The Complete Sea Kayaker's Handbook

By Shelley Johnson

Book Overview

"...Her writing is clear and concise, sprinkled with bits of humor and many tips gleamed from her years working as a kayak instructor, guide and outfitter."
--Sea Kayaker Magazine

The first edition of The Complete Sea Kayaker'

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0071747117
• ISBN13: 9780071747110
• Release Date: February 2011
• Publisher: International Marine Publishing
• Length: 352 Pages
• Weight: 1.33 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 7.4" x 9.2"

Customer Reviews

Sea Kayaker's Handbook - Shelley Johnson

The information contained in this relatively small (307 pages) sea kayaking manual will amaze you. Suprisingly, although every conceivable sea kayaking topic is covered, there is substantial detail on each subject. Enough not only to wet your appetite on the topic but you'll want to come back to it to get a better appreciation of the detail and depth presented after you have had a chance to try it out on the water (or sitting in your boat in the living room as I have been know to do). A common cliche is "this is the only book you'll need on the subject" or "If you can only read one this is the one to read" but in this case it's true. Shelley's book is so full of factual information, which looks to be updated on a regular basis, you won't need a second source. I have at least seven other books to base my findings on. This one is the best!

A good introduction

I read three intro to sea kayaking books. Returned one, thought the other one was okay, and read this one twice cover to cover. (I wish I had picked this one up first.) It's comprehensive. Impartial, with dissenting views on some debatable points. It is also easy to read and not overly technical for a book with a huge amount of technical information. There are some notes on the history of kayaking, which provide a deeper appreciation for the activity. I think this book wets the appetite for whatever subject someone might find most interesting in there paddling (i.e. navigation, history, outfitting, surfing, etc.) All of the topics can be covered better by supplemental reading, and the bibliography is indeed a good resource. The two knot sections (boating & camping) in this book are exceedingly sparse, even for an introduction. Indeed the author herself says at the onset: "I urge you to learn more than just these few." Thanks Shelley, great book.

Read this book before purchasing a kayak

I like to browse the boating sections of outdoor stores and listen to the staff recommend equipment to people just getting started in kayaking. It can be a terrific learning experience and the best stores will always recommend good instructional manuals and the importance of taking lessons. The one book they always seem to suggest is Shelley Johnson's Sea Kayaker's Handbook. It covers all the basics but goes one step further. For instance; it is commonly explained that "the longer a boat is the faster it will go and the better it will track". There is a sidebar entitled "It isn't so simple" which carries the explanation a little further. Another section covers how to handle wind. Reading this section would be very helpful to a new paddler purchasing their first boat because one of the basic decisions is whether to have a rudder or skeg. A little knowledge here could save a lot of money and make the sport much more enjoyable. Read this book, ask questions of a knowledgeable salesman, buy a boat, take a lesson or two, have fun, see you on the water!!!

Great comprehensive reference for new sea kayaker

Prior to getting this book I had one lesson and had paddled five or six times mostly in ocean harbors and estuaries. I have paddled several times since. I have done a fair amount of small boat sailing and canoeing before taking up kayaking. The Complete Sea Kayaker's Handbook did a great job helping to fill in my knowledge of kayaking in general and to help "remind" me of some of what I learned in my lesson. It is well put together and has a nice mix of anecdote and information, with more of the latter. The book is specific to sea kayaking which I also appreciated. I am not terribly interested in white water kayaking and didnt want a book that wasted my time with more then casual information on the subject. Hightlights for me: - Detailed and well presented information on kayak design and construction. - Nice explanations of paddle technique I was actually able to apply after I read the book (as a supplement to my lesson). - Informative chapters on navigation and logistics without belaboring the subjects. - Interesting side-bars going into more detail on one point or another throughout the book. I think the best thing about the book is Shelley's easy going yet informative writing style. The illustrations and photos were clear and useful. The tone of the book was that of a very well informed friend rather then some kind of uber-kayaker. This book worked for me. Good luck in your paddles! Regards, Chris