sit-on-top kayak book

[ZEBRA]

Sit-on-top-kayak
This is a great little book which has been written as a beginners guide to sit on top kayaks it goes through all the various stages from loading your kayak on your car to different shapes of paddle blade.

It’s the sort of thing that should be purchased with all new kayaks

It has a very good glossary section and some stunning photos demonstrating the various sections and lessons.




Anybody thinking of starting kayak fishing this is a must book and it won’t break the bank
At just £7.99 it would make a great Christmas present and represents brilliant value for the money.
It can be bought from pesda press.
www.pesdapress.com/product_info.php?cPath=9_13&products_id=22

I have asked thursoman to also add to my small review on this book.

[THURSOMAN]

For any who knows very little about kayaking this book is an absolute must in my opinion!

This book covers virtually everything any beginner needs to know, plus more.
Here are just some of the subjects I found very useful.

"Storing your kayak outside"

How to secure your yak on you car.

Which Kayak is for you. (Explains how long narrow kayaks perform differently to shorter broad ones)

Equipment ( Had no idea about thigh straps and rudders.) ;D

Paddle length right for you. Also angle of blade.( Now I did realize you need one of these but didn't know length mattered that much.)

What to wear (Maximum comfort against water temp and wind chill.

Flotation (correct size and weight.)

Tips when Kayaking with children

There is a brilliant section of Paddle skills covering edging, bracing and ruddering.

One matter I was concerned about was rescue.What can I do to help someone else in trouble?
This is also nicely covered in the rescue section. Including a fast or a stable self rescue.

Safety kit is also a good section of this book covering radios/ flares etc.

One aspect I found particularly useful is the section devoted to sea kayaking. This goes into types of currents to watch out for as well as tides and winds. Also controlled landing ie not ending up in the drink.

So does this book cover fishing? Yup!
Although it is not extensive I feel the information on kitting out ,clothing and safety is excellent for someone like me getting started. Includes info on fish finders,rod holders and anchors.

As Zebra mentioned the photos are brilliant and very useful.

Throughout the book there are loads of tips for your enjoyment and safety.

Personally I give this publication the big thumbs up.
It is exactly what is says on the packet "A beginners manual"
I would imagine any advanced publication produced by Derek Hairon would be very good read indeed!!!!




I was thinking about adding some more photos but not sure if that would be ok or not with copyright etc?
If that would be ok Zebra let me know and I'll do some.

[kayakadventures]

Many thanks for the comments.

One of the aims of the book was to enable people to get out and on the water safely and to be able to make wise decisions. mainstream kayaking seemed to have totally ignored the development of sots which is a real shame given how many people are now going afloat with them.

I see far too many people buying the wrong kit and making costly mistakes. It puts people off what is a great activity. Worse is the number of rescues we have seen down here in recent years.

My gallery section in the media pages at www.jerseykayakadventures.co.uk has some shots of rescue techniques in the safety clinics photo pages.

Its worth noting that it is the big paddler who gets on board first! This method is more stable than the fast method demonstrated by Stuart. However, it is calm water so the assisted rescue is even better. Imagine having to do the rescues in some of the rough water shots! Most important rule is to go out and practice.

If you use fishing gear make sure you practice with the gear on board as well (shallow water is best in case you drop any!). Its surprising how many paddlers practice techniques without experiencing what a fully kitted out kayak feels like.

On the assorted rescue note how much John is leaning across to allow Dave to get on board. At the same time his lean-over gives a nice stable platform for Dave. At worst John can reach across and drag Dave on board. On some classes we get people to do this as they drift on shore into the surf line. It adds a bit of a challenge and also makes people experience the need for speed and practice. Best to wear a helmet though!

For those who like a bit of rough water see the rough stuff section in the gallery.

[kayakadventures]

Yes, I had a look.

Well done to all involved in producing this. What is never seen is all the work getting it together and production.

I do safety clinics with assisted rescues first. Then when people are a bit tired - the self rescues. Even in calm conditions the extra bit of fatigue adds realism.

With some paddlers who are less mobile I have used a strop to help them get back on board while being assisted. Difficult but sometimes it helps.

If there is a bit of wind about its well worth seeing how fast paddles, kayak and the kayaker can drift apart. Makes the need of a paddle leash worth considering if out solo or even if you are some distance form others.

The over stern method is tricky (as people have pointed out) with kit on board and its not one I tend to teach as it can be hard in choppy water and very hard with gear in the stern area.

The side on method is a good example and is fast. The stable method where the paddler remains low as long as possible is good for the bigger person or less agile.

It is surprising how often people when practicing rescues find bits of PFD and other clothing snag on fittings/ kit on the kayak. A good reason to practice with normal kit on.

My main advice to solo paddlers is to go out solo in conditions that are well within their comfort zone. If things go wrong you are well within your limits.