Paddle Your Own Kayak: An Illustrated Guide to the Art of Kayaking - Softcover

These books focus on paddling techniques, including maintaining balance and safety in the full range of currents. The kayak book also includes a special section on kayak camping. Excellent for those ready to take basic skills to the next level. (reviewed with Paddle Your Own Canoe)--John Helling "Library Journal " "When you pick up a paddle and step into a kayak, be prepared for change. It will enrich and change your life more than you can imagine! Start out with good, hands-on instruction."-- (06/18/2008) With over 600 stunning photographs and illustrations, the McGuffins share their obvious joy of kayaking and create within the reader a desire to experience the same. Everything you needed to get started [is] included. Step-by-step instructions, complete with photo, make it easy to practice.... Tips and problem solving solutions leave nothing to chance and a detailed index leaves the answers to any questions you may have at your fingertip.... In Paddle Your Kayak, avid conservationists Joanie and Gary McGuffin don't just teach you to kayak but succeed in passing along their respect for nature and their hope that the paddler will protect that which they have come to love.-- (01/01/2009) Setting the standard for how-to canoe books wasn't enough for the McGuffins. No, ... Gary and Joanie McGuffin had to write a comprehensive book on how to kayak... From the history of kayaks to building your own boat, kayaking strokes, how to read charts and rescue techniques, the McGuffins seem to have thought of everything a kayaker needs to know. Their passion for kayaking is obvious and articulately relayed through their eminently readable and incredibly handy book.-- (07/31/2008) With more than 500 color photographs...and illustrations, Paddle Your Own Kayak is a beautiful as well as practical guide to kayaking for novices and intermediate paddlers who would like to advance their skills or reinforce past learning. Cover[s] every conceivable .. Essential Gear is described and thoroughly explained with photographic illustrations... For an introduction to a new sport, or for at-home study before or after lessons, this book is a valuable resource. With personal anecdotes and observations, the authors' love of the wilderness and paddling shine through the practical information presented... Much more than a simple how-to guidebook.-- (09/01/2008) "This is, quite simply, the best presented instructional canoeing book ever. It surpasses even Bill Mason." That was the start of my review of Paddle Your Canoe (Apr 2000, p24). They've done it again, this time for kayaks ... Like their canoe book, this is the best introduction to kayak touring that you can buy.-- (06/01/2008) Another first-rate effort from the paddling partners who have been producing quality work for many years. Featuring superb photography and excellent organization, this book takes you through the kayaking process from A-Z.-- (06/01/2000) The quality of writing, the gorgeous photography along with brilliant, easily followed how-to graphics make this new book fun to browse even if you have no intention of kayaking. For those just starting out in the adventure of kayaking, this book is a master stroke.... I'd suggest you get this before you even put a paddle in water.-- (05/01/2010) This is an excellent resource for those curious to try the world's fastest-growing paddle sport. You'd be hard pressed to think of a kayak-related topic that isn't covered in this book.... Each chapter is presented in a way that not only deepens the knowledge base of a seasoned kayaker, but is also accessible to the total paddling novice.-- (10/01/2008) Superb and inspiring photography... .Beautiful colour photographs and diagrams adorn every page. This coupled with well written and insightful content make this "coffee table" style book a prized possession... In terms of the technique sections, I have yet to find such a well illustrated book... For beginners, Paddle Your Own Kayak offers an excellent introduction to sea kayaking. For more seasoned paddlers it provides a good starting resource for examining and developing your technique. Instructors will find the excellent images a powerful teaching aid for bank instruction. However, I firmly believe all paddlers will find the superb photography a source of great inspiration and would heartily recommend this book.-- (01/01/2009) Joanie and Gary McGuffin have provided an invaluable resource to beginners and experienced kayakers alike... With over 600 stunning photographs and illustrations, the McGuffins share their obvious joy of kayaking and create within the reader a desire to experience the same.... Avid conservationists Joanie and Gary McGuffin don't just teach you to kayak but succeed in passing along their respect for nature and their hope that the paddler will protect that which they have come to love.-- (08/28/2008) This beautifully illustrated guidebook covers all aspects of the sport. [It] is chock-full of instructional photos with clearly written descriptions and is highlighted by colorful scenic images that will compel you to learn more, grab a paddle and join the sport. Whether you're an athlete or traditionally an onlooker, you will enjoy exploring the world of kayaking through the writing of authors Gary and Joanie McGuffin. If you're already eager to experience a journey by kayak, read this guidebook first -- it can safely lead you through the processes you must ford for a successful kayaking future.-- (08/01/2008) A very good instructional book on how to kayak.... Whether you are thinking of taking up this eco-friendly way to travel lakes and rivers or you're an experienced kayaker, you will enjoy and benefit from reading Paddle Your Own Kayak and perusing the hundreds of color photographs in this book.-- (11/15/2008)

Gary and Joanie McGuffin's Paddle Your Own Canoe set a new standard for paddling instruction books. In this companion title, they use the same model for the art of kayaking. They offer expert, step-bystep instructions on all of the sport's essential techniques. They discuss the kayak's Inuit history, types of kayaking, recommended kayak sizes and shapes, and proper gear and clothing. Illustrated with more than 600 colour photographs and illustrations, Paddle Your Own Kayak is designed for both seasoned and novice kayakers, offering guidance on: Balancing the body; Strokes and maneuvers; Paddling fundamentals; Recoveries and rescues; Carrying and launching; Weather and water conditions techniques; Staying centred; Navigation methods. A special section on kayak camping provides good advice on what to look for in a destination, how to select a site, packing your kayak, setting up tents and shelters, meal preparation, water filtration, first aid and much more.