This is an illustrated guide to some of the finest tours of southern England's waterways, from the Grand Union Canal in the South Midlands to the River Tamar in the South West. Scenic lakes, placid canals and broad rivers, as they can only be seen from a canoe or kayak. Eddie and 'Wilf' have chosen the best inland touring routes. They are described in great detail and illustrated with numerous colour photos and maps. The selected routes are suitable for open canoes, sit-on-tops and touring kayaks. Many of them can be tackled as a single voyage or a series of day trips, with campsites en route. The journeys are all accessible but highly varied, taking place on lakes, sheltered coastline, rivers and canals. It is a wonderful book for planning voyages and inspiring dreams, or sharing your experiences with others.

Gordon Brown is a BCU Level 5 sea coach based on the Isle of Skye, Scotland. He shares his knowledge with you in his own succinct humorous style and very visual approach. In this book, Gordon covers topics of kayaking history, physiology, boat and paddle dynamics, seamanship and navigation, safety and rescue, weather forecasting, caves, rockhopping and tidal races, expeditions and overnighting, as well as a wealth of tips and resources for the sea paddler. Over seventy photographs and illustrations help to make this an essential modern manual for the sea kayaker.

This is a fully revised and updated 2nd Edition, first published as River Wye Canoe and Kayak Guide 2016. The Wye is one of Britain's finest paddle sport touring rivers, and offers something for every kind of paddler. This guide provides the information and advice you need to plan your own Wye journey, whether it's single or multi-day, whitewater or sedate cruising. The author, Mark Rainsley, has divided the river into 15 sections, which are described in detail with distances, grades, access points and campsites. These sections can be paddled as single day trips, or combined into multi-day adventures, and there are suggested itineraries for both white water and touring expeditions that range from 3 to 5 days. To help you plan your journey there is advice on equipment, safety and access, as well as information on wildlife, culture and landscape.

A complete guide to Scotland's first formal canoe trail. Revised and updated in this 2nd edition. This guide is an essential resource to help you plan your journey through the Great Glen across Scotland. As well as the calm waters of the Caledonian Canal there are the challenging open waters of Loch Lochy and Loch Ness. Here you will find advice on how to deal with the conditions as well as food, equipment, safety, communication and rescue. The best craft for the adventure are open canoes, sea kayaks or touring kayaks. There is advice on choosing the right craft, loading it, and the best ways of carrying it over portages. The coast to coast route can normally be completed in three to five days. We have split the route into a five- day expedition and each day is described in detail, including camping and other forms of accommodation. There are also numerous single day options and, for the more advanced paddlers, suggested routes that link stretches of river with lochs and canal sections.

The River Thames is simply a fantastic place to paddle your canoe, kayak or paddleboard, whether touring, training, racing, expeditioning or just 'bimbling'. From its early reaches in the Cotswold Hills, through the Home Counties into London and far out beyond into the estuary, the river's surroundings are remarkably varied and diverse, yet always attractive and engaging. If your mental image of the Thames depicts an urban sewer, be prepared to be amazed; the water is clean, the banks are invariably green and naturalists describe the river's ecosystems as a 'wildlife superhighway'. This natural beauty is equalled by the human story which the Thames narrates; from locks, gardens and parks to mansions, abbeys, castles and palaces, the paddler is continuously immersed in what MP John Burns famously called 'liquid history'. The riverine Arcadia of willow-draped banks, back channels and islands celebrated in Three Men in a Boat and The Wind in the Willows was not a myth, and it still exists.Is a paddler's guidebook to the Thames needed? Britain's best-known river might actually be the least-known by paddlers.The huge paddling population and numerous canoe clubs based along it belie a surprising fact; many of these paddlers aren't sure what is found up- and down-stream from their patch. In a river stretching 347km, this is both understandable and forgivable. However, there are other reasons for the relatively low numbers of paddlers encountered whilst enjoying the Thames. Information about where and how to launch is hard to come by, existing guides and media give the impression that the Thames is the preserve of powerboats and rowers, and finally, the perception often lingers that it isn't actually very attractive or interesting. This book sets out to redress these major omissions and misconceptions, and to reclaim John 'Rob Roy' MacGregor's river for paddlers.Mark Rainsley has spent three decades using paddlesport as a means of avoiding adulthood and responsibility. He is a fanatical paddler who has descended challenging whitewater rivers worldwide, and who is dedicated to exploring every nook and cranny of the UK's coast by sea kayak. He created the UK Rivers and UK Sea Kayak websites and is a prolific contributor to paddlesport magazines and other media.Mark authored other Pesda Press titles.

