Books

Logbook

Speaking of log books, now sea kayakers have the opportunity to buy a really handy little volume to guide you through pre-trip planning, and log your adventures in detail. It also contains a useful summary of navigation, lists of equipment and clothing, the Beaufort scale, a weather guide, and space for personal information.

This small format, coil bound, sturdy little booklet with water repellent cover, stores in a waterproof bag. It will be a great addition to your gear on any expedition, and an appropriate gift for your favourite paddling friend.

Available for $16 (US) from Go There, Do That Concepts, PO Box 712, Old Greenwich, CT USA 06870 or by e-mail: go2there@aol.com or by calling 800-308-7300.

Instructional Video Sea Kayaking:

Getting Started is a one hour and twenty minute instructional video produced by San Francisco-based A.C.A. Instructor, Larry Holman. This comprehensive video features professional instructors, guides, and world champion paddlers, covering strokes, rescues, basic navigation, tides & currents, clothing, equipment, etc. It is suitable for beginners or experienced paddlers. We like it.

Ed Gillet, who paddled solo from California to Hawaii says "it's the best instructional video for beginning sea kayakers that I've ever seen".

Price (incl. tax & shipping) is $34.12. Order from Moving Pictures 317 Tamalpais Drive Corte Madera, CA 94925 Call 415-927-3786

Vietnam Revealed

Three Moons in Vietnam-A Haphazard Journey by Boat and Bicycle.

Three Moons in Vietnam is the story of Maria Coffey and Dag Goering's travels along the coast of Vietnam. Maria's humorous and easy going narrative, accompanied by Dag's intimate and beautiful photos, give us real insights into a country which has a lot to offer to travellers.

Coffey and Goering travel close to the land, giving us a first-hand glimpse of the working and living conditions of the people. We learn about the injustices suffered in the past and present, the people's attitudes toward their present government, ways of local travel, traditions, foods commonly eaten, and much more. The book is also full of old legends and stories collected by Maria from the many colourful characters she met along the way.

If you liked Maria's last book, A Boat in our Baggage, you will certainly enjoy this one. Although it is not about kayaking, anyone interested in travel, marine environment, boats of different types, and social issues will find it absorbing.

Complete with a map to help identify place names, this candid portrait of Vietnam is ideal reading for anyone wanting to know more about the country. Maria and Dag are planning to return to Vietnam with their kayak, so more adventure stories are sure to follow.

-Reviewed by Marika Wilson

Vietnam note: Sylvio writes: I just returned from Vietnam with my klepper double kayak, I only got to do about 200 kms in a bay north of Nha Trang city [Van Phong Bay], when I was arrested by the military, held for 2 1/2 days and charged a bunch of money to go with my kayak.

Anyone going HAS to contact immigration of the province intended to kayak in for permission PRIOR to going there. Declare your boat at custom upon arrival and reconfirm/obtain your permits. You will need a boat to accompany you (it may be a small fishing type boat) and listen as to where you cannot go.

But it was fantastic, and I will return with my kayak. For more info get back to me: slamarch@kootenay.awink.com

Little, Brown and Co., London, 1996. 6x9.5, colour photos, hardcover. ISBN 0-316-87813-8

Kayaking in Nova Scotia

Sea Kayaking in Nova Scotia Guide to Paddling Routes Along the Coast of Nova Scotia by Scott Cunningham.

Nova Scotia has some of the most spectacular coastal scenery in North America and with over 7000 kilometers of inlets and islands, headlands and harbours, it is a sea kayaker's paradise. In this detailed route guide, Scott Cunningham takes you on a journey to the best coastal paddling locations in the province. Amply illustrated with maps and photographs, these route descriptions highlight the biology, geology and human history of the diverse shoreline from a unique perspective. Sea Kayaking in Nova Scotia will interest both the armchair paddler as well as the avid sea kayaker.

Dr. Scott Cunningham, biologist and author, has probably explored the nooks and crannies of this indented shoreline more than any other Nova Scotian. In the summer of 1980 he circumnavigated the entire province in an open canoe and over the following 16 years he has continued to explore these coastal waters in sea kayaks. He has also paddled extensively throughout Eastern Canada, the United States and in Europe and is a Senior Instructor with the British Canoe Union. Through his company, Coastal Adventures, he has introduced many others to this fascinating sport.

Nimbus Publishing Limited $16.95, 5-1/2 x 8, 256 pp., paperback, b&w photographs, maps, ISBN 1-55109-156-9Nimbus Publishing Limited 3731 Mackintosh Street, P.O. Box 9301, Station A Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada B3K 5N5 Ph: 902/455-4286 Fax: 902/455-3652

All-purpose Outdoor Guide

by Isabel Nanton and Mary Simpson

Completely updated and expanded, with an all-new chapter on activities for children, this second edition is a one-stop, comprehensive guide for outdoor travellers in Canada's most spectacular province.

Isabel Nanton and Mary Simpson are world class adventurers, and their thorough knowledge of BC translates into a guide that is practical and inspired. They offer solid advice about equipment and campsites, safety and scheduling, road and water travel, and tour operators and self guided adventures. Throughout, they delight in BC's natural splendour and the diversity of outdoor adventures the province has to offer.

This second edition also features a new chapter on adventuring with children that focuses on activities in each region and includes safety and health tips for parents, and provisioning with kids in mind. With its maps, photos, listings of accommodation, travel, and adventure services, extensive bibliography and index, Adventuring in British Columbia will satisfy explorers of all ages.

5 5/16" x 8 7/16", 416 pages, 20 b&w photographs, 14 maps, ISBN 1-55054-469-1 $19.95 Paper

Whistler Outdoors Guide

by Jack Christie.

Completely updated, this is the indispensable guide to one of North America's most exciting year-round recreation destinations.

The Guide is loaded with up-to-the-minute information on ways to explore the mountains, trails, and waterways of Squamish, Whistler, Pemberton, and beyond. This new edition offers new cycle trails, walks, drives, hikes, paddles, viewpoints, historic sites, and picnic spots-in short, more choices for all ages and all interests, and in all seasons.

New for cyclists is an introduction to the Sea to Sky Trail, which offers terrain for cyclists of all skill levels, including more challenging side loops for experts. Cross-references to cycling routes detailed in other chapters are also provided in this new section. For quick reference, each chapter is headed by a list of activities possible on that outing. New photos, easy-to-follow directions, and updated maps complete the revised edition.

Jack Christie has introduced thousands of residents and visitors to the joys of the wilderness just outside Vancouver through his books (Day Trips from Vancouver, The Whistler Outdoors Guide, and One-Day Getaways from Vancouver), his "Outside" column in the Georgia Straight and appearances on CBC-Radio and BCTV. He and his family spend every spare moment cycling, hiking, canoeing, snow trekking, and exploring around Vancouver.

5 1/2" x 8 1/2", 224 pages 50 b & w photos, 15 maps ISBN 1-55054-478-0 $18.95 Paper