 |
|
|
| Customer Review: |
|
1: Excellent for beginner or seasoned kayaker
This is one of my first expedition kayaking books, bought back in '93. Many of the facts presented there still stick with me. The newest edition is the best yet. Dowd's writing is accurate, interesting, and necessary for a sport that is so much fun but has a dearth of writers able to translate that fun into print. Really makes one want to go kayak! Highly recommended.
|
2: Any level kayaker will learn something here
This is a great book! I read it as a beginner, and will hold onto it as a reference. Anyone who kayaks should know the info in this book. Written with enthusiasm for the sport, it is not at all a dry read.(Pun intended.)
|
3: One of the best books on Sea Kayaking that I have ever read!
I am not an avid reader, and I usually lose interest in a book and place it on the shelf mid way through if the author doesn't keep my interest. John Dowd had not only captivated my interest, but made it hard for me to put it down. Some of the best and informative information about Sea Kayaking that I have read yet. It should be a "Must Read" for any person involved in the sport of Sea Kayaking, beginner to novice. 5 Star Rating above all others!!!
|
4: Great book
Dowd has a way of sounding like your dad and the tone of the book is very relaxed and easy to follow. It claims to be pitched at intermediate kayakers starting out on expeditions yet basic skills like bracing, sculling and rolling are included. Even the most basic things that are left out are assumed by their absence and that keeps the book from being patronising in an overly wordy `beginners guide' type way.
He gives a very informative overview of the sport and its locations from polar kayaking to the tropics. He also gives a reassuring overview of a sea kayak's `sea worthiness' (dependent on the paddler) explaining some hurricane force winds he has personally endured in a kayak. He also discusses at length the issue of kayaking alone and concludes that one can kayak safely alone, in fact he even suggests kayaking in numbers can give a false sense of security.
Dowd discusses buying a kayak and refreshingly advises `keep in my mind your original image - how you saw yourself with your boat' which I found to be excellent advice.
This book is a very good introduction to sea kayaking and an interesting read. It is also a bible-like source of information. As Paul Theroux said on the jacket "quiet simply the best book available on this wonderful sport"
|
5: Essential kayaking book
This is a fabulous book on sea kayaking. I loved reading it because of the very useful information and mix of serious and humorous writing styles. A must read - and you'll want to read it several times to soak up all the great information. Highly recommended for any kayaker. His exploits are impressive and inspiring.
|
|
|
