Canoeing: A Beginner's Guide to the Kayak

by Nigel Foster

Kayaking is one of the most exhilarating ways of getting afloat, whether enjoying a leisurely paddle or shooting whitewater. This lavishly illustrated and clearly written guide imparts readers with all the knowledge they'll need for getting out on the water, and the confidence to tackle all of the basic kayaking maneuvers. Beginning with launching and basic paddling skills, the book goes on to explain more advanced techniques, including a step-by-step guide to the Eskimo roll. Safety is emphasized throughout, with full chapter dedicated to rescue and righting procedures.

64 pages, Paperback

First published November 1, 1998

About the author

Nigel Foster followed his early passion for kayaking, adventure, and the natural world, linking those to design and writing to create his unique lifestyle. Renowned worldwide for kayaking, he travels extensively to instruct, making the most of the opportunities to learn about the places he visits. Although in demand for writing technical explanations of kayak and canoe skills, he enjoys stepping away from the kayak to explore the myriad components that define a place or a face.

Born in the south of England, Foster taught Outdoor Education to schoolchildren before instructing at the National Watersports Center in Wales UK. He circled Iceland by kayak at age 24, and nearly killed himself crossing Hudson Strait solo by kayak from Baffin Island to Labrador four years later. He eventually settled in Seattle USA with ceramicist Kristin Nelson. In between his travels he writes, designs kayaks, and plays guitar. Foster has published more than ten books. You can read more about them at nigelkayaks.com