Sea Kayaking: A Woman's Guide
Novice paddlers and seasoned veterans alike will find this a highly readable and eminently sensible guidebook to the essentials of safe and enjoyable sea kayaking. Forget the macho approach--this is an instructional for women, written by a woman. Basing her instructive technique on the premise that women hail from the "talk it over and think it through first" school of outdoor learning, author Shelley Johnson's tone is friendly and conversational. Whether discussing useful ways to carry and transport a kayak, getting in and out of it, or staying afloat, she is quick to offer supportive, practical advice. Yes, for instance, proper paddling techniques are difficult to master; but with the easy-to-follow captioned photographs provided, forward, backward, turning, and support strokes are a whole lot easier to understand and ultimately execute. If your greatest fears are the "wet exit" (capsizing) and hypothermia, you'll be pleased to learn there are myriad ways to prepare for and/or prevent such safety hazards. In addition to lending her own expertise, Johnson also includes comments, stories, and instruction from veteran water women of all ages. Chapters on weather/tidal conditions, equipment, and heading out with children all brim with excellent tips and straightforward advice. A resource listing is also included. So if you want the lowdown on how to be well prepared, properly geared, and safety conscious in a sea kayak, this edition of the Ragged Mountain Press Woman's Guide series points the way.--Martha Silano