Book and DVD Reviews

January 2009

This is an article from WaveLength Magazine, available in print in North America and globally on the web.

To download a pdf copy of the magazine click here: > DOWNLOAD

Bracing Clinic

The Art of Staying Upright

University of Sea Kayaking

In Depth Instructional Video Series Volume 5

www.useakayak.org

While most of the world's problems can be solved by magazines alone (kidding), nothing quite beats actually seeing a demonstration. And Wayne Horodowich is filling that role with his instructional video series. The fifth entry examines bracing, and Horodowich methodically walks you through all aspects, from the basic terminologies to the necessary on-water skills. The result is a comprehensive look at one of the most necessary skills a kayaker can have in his/her arsenal. And while novice kayakers will undoubtedly gain the most from this video, it's likely even veterans will find useful tidbits as well as reinforcement of techniques. The production is understated, as should be expected from a relatively low-budget enterprise, but this certainly doesn't detract from its usefulness.

 

This is the Sea 4

Cackle TV

www.cackletv.com

That a kayaking DVD should be hotly anticipated is credit to the remarkable talent Justine Curgenven has shown in developing this adventure kayaking video series. It is for kayakers who dream: exotic places, big seas and a good amount of exceptional paddling skill combined in a fairly epic combination. This is the Sea 4 takes you from B.C.'s remote Queen Charlottes to Tasmania; from the Ottawa River to Israel and the Dead Sea and much more. It is certainly reason to gather together your kayaking friends, microwave some popcorn and spend an evening watching rollicking kayaking footage.

The two-CD set offers one with a longer look at a circumnavigation of B.C.'s Queen Charlotte Islands while the other offers shorter vignettes on trips to various locations as well as looks at kayak fishing and rolling Dubside-style. This is the type of video that helps set the standard for sea kayaking as a sport: showing it at its most spectacular.

Paddling Washington

Flatwater and Whitewater Routes in Washington State and the Inland Northwest

Rich Landers, Dan Hansen, Verne Huser and Doug North

The Mountaineers Books

Paddling Washington is a co-authored project of the publishing arm of The Mountaineer’s Club, a seemingly unlikely champion of water routes. A menu of 100 possible routes is detailed with maps and descriptions that should cover the needs of most visitors to these waters, including launches, campsites and route descriptions. The work encompasses three previous publications that split Washington state and its waters, combining the best of three well-traveled Mountaineers guides. Of most value to canoeists rather than sea kayakers, the book also covers Washington state’s coastal areas, giving it a much wider possible audience. Add whitewater routes and it becomes a great resource for fans of all types of water, whether flat, salt or white.