This Month's Books

Visions of the Wild, a Voyage by Kayak Around Vancouver Island: by Maria Coffey and Dag Goering

Here's a book for all of us who have ever dreamed of circumnavigating Vancouver Island, the largest island on North America's Pacific coast. We embark on the 300 kilometre trip with two of our favourite world travellers, Maria and Dag, whose 6-week paddle is filled with challenges and the beauties of coastal wilderness. Maria's descriptive narrative is nicely counterpointed with Dag's own unique point of view, and illustrated by his exquisite photos.

Harbour Publishing, 2001.ISBN 1-55017-264-6, cloth, Colour, 182 pp. $36.96 Cdn.

Sea Kayak Navigation Simplified: by Lee Moyer

This is a practical, easy to understand,and fun to read manual of navigation techniques for the coastal kayaker. In this short book, Lee teaches us the essentials of "good navigation" which he defines as the use of "the appropriate strategy to reach your destination easily and safely". He covers equipment, navigation terminology, waves, wind, currents, right of way, night paddling... sprinkled with bad jokes and lots of practical advice.

Alpen Books, 2001. ISBN 0-9669795-3-2, soft cover,B&W, 92 pp. $11.95 US.

The Essential Sea Kayaker: by David Seidman

Since 1992, The Essential Sea Kayaker has been known as the sea kayaker's bible. Now there's an updated second edition which includes more useful information on boat & gear selection; paddling strategies; seamanship & navigation; skills; safety, health & rescue tips.
(second edition), Ragged Mountain Press 2001.

ISBN 0-7- 36237-1, softcover, B&W,138 pp. $14.95 US.

The Essential Whitewater Kayaker: by Jeff Bennett

This easy-to-follow guide to whitewater kayaking covers equipment, technique, river reading, rescue, playboating, surf kayaking, and more. Excellent diagrams and tips from premier whitewater kayakers.

Ragged Mountain Press, 1999. ISBN 0-07-134327-X, softcover, B&W, 170 pp. $16.95 US $24.95 Cdn.

Whitewater in BC's Southwest: by Steve Crowe & Jim Hnatiak

Whether you're interested in a day's paddle or a month-long tour, whether you're a novice or an expert, you'll find this guide to 44 accessible whitewater runs valuable. It includes information on put-ins, takeouts, "character" of the river, dangers, seasonal flow, class, length of run, shuttle, camping & lodging, food and activities in the region. Easy- to- use, concise full of whitewater opportunities in spectacular southern BC.

2001, ISBN 0-9688038-0-6, paperback, B&W, 112 pp. $16.95 US $22.95 Cdn.

BC Car-Free: by Brian Grover

In this guide to outdoor recreation in southern BC, Brian Grover presents 94 separate trips which can be taken from Vancouver using public transportation. These trips include 13 sea kayaking adventures, as well as cycle touring, backpacking, river rafting, whale watching, caving, canoeing and more. He includes 52 maps noting campsites, showers, laundries, police, pubs, petroglyphs, anchorage, airports and many other points of interest. A wealth of information presented in a compact format.

Whiskey Jack Communications, 2001. ISBN 0- 9688018, softcover, B & W, 340 pp. $19.95 Cdn.

Capsize Recoveries: by Wayne Hororowich

Renowned educator, Wayne Horodowich (UCSB) presents an in depth 2-volume video set which we highly recommend. In Capsize Recoveries (vol. 1) he looks at Assisted Recoveries, Solo Recoveries, Double Recoveries and Sit on Tops.

University of Sea Kayaking, 2001, 2-video set, 120 minutes. www.useakayak.org. $39.95 US.

Rescue Procedures: by Wayne Hororowich

In Rescue Procedures (vol. 2) Wayne Horodowich (UCSB) looks at Hypothermia, Dressing for Immersion, Radios and Flare, and Towing. Both videos are lengthy and comprehensive, with clear demonstrations illustrating the many options available to paddlers, and the pros and cons of each technique. 805-696-6966, Web: www.useakayak.org. University of Sea Kayaking,

2001, 2-video set, 120 minutes. www.useakayak.org. $39.95 US.

The Brent Reitz Forward Stroke Clinic:

Video Former US Olympic team member, Brent Reitz clearly demonstrates the forward stroke, the most used but least taught stroke, in this excellent video. He shows techniques to make your forward stroke more efficient, to avoid injury and bad habits, and to tune up your skills to gain more power.

60 minute video, Wild Sprint, 2000, www.wildsprint.com, $29.95 US.

Liquid Skills: Essential Techniques for Every Kayaker: by Ken Whiting and Chris Emerick

This exciting and enjoyable two part video shows techniques needed to confidently paddle in any type of whitewater. It follows some of the best kayakers in the world down the beautiful rivers of Chile. It includes key play boating moves that will let you enjoy play waves, holes & eddylines.

Helconia Press, 2001. ISBN 1-896980-05-8 video. Web: www.liquidskills.com