Fundamentals Of Kayak Navigation

Fundamentals of Kayak Navigation
David Burch
The Globe Pequot Press, 1993
ISBN 076270473X    

This gem, Fundamentals of Kayak Navigation, has about everything you'd every want to know about kayak navigation. It is a bit dense at times -- you have to be committed to make it through this entire book.

Another trick is to read this book 3 (or more) times. The first time, simply scan the book, read the captions with each picture, and try to pick out one technique from each chapter and practice it. Read it again, maybe a season or a year later, and try to learn some more in-depth information and advanced techniques and tricks. Finally, you might pick it up several seasons after you first purchase the book, and challenge yourself to learn everything from cover to cover.

Once the techniques in this book are mastered, you'll be able to paddle in strange waters with nothing but a chart and a compass and know where you are at any time (which should be the goal of any expedition kayaker).

The book covers nautical charts, compass work, tides and currents, electronic navigation and the "rules of the road". It is a complete course in kayak navigation. Buy it now and amaze your friends with your skills of knowing where you are (without asking directions -- which is important for some of us).

I just finished reading the main text of the book for the first time. Great introduction, pragmatic focus, and good coverage. Since the latest edition, there's even more material online that's of use, such as the "Coast Pilot" publications from NOAA (http://chartmaker.ncd.noaa.gov/nsd/coastpilot.htm).