Synopses & Reviews
You can tell kayaks are cool, writes Joe Glickman, by the number of times they appear in advertisements for SUVs and beer. Today these sleek, fast watercraft are more popular than they have ever been in their 10,000-year history.
In The Kayak Companion, Joe Glickman, a two-time member of the U.S. National Marathon Kayak Team, teaches beginners the basic techniques for all kinds of kayaking sea, touring, and recreational. For more experienced kayakers, he offers expert advice on how to navigate in all kinds of waters and weathers. And kayakers of every skill level will appreciate Glickman's candid assessments of the various types of boats; how to read a compass; troubleshooting in lousy weather; and how to deal with lightning, big fish, and marauding powerboats.
As Glickman discusses kayaking techniques, he interweaves stories of his own adventures as a kayaker, including such magical moments as the time when he saw a magnificent moon rise over New York City's Jamaica Bay and the day he almost made a fatal error during a ferocious 12-hour blizzard in Montana.
The Kayak Companion not only provides kayakers with essential information, it also inspires enthusiasm for one of the fastest-growing sports in North America.
Review
"The text provides inspiring insight into what makes kayakers tick and is a suitable introduction for the newcomer." -- Woodland Hills (CA) Daily News
"A quick flip through ... reveals a lot of info for the beginner paddler and some interesting anecdotes for the more experienced kayaker." -- Atlantic Coastal Kayaker
"Glickman shares his knowledge, all gained the hard way, and uses his sense of humor to keep you entertained." -- Nashville Tennessean
"With expert guidance and fun, Glickman gives paddlers solid information on everything from how to climb into a kayak to how to read a compass." -- Sweat Magazine
" ... offers guidance from basic launch and stroke techniques to navigation, gear and rescue scenarios." -- Sea Kayaker
Synopsis
Get paddling Joe Glickman, a two-time member of the US National Marathon Kayak Team, fills this kayaking primer with expert advice and plenty of encouragement. Beginners will benefit from Glickman s clear descriptions of the basic techniques of sea, touring, and recreational kayaking, while experienced kayakers will find insightful tips on navigation, troubleshooting, and boat assessment. Enlivened by delightful stories of Glickman s personal kayaking adventures, this fun and informative guide will inspire kayakers of all types to get out on the water and enjoy the ride.
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About the Author
Joe Glickman took up kayaking in 1993 while writing an article on Florida's 10,000 Islands for Men's Journal. Since then he's paddled and raced all over the United States, as well as in Thailand, Tahiti, and South Africa. He is a freelance writer whose work has appeared in Outside, National Geographic Adventure, Inside Sports, The New York Times, The Washington Post, and The Wall Street Journal.