Open boat cruising has never been more popular, in the doing or the reading of it; magazines, websites, associations and events around the world attest to this, and of course the countless sailors who just 'get on with it' in their own unassuming manner. Two such, some fifty years ago, long before today's explosion of activity, were Ken Duxbury and his wife B; Ken's three books recounting their adventures in the eighteen-foot Drascombe Lugger 'Lugworm' delighted many on their first appearance, yet they became unavailable for years. 'Lugworm on the Loose' describes how Ken and B quit the 'rat race' and explored the Greek islands under sail. 'Lugworm Homeward Bound' recounts their voyage home from Greece to England. 'Lugworm Island Hopping' has Ken and B exploring the Scilly Isles and the Hebrides. The light touch of Ken's writing belies the sheer ambition, resourcefulness and seamanship which infuse these exploits. And beyond pure sailing narrative, his books convey the unique engagement with land and people which is achieved by approaching under sail in a small boat.

The Optimist is the most popular junior sailing class worldwide, with thousands of young people actively racing them and hundreds attending the major events in the class. It has been the nursery for most of the top racing sailors in the world including all the Team GBR gold medallists at the last 2 Olympics (Sir Ben Ainslie, Hannah Mills, Saskia Clark and Giles Scott) - the same will be true for most other countries. Optimist Racing is written for those sailors, parents and coaches who are looking for success in this competitive class. In it you will learn what it takes to win, including how to achieve blistering boatspeed through technique and tuning, perfect boat handling and tactics as well as covering the mental and physical requirements for success. There is also a section for parents and coaches describing how they can best support their young sailors. Originally written by Ben Ainslie's Optimist coach, Phil Slater, this new edition has been completely updated by top international racing coach, Steve Irish, who can be found coaching Optimist and other sailors worldwide. This book is the up-to-date handbook for sailing an Optimist fast.

A TOP 10 SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER SHORTLISTED FOR THE 2018 SPORTS BOOK AWARDS LONGLISTED FOR THE WILLIAM HILL SPORTS BOOK OF THE YEAR 2017 The incredible true story of four ordinary working mums from Yorkshire who took on an extraordinary challenge and broke a world record along the way. Janette, Frances, Helen and Niki, though all from Yorkshire, were four very different women, all juggling full time jobs alongside being mothers to each of their 2 children. They could never be described as athletes, but they were determined to be busy and the local Saturday morning rowing club was the perfect place to go to have a laugh and a gossip, get the blood pumping in the open air, and feel invigorated. Brought together by their love of rowing, they quickly became firm friends, and it wasn't long before they cooked up a crazy idea over a few glasses of wine: together, they were going to do something that fewer people than had gone into space or climbed Everest had succeeded in doing. They were going to cross 3,000 miles of treacherous ocean in the toughest row in the world, The Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge. Yes, they had children and husbands that they would be leaving behind for two months, yes they had businesses to run, mortgages to pay, responsibilities. And there was that little thing of them all being in their 40s and 50s. But two years of planning, preparation, fundraising, training and difficult conversations later, and they found themselves standing on the edge of the San Sebastian harbour in the Canary Islands, petrified, exhilarated and ready to head up the race of their lives. This is the story of how four friends together had the audacity to go on a wild, terrifying and beautiful adventure, not to escape life, but for life not to escape them.

What does it take to win gold at the Olympic Games? How many years of hard work and dedication does it take to prepare for such a feat? How many disappointments do you have to endure on this journey?

Danielle Brittain has walked this journey over and over again – her two sons won Olympic gold for South Africa in rowing, all four of her sons have rowed at top levels, and she is currently the team doctor for the SA rowing team. Danielle has faced her own battles with cancer and then watched as her son battled Hodgkin’s Lymphoma during his Olympic training and overcame it and went on to win gold after his recovery in this high-performance sport.

The Olympic wins for the South African teams at the 2012 London Olympics and 2016 Rio Olympics were iconic moments for South Africa and Brittain’s descriptions of what the wins meant for the individuals in the teams, their families, the coaching staff and ordinary South Africans demonstrates the power of sport to unite the country.

A rowing story, a family story, a cancer survival story, a South African story – and the story of a mother watching it all unfold.

Nature sports such as skiing, climbing, and surfing have had a significant influence on Western popular culture since the mid-twentieth century and participation in such sports continues to grow. Written in a clear and accessible style, this important book provides a comprehensive philosophical analysis of nature sports. Philosophy and Nature Sports offers an engaging inquiry into how nature sports differ from mainstream sports, how these differences are related to their value as human activities, and the role of the environments in which such sports take place. Addressing the claim that the most distinctive feature of nature sports is the relationship between participants and the natural world, the book also examines a wide range of topics, such as ethics, risk, gender construction, the social role of nature sport subcultures and the aesthetic experiences of nature sports athletes. Tying these together is the question of what it is that attracts us to nature sports and why they hold meaning for us. This is a valuable resource for students and academics in fields such as alternative sports, alternative sport subcultures, sport philosophy, sport and social issues, ethics, and phenomenology. It is also a fascinating read for outdoor educators and practitioners.

