Table of Contents

Before You GoTrip PlanningHaving a Plan; Getting the Forecast; Timing the TideClothing and EquipmentStaying Warm, Staying Dry; Staying Cool; Life Vests (PFDs); Checking Your Gear; Adjusting the FitPretrip DetailsWho to Contact; Float Plan; Ten Essentials; Organizing Your GearLaunch DayTransporting KayaksKayaks on Cars; Carrying Your KayakAt the Beach or DockTrimming and Packing the Boat; Launch Site ChecklistGetting In and Out of Your KayakAt the Beach; Launching and Landing at a Dock; Launching in SurfOn the WaterPaddling SmartPaddle Grip; Moving Forward; Turning (Sweep Strokes); Pacing; Crossing a Current (Ferrying); Staying on CourseReading the ConditionsCloud Types; Beaufort Scale (Wind Speed Table); Predicting Wind Direction; Weather Sayings and Observations; Wave HeightsGroup TravelFormations; Group SignalsChallenges at SeaStrong Winds; Beam Seas; Following Seas; Squalls; Fog; Boat TrafficNight PaddlingTraveling Safely; Night SignalsNavigationNavigation SkillsCompass Rose; Buoys; Light Characteristics; Latitude-Longitude Readings; Taking a Bearing; Line of Position; Ranges; Determining Speed of Travel; Determining a Fixed Point; Tidal Current Calculations; Where Am I?Electronic NavigationGPS Waypoints; Storing GPS InformationOn the AirVHF Radio Signals; VHF Radio ProtocolEmergency SituationsWhen Things Go WrongDistress Signals; Lightning; Capsize!; Capsized Partner; Rescue Sling; Lost KayakerWhen It's Time to TowTowing in Seas; Close-Contact Towing; Stabilizing the Towed PaddlerGoing AshoreGetting ThereLanding Sites; Landing in Surf; Public AccessCampingChoosing a Campsite; Setting Up Camp; Using Salt Water; How Much Water?; Leave-No-Trace Kayaking; Gray-Water Disposal; Waste DisposalWildlifeSea Birds; Marine Mammals; Stranded AnimalsField RepairsBoat RepairsLeaks; Composite (Cloth and Resin) Kayaks; Plastic Kayaks; Rudder and Skeg Jams; Jammed Foot Braces; Bulkhead RepairsAccessory RepairsPaddle Breaks; Jammed Paddle Ferrules; Vinyl (Dry Bags, etc.); Dry Suits and Dry Tops; NeopreneFirst AidMuscles and JointsWrist Aches; Shoulder Aches; Dislocated Shoulder; Sprained Ankle; Backaches; Numb FeetHeat and ColdSunburn; Dehydration; Hypothermia; HyperthermiaNature's OfferingsSalt-Water Rashes; Barnacle Cuts; Deer Ticks; Red Tide; Brown-Tail Moths; Poisonous PlantsFrequent ComplaintsBlisters; Burns; Contact Lens ProblemsIndex

About the Author

Shelley Johnson, is a registered Maine Guide and coastal kayak instructor certified by the American Canoe Association. Sea kayaking editor for Canoe & Kayak magazine, she is a frequent contributor to Atlantic Coastal Kayaker and Kayak Touring. She has taught sea kayaking and watersports safety courses throughout the United States and Canada.