Sea Kayak Navigation (2nd Edition)

A concise manual of navigation aimed specifically at sea kayakers. In this respect the 2nd edition hasn't changed at all. The devil is, of course, in the detail. As a result of feedback from readers my views on `what sea kayakers need to know and are likely to use' has changed. I have added and expanded on topics where I have considered this desirable, but have taken great care to keep it as short and simple as possible. There is no need for a glossary as all the terms are explained in the book. To that end there is a comprehensive index. There are exercises suggested at the end of the chapters. Make use of them - they will ensure that what you have read is understood and remembered. The ultimate test of whether or not the lessons have been absorbed is the first time you plan and execute a trip relying on your own navigation. Take precautions; plan simple trips and aim for big targets to start with. Ask someone more experienced to check your calculations the first few times. Try and get someone else on the trip to plan it independently and compare your results. If they are reasonably close, carry on. If they disagree, start again! Always take into account the weather forecast, and base your planning on the abilities of the weakest members of your group. Build up slowly. Enjoy the book and enjoy your paddling.

About the Author

Franco began sea kayaking at the age of fifteen. He was lucky enough to be brought up in the Channel Islands. The small scattered islands, fast tidal streams and summer fogs ensured that navigation was a key skill learnt at an early age. In 1978 he was one of a team of three Jerseymen who completed the first circumnavigation of Ireland by sea kayak. In 1989, with Kevin Danforth, he made a made a record breaking unsupported crossing of the North Sea. He is the managing director of Pesda Press and still occasionally manages to fit in some freelance coaching (he is a BCU Level 5 Coach). He now lives in Wales and his interests are sea kayaking, whitewater, rock and ice climbing, and ski-mountaineering. His current passion is a twenty-nine foot yacht called 'Firebird'. He has paddled throughout the United Kingdom and in many parts of the world including Nepal, Scandinavia, the coast of Brittany in France, the European Alps, Peru and Western Canada.