Forty years of combined paddling experience must count for something when it comes to writing a handbook on sea paddling and it certainly does with these two authors. They have joined together to write a book which provides excellent guidance on how to paddle safely in waters which are more challenging than sheltered inlets.

Safety should underpin everything that we do as sea kayakers and the importance that the authors place on the subject is emphasised by the fact that it is their first chapter. The information goes beyond what is usually covered when discussing safety, including areas such as actual versus perceived risk, something which can inhibit the learning process. The importance of good leadership and sound judgement are given the priority that they deserve.

This is not a book for the complete novice but one for those paddlers who have some experience and want to move onto the next stage in their kayaking development. For example, in the chapter on paddling technique, although the basics are covered, the majority of the content is devoted to the techniques which are required for paddling in more demanding conditions such as strong winds and fast moving tidal streams. Throughout the book, a number of short anecdotes written by the authors, or other respected names in the sea kayaking world, are used to illustrate a number of the more important points.

Key areas of knowledge which are covered include the weather, tides and currents, personal health, navigation, rescues and equipment amongst others. The writing is lucid and goes into each topic in a depth which is greater than in most other kayaking books.

The written word is supported by a mixture of diagrams and photographs which are clearly labelled and illustrate the major points that are being made. The photographs convey a sense of excitement but also enjoyment, virtually all of the paddlers pictured appear to have an enormous grin on their faces, which after all is what kayaking is all about. Pleasure!

Once those first few tentative paddle strokes have been taken and the beach starts to recede into the distance, the skills and knowledge which are contained within the pages of this book start to come into their own. For the paddler looking to expand their horizons, this is an ideal companion and is a title which is a worthy addition to any kayaker's bookshelf.

Kevin Mansell

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