You long to escape the daily grind, buy a boat and sail away. This book will inspire your dreams and show you how to turn them into a reality - be it an extended cruise or years away. Written by a yachting journalist who has sailed away for 8 years, together with the contributions of 100 other blue-water cruisers, there are tales a plenty of what it is like to do it from around the world - west, east, north and south. There is also practical advice on everything from choosing a boat to crossing oceans. You'll be guided through each step of the preparation before casting off on your adventure of a lifetime. There's information on everything the would-be blue-water sailor needs to consider, including safety, communications, children, ocean passages and budgeting. Learn about routes and destinations around Europe, the Caribbean, the Pacific and beyond to help you cruise the Mediterranean or Baltic, cross the Atlantic or circumnavigate the world. Colour photographs and charts will inspire and inform in this essential guide for the 21st century blue-water sailor. Fully updated for 2019 with new sections on visiting the Baltic and high and low latitudes. Contributors include John Ridgway, Jeanne Socrates, Tom Cunliffe, Ellen Massey Leonard, Behan Gifford, Nigel Wollen, Andrew Wilkes, Jane Russell and Jeremy Wyatt.

Imagine paddling along, just ahead of a wave that has risen to a monstrous 70 ft - a thousand tons of moving liquid arching over your head whilst you accelerate up to 55 mph, then fly through the arc of rushing water in a race to pull clear before it collapses upon you. 'Extreme surf' is a tribute to the adrenalin rush of catching a big wave. A fascinating journey through the world's most awe-inspiring surfing locations, from Teahupoo, Tahiti to Mavericks, North California, it describes one of the currently most loved, yet dangerous sports. Beginning with a history of the sport's evolution, the book takes us to the most remote, most popular, and most dangerous surfing spots. From the longest, fastest, coldest and warmest waves to the deadliest waters, this book will thrill with its images and text. 'Extreme Surf' is the 4th title in the successful 'Extreme' sport series ('Extreme Golf 04'; 'Extreme Sail 06', 'Extreme Running 07'.) This is mini-edition.

'Lovely, lively, passionate... a celebration of nature's ability to inspire healing and joy' Robert MacFarlane

This is one man's journey, swimming across Britain's countryside while coming to terms with something more challenging than the choppy waters of the English Channel. As Joe Minihane comes up for air, he discovers that swimming is both a joyous activity and a voyage into oneself. Minihane became obsessed with wild swimming and its restorative qualities, developing a new-found passion by following the example of naturalist Roger Deakin in his classic Waterlog. While fighting the currents, sometimes treading water, Minihane begins to confront the buried issues in his life. Along the way, he rekindles old friendships and forges new ones, and after an unexpected setback discovers that he has already gained enough strength to continue his recovery on dry land. Both strange and beautiful, the wild water puts him in touch with nature and himself. Floating is a remarkable memoir about a passion for swimming and nature. Moving from darkness into light, it is as intense and moving as it is lyrical and generous. It captures in memorable detail Minihane's struggle to understand his life, to move forward and, steeped in the anti-authoritarian and naturalistic spirit of Deakin, celebrates the joy of taking time to enjoy life. From Hampstead to Yorkshire, and Dorset to Jura, from the Isles of Scilly to Wales, Minihane has written a love letter to wild stretches of water. We swim with him through ponds and lakes, rivers and canals, lodes and marshes, even the ice-cold sea and come out of the water healthier.

Ant developed a fascination for the natural world at an early age, becoming especially passionate about fishing and diving. It has been a constant theme throughout his life and so, when he was diagnosed with Parkinson's at the early age of 48 years, it was devastating. However, he was fortunate enough to be offered ground-breaking brain surgery which enabled him to continue to enjoy life. From the thrill of catching bass and the excitement of diving for lobster and bull huss to the humour of marauding gerbils in the biology lab and his childhood love for a pet crow - this book will appeal to any reader who shares a passion for life.

This book will help you to succeed on the water whether your aim is Club, National, International (or even Olympic) level. With detailed analysis, challenging exercises and useful top tips throughout, everything is covered: from targets, goal setting and a winning mental attitude to boat handling, strategy and tactics (plus lots more). Handy diagrams on almost every page help to clarify complex concepts and scenarios, and brilliant action photographs bring the text to life. Each chapter is closed with not-to-be missed advice from Olympic medallists - making this a must-have book for all sailors who aspire to great success. This is a re-written and more focused version of the author's popular title Be Your Own Sailing Coach, and its publication marks the re-launch of the iconic Sail to Win series, loved by sailors for over 30 years.

