Complete Folding Kayaker, Second Edition

by Ralph Diaz

Overview

"An encyclopedia of invaluable knowledge."--Canoe & Kayak

Folding kayaks are the only seaworthy boats you can store in the corner of a small closet and carry to the bay, lake, river, or ocean of your choice. Ralph Díaz, editor and publisher of the Folding Kayaker newsletter for more than ten years, has used and worked on nearly all of the folding kayak models available and knows all the ins and outs of choosing, assembling, paddling, traveling, modifying, and maintaining them.

The Complete Folding Kayaker, the first guide to choosing, using, and enjoying this most liberating of personal watercraft, is now updated with more boat reviews, more modification tips from readers of Folding Kayaker, and a new chapter on assembly. So pack your kayak for your next adventure on the water!

"Indispensable."--Atlantic Coastal Kayaker

"Ralph has written, quite literally, the folding kayaker's bible."--Robert Huszar, ANorAK

"An essential resource for anyone interested in buying a foldable."--Outdoor Traveler

"This book is the one to get if you want to find out about folding kayaks."--Cape Codder

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780071435741
Publisher:	McGraw Hill LLC
Publication date:	03/20/2003
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	256
File size:	6 MB

About the Author

Ralph Diaz is editor and publisher of Folding Kayaker, a bimonthly newsletter. A writer and editor for more than thirty years, he is a contributing editor for Canoe & Kayak and has written for other paddling publications. He is also a frequent lecturer at paddling symposiums and forums as well as a well-respected contributor on many Internet forums, including PaddleWise and Bagboater.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments Foreword, by Paul Theroux Preface to the Second Edition Preface to the First Edition Introduction Part One. What You Should Know 1. Why a Foldable Kayak? 2. At the Heart of Sea-Kayaking History 3. Choosing the Folding Kayak That's Right for You 4. Evaluating the Leading Doubles and Singles 5. Equipment and Accessories That Work Well in Foldables Part Two. Handling Skills for Foldables 6. Paddling Techniques: The Forward Stroke and Other Essentials 7. Operating Skills: From Launch Site to Open Water and Back 8. Paddling and Operating a Double 9. Sea Savvy: A Guide to Commonsense Sea Kayaking 10. Developing Confidence, Learning Rescue Skills Part Three. Using and Enjoying 11. Traveling with a Foldable 12. Sailing 13. Camping 14. More Fun with Foldables 15. Modifying Your Foldable 16. Assembly Issues Guide 17. Repair and Maintenance Appendix 1: Resources Appendix 2: Metric Conversions Index

Editorial Reviews

Diaz's guide is sensibly divided into three parts, corresponding to the preliminaries, acquiring knowledge and skill, and actual practice and use. Besides all phases of kayak operation, Diaz discusses taking a folding kayak through customs, and considers such operational details as how to distribute equipment in the boat for best operation. He also includes a look at the history of sea kayaking, all the technical tips the novice kayaker is apt to need, tips for where and how to enjoy the freedom and excitement of kayaking, and even a bibliography, which is rare for a recreation book. Libraries with collections on either individual sports or water sports would do well to add this handy, clear, and entertaining guide.

Mike Tribby