The Global SUP Community

Finalist for the 2006 Pen Center USA Western award in creative nonfiction.

In this epic tale of sea-kayaking adventure, award-winning author Chris Duff places readers in the cockpit of his 18-foot kayak and lets them experience the full power and beauty of the South Pacific Ocean and the wild energy of the Tasman Sea as it thunders onto New Zealand's uninhabited west coast. Not just an account of human physical endurance and determination to attempt what had only been accomplished once before, this exquisitely written narrative reveals the philosophical and psychological life of a man who has chosen the sea as the master to sit before and to learn from. The intense and often terrifying sea journey is balanced by serendipitous meetings along the way with friendly New Zealanders and with the diverse wildlife of this tiny and remote island country. Southern Exposure is a force of writing that will captivate the armchair adventurer as well as the seasoned ocean traveler.

500+ easy-to-digest tips for making sea kayaking safer and more enjoyable Drawn in part from the popular "Tips" column appearing in Sea Kayaker magazine, SEA KAYAKER'S SAVVY PADDLER arms novice and expert paddlers alike with helpful, tested-and-refined-in-the-field advice. The tips and techniques are inventive, yet head-smackingly simple: for example, convert an old CD into a signal mirror; use a drinking straw to suck the air from bread bags to add days of freshness. These great ideas are complemented by practical discussions of such things as how to pack a kayak for a multi-day trip, lists of essential touring items, advice on choosing the best paddling boat or partner, recipes for quick meals on the water or in camp, and much more. Tips are organized into sections for ease of access: * Major purchases * Outfitting * Navigation and safety * Food, clothing and shelter * Health and fitness

In one of his most exotic and breathtaking journeys, the intrepid traveler Paul Theroux ventures to the South Pacific, exploring fifty-one islands by collapsible kayak. Beginning in New Zealand's rain forests and ultimately coming to shore thousands of miles away in Hawaii, Theroux paddles alone over isolated atolls, through dirty harbors and shark-filled waters, and along treacherous coastlines. This exhilarating tropical epic is full of disarming observations and high adventure.

Here's the complete guide to choosing, using, and enjoying life with the ultimate portable, human-powered boat.

For a generation, the Basic Essentials series has been as much a part of the outdoors experience as backpacks and hiking boots. Information-packed tools for the novice or handy references for the veteran, these volumes distill years of knowledge into affordable and portable books. Whether you're planning a trip or thumbing for facts in the field, Basic Essentials books tell you what you need to know. Using the Basic Essentials Rafting you can discover how to navigate rapids, obstacles, waves, and holes, follow vital safety and first-aid procedures, maneuver a boat using various strokes, contend with swims, wraps, and flips, follow rafting command, read the difficulty of a river, plan a trip and much, much more.

The wild fun of whitewater rafting has gained enormous popularity in recent years. This basic guide is a smart investment for anyone considering a trip. Clear, concise text and easy-to-read illustrations show how to read the water and maneuver the craft. Chapters on safety cover the basic equipment, such as PFDs, throwbags, and ropes, as well as risk management, capsize drills, and rope handling. An extensive listing of contacts and select destinations is also included. The wealth of action photos is both entertaining and instructive.

Includes choosing equipment, controlling and propelling the raft, reading water, recognizing potential hazards, information on rigging, maintenance, repairs and first aid.

Paddling & Water Sports 103922 By Liberty Mountain

Whitewater Rescue Manual is for all whitewater padlers, beginner to expert. This book presents the best techniques for self-rescue and rescue of companions on the river.

Now in its second edition, Whitewater Kayaking: The Ultimate Guide has become the established, definitive guide on the sport.

85 color photos, 6 x 9 Expert instruction in beginning and advanced whitewater strokes Techniques illustrated in on-the-water photographs of a champion paddler When a kayaker perfects fundamental strokes before attempting to tackle whitewater, he is rewarded with efficiency, simplicity, control, and speed. Expert kayaker Eric Jackson provides detailed lessons on 16 such strokes, each illustrated in step-by-step photos of EJ in action on flat water and in the rapids. Each section includes advice on the early correction of common paddling mistakes, warm-up and practice drills, as well as how each lesson combines with others to improve technique.

The roll is one of the most important paddling techniques for kayakers. As long as you don't mind getting your head wet, you can learn to do it!

Sea Kayak Strokes is a concise manual for learning and improving paddling skills. Alderson s tips will help you paddle faster and with less effort, turn your kayak with greater ease, and keep your head above water using quick and effective bracing techniques. Alderson describes how the forces of wind and water affect directional control of a kayak, providing information on how to choose the most effective stroke at the right time. You won t have to struggle in the wind if you use the strokes that let the wind do some of the work for you. Learn to save your energy and keep your kayak moving when waves and current are trying to push you around. Sea Kayak Strokes is a teaching and learning guide with sensible text and clear illustrations an invaluable resource for paddlers and instructors.