This is a complete introduction to open canoeing. Canoeing and kayaking have topped the UK charts for water sports since 2003, matched only by angling (British Marine Federation survey). Over one million people went canoeing in 2008. This is the first complete introduction to open canoeing in seven years, the most up-to-date book about how to get into this growing sport. "Discover Canoeing" is a journey through the sport of open canoeing, its history, the modern canoe and the future. James Weir gives a fresh approach to one of the oldest forms of transport known to man. Colour photos and sequences show each of the techniques stage by stage, from getting afloat on calm waters, paddling with a partner, going on a trip or expedition, navigating rapids and righting yourself with an Eskimo roll after a capsize. Full of tips, tricks and know-how, this book has all you need to know to paddle your own canoe, stay safe and have fun.

A GUIDE TO THE SPORT OF SURF KAYAKING FOR ALL ABILITIES OF PADDLER AND THOSE THINKING OF TAKING UP THE SPORT

Packrafts are rugged, portable rafts, small enough to attach under a rucksack, but stable on the water to reassure first time paddlers. Weighing from 1-3 kilos, they open up a whole new world of amphibious adventuring, from navigating easily accessible waterways to discovering more challenging rivers and lochs only reachable on foot or bicycle. Packrafting: A Beginners' Guide is a perfect introduction to the game-changing recreational opportunities opened up by packrafting. It takes you through the different types and features of packrafts to ensure that you buy a boat that is right for you and have the right gear to use with it. It clearly explains the basic paddling skills and how to safely evaluate risks on the water. It also introduces the different types of adventures you can undertake with your packraft, from paddling a local canal or river to lashing a bicycle over the bow or using a packable sail to traverse open water. The book is comprehensively illustrated with over 120 colour photographs making it easy to understand and clear to follow.

Welsh Canoe Classics is an illustrated guide to some of the finest tours of Wales' waterways. Scenic lakes, broad estuaries and whitewater rivers, as they can only be seen from canoe or kayak. Eddie, Adam and Wilf have chosen the best inland touring routes which are described in great detail and illustrated with numerous colour photos and maps. The selected routes are suitable for open canoes, sit-on-tops and touring kayaks, and include seven whitewater trips. Many of them can be tackled as a single voyage, others as a series of day trips with campsites en route. The journeys are all accessible but highly varied, travelling along lakes, estuaries, rivers and canals. This is a wonderful book for planning voyages and inspiring dreams or sharing your experiences with others.

Colorado’s diverse terrain and outdoor culture makes it a paradise for paddlers of all kinds. High mountain lakes and reservoirs offer flatwater paddling in the shadow of snowcapped peaks. There are stretches of river perfect for everyone: beginner sections for learning or teaching, quality Class 3 runs sure to thrill intermediates, and some of the steepest, most technical whitewater on earth. Paddling Colorado describes 30-40 trips in a remarkable variety of settings—from downtown Denver to the remote canyons of the Dolores River. Offering useful guidance on river access, hazards, and regulations, this guide shows the way to the best paddling opportunities in the state. New in this edition: • Stand-up paddleboarding • Whitewater parks, steep creeks, races, and river festivals • Winter paddling Look inside to find: • Detailed river descriptions • Maps showing access points and river miles • Level of difficulty, optimal flows, rapids, and other hazards

In this new edition, the south-west coast of England is described in 50 great voyages, from the Isle of Wight to the Scilly Isles to the Severn Estuary. As well as describing 50 great kayaking journeys, this updated book presents all the navigational and tidal information a sea kayaker needs on this magnificent section of coast. This means that it can also be used as a kayaker's 'pilot' for any journey they might wish to undertake in this area. It follows the successful format of other Pesda Press sea kayaking guides, presenting the information in a user-friendly fashion and making good use of maps and colour photographs. As well as providing essential information on where to start and finish, distances, times and tidal information, the book does much to stimulate and inform our interest in the environment we are passing through. It is full of facts and anecdotes about local history, geology, scenery, seabirds and sea mammals.

This is a thoroughly modern book on the traditional open canoe. It covers all aspects of the open canoe, from design to wilderness travel. What really sets it apart is its focus on canoeing techniques. Ray Goodwin is the UK's best known and (many would go so far as to say) foremost canoe coach. By introducing some of the latest canoeing performance skills, based on what he has discovered through decades of coaching and guiding, he sets out to inspire a new generation of paddlers. Through clear language and the use of photographs acquired over many years of paddling around the world, he shares some real insights of the reality of canoeing; sometimes gritty, but always enthralling. New in the 2nd edition is a section on 'vision pattern', a method for creating a mental map of a rapid. There is an expanded and re-written chapter on canoeing with children. There are more techniques for improvised sailing and more on advanced lining and tracking. It describes new solo rescue techniques and has many new inspirational canoe expedition examples.

