This classic guide focuses on the fundamentals of seamanship that are essential knowledge to all ocean paddlers.Sea kayaking has come a long way since this informative manual was published more than twenty years ago. From an offbeat pastime enjoyed by an adventurous few, the sport has become an industry unto itself. Veteran paddler John Dowd's readable, well-illustrated guide still stands as "the bible" for both new and experienced kayakers.Sea Kayaking covers the basics of equipment and technique, including types of paddles and strokes. But the key focus in this revised and updated edition is on sound seamanship and good risk management: how to read the weather and the water, how to navigate, how to travel with a group. Drawing on his long experience paddling in all climates, Dowd presents practical, concrete advice on dealing with potential hazards (from surf to sea ice to sharks) and carrying out rescues. The book contains new photographs and numerous helpful charts, diagrams and illustrations. It also covers expedition planning, instructional methods and sea kayaking for people with disabilities.As more and more paddlers take to the water, this classic guide continues to be required reading for those seeking adventure on the open ocean.

Acknowledgements / viiIntroduction / 11 Equipment / 72 Technique / 593 Seamanship, Self-Rescue & Assisted Rescues / 794 Navigation / 1115 Weather / 1276 Reading the Sea / 1377 Hazards / 1518 Storm & Other Emergency Procedures / 1739 Camping, Food Gathering & the Environment / 18310 First Aid / 19511 Survival Situations / 20712 Planning an Exploration / 21913 Tours, Rentals & Instruction / 23114 Sea Kayaking for People with Disabilities / 247Appendix A: Transoceanic Solos / 251Appendix B: Sea Kayaking Photography / 255Appendix C: Responsibility in the Outdoors / 256Bibliography / 257Index / 260