Sea Kayak Navigation - Tapa blanda

This latest offering from Franco Ferrero, head of canoeing and kayaking at Plas y Brenin, is a long awaited manual for the sea paddler. Whether you are a novice starting out on your first attempt to cross your local water or a more accomplished paddler looking for an easier way to work out your passage planning then this book is well worth the buying. The layout of the book is good with an index that lets accomplished navigators find the relevant section that they require. There is also a good contents list which the novice will find very useful. Topics such as tidal theory, buoyage and the compass are covered in enough detail to introduce these aspects of navigation to the beginner while still refreshing memories of a distant past for others. However, Franco has understandably placed more emphasis on the actual nitty gritty of navigating your kayak. I think that Franco is gradually becoming less of a Jerseyman and more of a Welshman with some of the spellings. However this is not a criticism, more an observation. There is enough humour within the text and accompanying good illustrations to amuse even the saltiest of old sea dogs! Filled with "top tips and handy hints" this book is a must, not only for sea kayakers, but also for anyone who ventures onto the ocean whatever their craft and level of navigational ability. Sea Kayak Navigation is a book on what can, at best, be described as a "dry" subject. Franco has succeeded in turning it into an interesting and user-friendly resource. The black art demystified? It is indeed! Reviewed by Gordon Brown in Canoe Focus

The black art demystified! A book that tells you only what you need to know and cuts out the confusing nonsense! Clear, concise and illustrated throughout with excellent diagrams and drawings.