This is the second edition of the guide book 'White Water Lake District' which was first published in 2003 - the author Stuart Miller has completely revised and updated this new edition so that the information is as current and as accurate as possible. The new title better shows the wide coverage of the guide book. The first edition soon built a reputation as being the 'must-have guide to paddling in North West England'. Described as being 'comprehensive, well organised and very readable' it achieved five star status in book reviews. The book covers some 110 rivers with 700km of river descriptions from the Scottish Border to Greater Manchester. It covers just about every river or stream that can be paddled - from gentle family trips on scenic friendly rivers to extreme white water gorges - all in one of the most beautiful and popular tourist regions of Great Britain. A key feature of the book is the quality of the 150 detailed maps. The book also includes a full section of advice, summary tables, information sources, etc. This new edition has been re-designed to take advantage of full colour printing and there are now many more excellent new photographs that make for a book that is inspiring and a joy to read!

The first edition (0953195619 which went out of print Spring 2007) rapidly became a standard text for sea kayakers. This new edition builds on that success. There are numerous improvements in the explanations and GPS is covered in more detail, reflecting the increased availability and usage of electronic navigational aids. Full use is made of colour photos, diagrams, maps and charts, further enhancing the reader's experience. Exercises to reinforce and self-assess how much the reader has taken on board are provided at the end of each chapter."Sea Kayak Navigation" is recommended as support material for the new British Canoe Union navigation courses that are currently being introduced.

Following on from his hugely successful book Sea Kayak, Gordon Brown brings his vast experience and unique style to this latest publication Sea Kayak Safety and Rescue. Each chapter begins with a real-life incident which sets the scene and helps to emphasise what follows. The underlying principles are highlighted, practical lessons learnt and the hard skills explored in detail. Numerous colour photos complement and illustrate the text. This book is essential reading for any sea kayaker, and will be enjoyed and valued by both novice and experienced paddlers alike.

"English Canoe Classics" is an illustrated guide to some of the finest tours of northern England's waterways, from the North Tyne in Northumbria to the Shropshire Union Canal in the West Midlands. Scenic lakes, placid canals and broad rivers, as they can only be seen from a canoe or kayak. Eddie and 'Wilf' have chosen the best inland touring routes. They are described in great detail and illustrated with numerous colour photos and maps. The selected routes are suitable for open canoes, sit-on-tops and touring kayaks. Many of them can be tackled as a single voyage or a series of day trips, with campsites en route. The journeys are all accessible but highly varied, taking place on lakes, sheltered coastline, rivers and canals. A wonderful book for planning voyages and inspiring dreams, or sharing your experiences with others. Eddie Palmer bought his first kayak over 50 years ago. It was a wood and canvas one in which he set out to paddle rivers in his part of middle England and Wales. Since then, he has kayaked and canoed extensively in the UK, Ireland, western and eastern Europe, the USA and Canada and southern Africa. His passion over the past few years has been for long-distance canoe-camping. After a competitive career in slalom and whitewater racing, he still paddles whitewater. Eddie is a Board Director of the SCA and is the co-author of Scottish Canoe Touring, author of Scottish Canoe Classics and co-author of Irish Canoe Classics (all published by Pesda Press). Nigel Wilford has been involved with canoeing for most of his adult life, paddling throughout the UK, mainland Europe, Canada, USA and New Zealand. Born in northwest Leicestershire, his first canoe experience was on the gentle River Soar. Not long after, he moved to Yorkshire to attend university. The enjoyment he found while paddling the rivers of the northeast firmly established canoeing as his activity of choice. In 1991 he joined the British Canoe Union's coaching service, helping others to improve their canoeing or to become better coaches. Nigel has held various roles within the BCU including Local Coaching Organiser and English Whitewater Safety Coordinator. He is a BCU Level 5 Coach and member of Team Pyranha.

Welcome to the second edition of English Whitewater, the British Canoe Union's guide to the whitewater rivers of England. Having established itself as a key guide to the best of whitewater and park and playspots within England this second offering adds further to the myriad of challenging steep brooks, classic trips on classic rivers, and previously unfamiliar offerings that is paddling in England. This second edition has been completely revised and updated. There are 340 river runs and playspots, with 90 new entries in this edition. It is a comprehensive guide to the whitewater rivers, playspots, and artificial whitewater courses of England. The guide is illustrated with photos and maps, and the new format makes it even easier to find the information you need. The guide breaks down into five geographical areas: The South-West, The South and East, The North-East, The North-West and The West, with each of these areas being further divided into sections grouping rivers of the same locality. Generally these sections are based around the river basins of the larger rivers and work from upstream down; but we have made exceptions to this in an effort to ensure that the rivers appear in the book in the most useful order to the reader. English Whitewater is a collaborative effort on behalf of the British Canoe Union. From the involvement of the publisher Pesda Press, the regional co-ordinators and contributors, to the involvement of Local Waterways Advisers and the Coaching Service, this work reflects the collective experience and knowledge network of enthusiasts, all willing to share their perspective on England's many and varied rivers. Regional editors: South West - Mark Rainsley; South East - Andrew Jackson; North East and North West - Jim Pullen; West - Bill Taylor.