Alaska has few roads and even fewer trails-only a few hundred miles of maintained footpaths exist outside the cities-so paddling the state's thousands of miles of rivers and lakes is the best way to get off the beaten track. Paddling Alaska describes the best and most accessible routes-thirty-six classics in all, from downtown Anchorage to the Matanuska and Susitna Valleys and the Kenai Peninsula, and from the southern interior north to the Yukon. Carefully chosen to accommodate most beginning-to-intermediate paddlers, each route is within easy driving distance of population centers, providing quick access to wilderness for city residents and visitors alike. Look inside to find: * Detailed river descriptions * Maps showing access points and river miles * Level of difficulty, optimal flows, rapids and other hazards * Gear and packing recommendations specific to Alaska conditions

In rowing, races are often won in spite of, not because of, technique, and many misconceptions still preoccupy both rowers and coaches. This book explains the facts about rowing technique and will help you to find the right way to achieve your best performance. In this new edition, comprehensively updated to take account of the most recent developments in the sport The Biomechanics of Rowing offers a unique insight into the technical and tactical aspects of rowing, based on over twenty-five years experience of working with the best rowers and coaches all around the globe, a careful analysis of millions of data samples, and comprehensive biomechanical modelling with the aim of finding an optimal balance of variables. Topics covered include measurement; performance analysis; technique; ergometer rowing and, finally, rowing equipment and rigging.

The first book in Marsali Taylor's thrilling Shetland Sailing Mysteries series. Perfect for fans of Agatha Christie, Dorothy L. Sayers, Val McDermid, Faith Martin, J.R. Ellis, LJ Ross and Ann Cleeves! '... a well written, enjoyable story with a proper murder-mystery plot... Highly recommended.' Puzzle Doctor, Classic Mysteries Cass Lynch's big break has finally arrived - she feels like she has struck gold after being asked to skipper a Viking longship for a film. However this means returning to the Shetland Islands, the place she fled as a teen. When a corpse unexpectedly appears onboard the longship, she can run from the past no longer: Cass and her family come under intense scrutiny by the disturbingly shrewd Detective Inspector Macrae. Even if Cass's local knowledge and sailing wisdom help to clear the Lynch family of suspicion, they may not be enough to stay ahead of the murderer's game. . . and avoid becoming the next victim. Previously published as Death on a Longship. _____________________________ Praise for the chillingly addictive, nail-biting series: 'A fascinating book and a fascinating series so far. And there are more in the series! Yaaay!!' 5* Reader review 'Excellent first volume of detective stories set in Shetland... Good story line with notable twists to the conclusion. Would recommend' 5* Reader review 'Very believable characters and delightful descriptions of Shetland that really make you feel you are there' 5* Reader review 'Lovely series of crime books set in beautiful Shetland... Complex and fascinating' 5* Reader review

Adventure Guides are the perfect travel companion for the modern explorer. Whether you're looking to backpack around your home state or boost the number of stamps in your passport by traveling overseas, these books will heighten your travel experience.

Our team of knowledgeable authors offers comprehensive introductions that cover history, geography, climate, when to go, transportation, planning and culture. Region-by-region, the books then delve into the heart of the area, with driving tours and side trips to the best museums, historic sites and shops. But the focus is on activities, and you'll learn about the best spots for diving, snorkeling, horseback riding, hiking, biking, rock climbing and more. Extensive listings of recommended tour operators, too. Select places to stay and eat, as well as regional festivals and celebrations.

Hike some 166+ miles in Isle Royale National Park; take in the excitement of the Port Huron-to-Mackinac Island sailboat race; watch the wheels spin in the Tour de Michigan cycling marathon; spend a quiet afternoon canoeing on a pristine lake; or try some urban adventures in the cities. Year-round activities, detailed by resident authors. A destination rarely covered by guidebooks.

This book is a celebration of the life and adventures of Andy Jackson, Scottish kayaking legend. In December 2004 the kayaking community was stunned by the premature death of Andy Jackson. "Tall Stories" collates accounts and photos of the tall man's adventurous life. As we follow him around the world, Andy's gregarious good humour comes across at every turn. From his native Scotland to Nepal, New Zealand and North America on his 'World Tour' and on to Iceland and Chile, Andy made a friend of everyone he met.Every first weekend in September, kayakers from around the world gather at the Wet West Paddlefest to celebrate his life and paddle two of his favourite rivers. Andy will remain an inspiration for generations to come.Ron Cameron first encountered Andy Jackson in Tain, Easter Ross when Andy was 19 and he was 43 and kayaked, skied and climbed with him regularly until the time of his death, suffering no significant injuries as a result. He was stupid/smart enough to rent Andy a house for about six years. Sometimes he thinks he should have stuck to climbing but paddling and skiing with Andy was a life enhancing experience.