their efforts on a regualr basis to promote safe kayaking practices.
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