This is the first book on the subject published on this side of the Atlantic, with our different fish species, techniques and approach. The book is aimed at the angler who has taken up or is curious about kayak fishing. Experienced kayakers will also benefit from Andy's kayak fishing wisdom. Topics include: Choosing your fishing kayak and equipment. Practical tips on modifying your kayak and installing a fish finder. Kayaking with confidence and staying safe at sea. Seamanship; tides, weather and charts for anglers and kayakers. Using handheld GPS and VHF radios. Fishing skills; top tips on anchoring and 'downtiding' from your kayak. What to fish for; Andy's tips for catching your favourite fish. And more, including freshwater fish and wreck fishing.

In this book Tim Gent shares his enthusiasm for and experience of travelling and camping from an open canoe. He covers planning a journey; selecting the right canoe and equipment for the journey you are planning and how to pack your canoe. All the traditional skills of campcraft such as fire lighting, cooking on an open fire, campsite selection and many more are explored, as are the more modern lightweight options.If you read Tim's book you will be inspired to paddle off into the distance and experience the joys of a waterborne nomadic existence ...even if only for a break from our modern sedentary lifestyle.

This is a complete beginner's guide to the sit-on-top kayak. Sit-on-top kayaking is the fastest growing water-based activity. It's fun and easy to learn. Anyone can do it! Paddlers, newcomers and those curious about the sport will find all the answers to their questions in this book. Using colour photos and clear descriptions, this book is the perfect introduction to sit-on-top kayaking. Choosing the right kayak, how to store and transport it, how to get the most fun out of your boat and how to stay safe whilst doing so are explored in detail. Snorkelling, fishing and scuba diving are some of the other activities that benefit from using sit-on-tops and these are also covered.

This is the 2012 edition of the most comprehensive guidebook to canoeing and kayaking the rivers of Wales. Nearly all the rivers of the principality are covered, mostly from navigable source to sea or confluence. From lazy gentle tours suitable for families, to raging torrents and waterfalls. There are over 180 rivers and two thousand kilometres of paddling. The book is simple to navigate with quick reference information, detailed descriptions and area maps of the river catchments. There are a great many more colour photographs in this new edition compared with the old. There's also an eclectic mix of anecdotes for a perspective on the paddling scene in Wales, past and present - but the best tales, yet to be told, are left for you to discover on the Welsh rivers. This is completely revised and updated since reprints of the first edition in 2003 and 2006. It has not been available since 2008 and there is no competitor or comparable book since the first edition.

The bestselling guides to Britain's canals and rivers for over 50 years. This established, popular and practical guide covers the canals and waterways in the north west of England around Merseyside and Manchester. Contains essential information for walking, cycling, canoeing and paddleboarding. Covered in this guide are: Aire & Calder Navigation, Bridgewater Canal, Calder & Hebble Navigation, Huddersfield Narrow Canal, Huddersfield Broad Canal, Lancaster Canal, Leeds & Liverpool Canal, Macclesfield Canal, Manchester Bolton & Bury Canal, Peak Forest and Ashton Canals, Rochdale Canal, Sankey Canal and Trent & Mersey Canal. The detailed Ordnance Survey (R) maps clearly show the location of essential features such as locks, towpaths and boating facilities, as well as pubs, shops and restaurants in the area. There are comprehensive navigational notes and descriptive text on the history of each canal, and on local services and places of interest, for which postcodes are included - ideal for use with sat-navs. Useful information for canoeing and paddleboarding. In print for 50 years, the Collins/Nicholson guides to the waterways have always been a vital part of journeys along Britain's canals and rivers. These bestselling guides are designed for anyone and everyone with an interest in Britain's inland waterways - from experienced boaters to those planning their first boat trip, as well as walkers, cyclists and visitors.

Completely revised, this is the second edition of the sea kayaking guidebook - Oileain, The Irish Islands. The guide describes 270 more islands than the previous edition, has a wealth of new photos, a new design and improved presentation of the tidal information. Dave Walsh describes over 570 islands. The essential information for kayakers or anyone in a small boat is here: landings, camping, drinking water and tidal information. Any wildlife to be found is detailed and on the islands that are or have been inhabited there is a wealth of information on their history and archaeology. The stories are fascinating and often told with a wry humour which makes them very readable. The book is illustrated throughout with colour photographs and maps. The writing and photographs capture the very essence of the wild places described.