BOOK REVIEW: SEA KAYAK NAVIGATION

by Franco Ferrero

The simplicity of this book is what makes it great. Useful for re-checking the facts, it's also ideal for those learning the basics. Ferrero has a knack for getting to the point and leaving out all the complicating detail. Sea Kayak Navigation is a concise, simple guide to those "must know" aspects of navigation, and it's written specifically for sea kayakers with relevant examples, diagrams and illustrations.

Starting with a review of how to effectively store charts and navigational equipment on deck (Ferrero suggests cutting a chart into convenient deck sized sections and then laminating them), the book goes on to cover essentials like how to use a compass, how to predict tides and how to make a crossing accounting for wind and tide.

Ferrero refers occasionally to British examples, but the concepts here are universal. For all you navigational novices out there, this one is a must.

62 pp, $12 US ISBN 0-95319561-9 Pesda Press, Wales UK Distributed in the US by Alpen Books, 3616 South Rd. St C1 Mukilteo, WA 98275