Sea Kayaking Illustrated: A Visual Guide to Better Paddling by John Robison

Published 2003 by Ragged Mountain Press

Paperback 234 pages

ISBN 0-07-139234-3

Price $14.95 USA/ $23.95 CAN/ £9.99 UK

According to the information on the back cover, John Robinson has a range of paddling experience in different craft and on different types of water. He has used this experience to write a book, which can be both amusing and informative. At times, the style in which it is written can best be described as irreverent, but it is also informative with a range of useful tips.

In contrast to so many modern books, there is not a photograph in sight. The visual information is delivered through a large number of illustrations drawn by the author. They work well in many cases and the humour is entertaining, although I think that at times, photographs may have been more suitable when illustrating strokes. I would also question the order in which the strokes are covered. If we are looking at strokes in sequence, forward paddling would probably come before cross bow draw or cross bow pry.

The 15 chapters cover the major areas of sea kayaking, although I am not certain that 10 pages need to be devoted to the subject of "Pee Kayaking", when there are only 12 pages on the various strokes which are required to control a kayak.

There is a lot of useful information contained within the pages of this book, but it is not always readily accessible. It is a book, which is written in a fairly unique style for a sea kayaking volume, but which may not be the most suitable for the novice paddler. It is probably more suited to the intermediate level paddler, particularly those who are starting to venture out with their peers as opposed to still being led by club or professional coaches.