Kayaking_Books

When you are passionate about kayaking, you would like to spend the majority of your time inside a boat, but unfortunately, that is not always possible. Cold and rainy days, injuries, or maybe your day job if you have one, are only some of the issues you have to contend with and that have the unwanted effect of keeping you out of the water. Luckily, getting your hands on one of the best kayak books out there can be a great way to pass the downtime and still feel connected to the sport.

The best kayaking books come in many forms, with some focusing on technical tips and tricks, others telling you about the best and most challenging waterways to explore, or more still focusing on the tales and adventures of the best athletes in the sport. Whichever one you choose, you are sure to be inspired and to discover new and interesting aspects of the sport that you had never considered before. In this article, we have prepared a list of the best kayak books on the market, so read on to discover what surprises may lay in store for you.

1

OUR TOP PICK

“The Pacific Alone” By Dave Shively

“The Pacific Alone” By Dave Shively


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Summary

“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

Plot

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.

  • What Makes This Kayaking Book Stand Out
  • Tells an incredible and inspiring story long left unheard
  • Skillfully written, transports the reader in the boat
  • Gripping story even for those not interested in kayaking
MODEL & ACCESSORY SPECS

Author: Dave Shively
Length: 184 pages
Available formats: Hardcover

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2

EDITORS CHOICE

“Recreational Kayaking: The Ultimate Guide” By Ken Whiting

“Recreational Kayaking: The Ultimate Guide” By Ken Whiting


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Summary

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.

Plot

“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.

  • What Makes This Kayaking Book Stand Out
  • The ultimate kayaking handbook
  • Describes everything you need to know, from equipment to paddling style
  • Complemented by many beautiful images
MODEL & ACCESSORY SPECS

Author: Ken Whiting
Length: 192 pages
Available formats: Paperback

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3

BEST VALUE

“Kayak: The New Frontier” By William Nealy

“Kayak: The New Frontier” By William Nealy


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Summary

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.

Plot

“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.

  • What Makes This Kayaking Book Stand Out
  • Combines useful kayaking advice with fun illustrations
  • Up to date with the latest paddling techniques
  • Hilarious caricatures of kayaking types
MODEL & ACCESSORY SPECS

Author: William Nealy
Length: 180 pages (paperback), 178 pages (hardcover)
Available formats: Paperback and hardcover

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4

“The Complete Sea Kayakers Handbook. Second Edition” By Shelley Johnson

“The Complete Sea Kayakers Handbook. Second Edition” By Shelley Johnson


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Summary

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.

Plot

“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.

  • What Makes This Kayaking Book Stand Out
  • Complete guide to kayaking on the open water
  • Includes numerous tips on how to get your body ready as well
  • Explains how to shop for boat and how to plan your trip
MODEL & ACCESSORY SPECS

Author: Shelley Johnson
Length: 352 pages (paperback)
Available formats: Paperback and Kindle

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5

“Fifty Places To Paddle Before You Die” By Chris Santella

“Fifty Places To Paddle Before You Die” By Chris Santella


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Summary

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.

Plot

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.

  • What Makes This Kayaking Book Stand Out
  • Lists the most awe-inspiring places to go paddling
  • With have you trembling with excitement when the warm season starts
  • Includes useful tips for all sorts of paddling
MODEL & ACCESSORY SPECS

Author: Chris Santella
Length: 224 pages 
Available formats: Hardcover and Kindle

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How To Choose A Kayaking Book – Buying Guide

How_To_Choose_Kayaking_Books

Intended Use

The best kayaking books are suited for a variety of uses, depending on their genre (more on this in a second). A lot of offers on the market deal with the technical aspects of the sport. This is important because it is crucial that you know your gear well before you head out onto the water, so you can be well prepared for whatever Mother Nature might decide to throw your way, but the book might not be the most gripping read you can find. Other options include motivational stories, such as recounting the adventures of daring kayakers, that have pushed the limits of the sport, or lists of jaw-dropping destinations. These can help you plan your trip or inspire you to challenge your boundaries and take your paddling to the next level while looking at some of the most awe-inspiring landscapes that you didn’t even know existed.

Genre

Kayaking books generally fall into three main categories. There are the personal stories of the best athletes of the sport or those who have imagined new and inspiring ways of using the boats, which are bound to give you plenty of ideas and are usually very entertaining and gripping tales to read. The second category includes technical handbooks and guidebooks, full of all the details you need to know in order to purchase the best kayaks you can buy, or the one that better suits your needs, as well as correctly prepare for your next outing on the water. Finally, the last category is destination guides. These books compile lists of the most stunning places where you can take your boat, as well as plenty of tips and tricks on how to make the most out of your excursions. They have enough ideas packed inside them to keep you busy for a whole lifetime.

Area That The Book Covers

The subjects that are covered in kayaking books are many and very varied, despite what one may think if one is unfamiliar with the subject. Inside each and every theme, be it new paddling techniques, different kinds of boats or stories of great adventures, there are an almost infinite number of subsections and hidden subjects that may very well spark your curiosity even if you had never heard of them before. Kayaking, and water sports in general, is an intriguing and stimulating discipline that makes use of your whole body, just as kayaking books will make use of your whole mind. Delve between their pages, and you are sure to find many surprises lying in store for you, just waiting to be discovered.

FAQs

Why_Should_I_Read_Kayak_Books_

Q: Why Should I Read Kayak Books?

A: 

Kayak books can have many uses. Some are gripping and inspiring tales of adventure. Others are densely packed with technical information and details, all of which you need to know before you set out on a journey. Others still list amazing destinations and can give you plenty of ideas to plan your next trips, so whatever category you choose, you can get inspiration and quality information after only a few pages.

Q: How Kayaking Books Can Improve My Kayaking Experience?

A: 

Reading kayaking books can improve your experience once you find yourself on the water because it will fill your head with useful knowledge that will come in handy once you have a paddle in your hand. Everybody agrees that it is best to be prepared before heading into the outdoors, and kayak books are a great way to do so, given the amount of information they contain.

Globo Surf Overview

Kayaking is a beautiful and enthralling sport, that can make you exercise, help you stay fit, and at the same time let you explore new and inspiring destinations. In our list of kayak books reviews, we have shown you those that are, in our opinion, the best kayak books on the market. Be it stories of adventurers or technical knowledge, they all have something to contribute, so you can make your kayaking experience truly unforgettable and nurture your passion on those unlucky days when you find yourself stuck at home.

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Globo Surf
My name is David Hamburg. I am an avid water sports fan who enjoys paddle boarding, surfing, scuba diving, and kite surfing. Anything with a board or chance I can get in the water I love! I am such a big fan I decided to start this website to review all my favorite products and some others. Hope you enjoy!