5 Best Kayaking Books In 2020

“The Pacific Alone”, written by journalist Dave Shively, tells one of the most incredible kayaking stories you will ever come across. Everything told in the book is true, as you follow the journey of 36-year-old Ed Gillet, who in 1987 rowed from the coast of California to Hawaii, accomplishing one of the most astounding feats anyone has ever dreamed of when stepping into a kayak, all by navigating with a sextant, without the help of GPS

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Though extraordinary, the story of Ed Gillet’s crossing has long remained unheard, which is one more reason why “The Pacific Alone” is so precious. Through skillful writing, Dave Shively transports the reader in the boat with the rower, detailing the challenges Gillet had to face, such as a broken rudder, saltwater sores, and food running out shortly before the end of his trip. Should you read the book for inspiration for your next trip or simply as a riveting adventure story, you will in no way be disappointed.

For those just starting out in the sport, there is no better guide book than “Recreational Kayaking: The Ultimate Guide” to get a good idea of all the technicalities that the activity requires. Written by the experienced kayak instructor Ken Whiting, the book accurately described both the equipment that is needed to have fun on the water as well as the paddling techniques you have to know and some potentially life-saving first aid tips.

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“Recreational Kayaking: The Ultimate Guide” is something like a rower’s bible. Easy to read and packed full of useful details and information, it is the ultimate kayaking handbook and one of the top rated kayaking books you can find. With hundreds of stunning images to complement the writing, the guide describes everything from choosing the right equipment to mastering the correct strokes on rivers or lakes to recovering from a capsize and staying safe in the water. Clearly written and well explained, the book will become your best ally to get the most of your kayaking trips.

Written by expert paddler and skilled cartoonist William Nealy, “Kayak: The New Frontier” is one of the most amusing books on kayaking that has ever been written. This doesn’t prevent it from being packed densely full of useful information, as the author explains in detail complex kayaking skills and dispenses numerous pieces of advice to keep you safe even when faced with challenging and potentially dangerous sections of water.

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“Kayak: The New Frontier” is at the same time a useful guide to kayaking techniques and a collection of humorous cartoons that depict the characters you encounter in whitewater kayak stories. The book is ideal for beginners but more experienced paddlers will also surely find valuable elements and lots of laughs in its pages. Striking a unique sweet spot between humor and precious advice, “Kayak: The New Frontier” carves out a unique niche and can broaden the appeal of kayaking even to complete newcomers.

For the most daring adventurers that are planning to take on the open sea, “The Complete Sea Kayakers Handbook” might well be the best kayaking book there is. Densely packed with useful information and numerous tips, the guide features expanded sections dedicated to shopping for new boats to head onto open water, planning your dream kayaking trip, maintaining a correct posture while paddling, and much much more.

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“The Complete Sea Kayakers Handbook” provides an in-depth look into what you need to do to prepare for a kayak trip into the deep, open water. Written by experienced kayaking instructor Shelley Johnson, it delivers a wealth of precious tips not only on how to prepare your boat for the adventure but also how to get your body ready for the effort. Stretching techniques or modifications to the kayak seat may be things you never thought about, but that can make a significant difference in your well-being in the water, and this book had all you need to know.

If you are looking for inspiration for your next kayaking trip so you can plan it nicely during the down season, then “Fifty Places To Paddle Before You Die” is among the best kayaking books you can find. The author, Chris Santella, has compiled a list of stunning destinations that will have you brimming with enthusiasm and energy once the good days come back around, where you can head to and know you are in for a memorable experience.

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From stunning places all over the US to unknown locations peppered all over the world, “Fifty Places To Paddle Before You Die” is the destination guide you have been waiting for and one of the whitewater rafting books that can have a profound effect on your kayaking career, more so than any technical guidebook, however useful they may be. Pointing you towards new places to explore and make stunning memories to treasure, this guide is useful regardless of the style of paddling you prefer, be it rafting, canoeing, or even stand-up paddleboarding.