Oscar and co-author Graham Spence have done an outstanding job with this book. No Retreat, No Surrender starts out with a bang, and like Oscar it doesn’t quit. The story starts with his cancer diagnosis in 2019, then leaps back to Oscar’s childhood in Durban, South Africa. Born into a family of smart, tough boat […]
Book reviews
Tracking Lions, Myth, and Wilderness in Samburu by Jon Turk – a Review
Editor’s note: This is the third book of our buddy Jon Turk’s that we’ve reviewed, and it’s a winner. Even though, to quote Jon, “ there isn’t a kayak, canoe, SUP, raft, or rowboat in sight” we’re still giving it a plug because (again quoting Jon) “my argument is that while kayaking is indeed about playing on […]
Heart of Toba by Nigel Foster
Editor’s note: This month we review Nigel Foster’s latest paddling adventure Heart of Toba. I could say a lot of good things about this book and I do, but one of the best things I could say is that now I feel like I’ve been there. I won’t forget this journey. Nigel Foster is a […]
Just in Time for Christmas – Sea Kayaking Books!
Who doesn’t enjoy curling up with a good book in a warm house on a cold winter day, with maybe a crackling fire or a hot drink besides? With Christmas coming this seems like a great opportunity to mention some of the wonderful sea kayaking books reviewed on this site. Below you’ll find a […]
Nature is Your Guide by Harold Gatty – A Review
Editor’s note: Harold Gatty was born in Campbelltown, Tasmania in 1903. He went to school at the Royal Australian Naval College, and became one of the world’s great navigators. In 1931 he was placed in charge of Air Navigation Research and Training for the United States Army Air Corps. During World War II he served […]
Waves and Beaches by Willard Bascom – A Review
Editor’s note: We decided to resurrect this best-selling classic because it’s just so damn good! A comprehensive description of how waves and beaches behave under all kinds of conditions, Waves and Beaches explains why ships sink, how rogue waves can split giant tankers in two, how surfers can ride waves with skill and dexterity and […]
Inside: One Woman’s Journey Through the Inside Passage by Susan Marie Conrad – A Review
Review by Nancy Soares Editor’s note: Susan is an adventurer, writer, educator, and speaker. Her tenacious exploration by sea kayak has fueled her stories and images of the natural world for decades. Her articles and photographs have appeared in Sea Kayaker, Canoe and Kayak, Adventures Northwest, and Figure magazines. Magic and gratitude. That’s what comes […]
CROCODILES AND ICE by Jon Turk – A Review
To me, it’s all about connection and compassion…Once we lose one or the other, or both, the world becomes a much less pleasant place, and a more dangerous place, to live in. – Jon Turk After reading this book the first thing I thought was Wow. This book should be read. Why? For one thing, […]
Sea Kayakers, We Are “Seekers of the Horizon” – A Review
Editor’s note: Will Nordby, the author of Seekers of the Horizon, began sea kayaking in 1971. He has written for Oceans, Explore, Canoe, Sea Kayaker, River Runner, Small Boat Journal, and Ocean Sports International. He was also the originator of the Sea Trek Paddle Float, a sea kayaking self-rescue device. He worked for KRON-TV in […]
A Paddler’s Journey by Bryant Burkhardt – A Review
An adventure is an outing where the outcome is uncertain. – Bryant Burkhardt This book does not disappoint. Bryant has done it all, from dodging icebergs in Alaska and exploring the Channel Islands to creeking in L.A. and captaining the U.S. National Kayak Polo Team. His kayaking resume is truly amazing. It’s a testament to […]
Sea Kayaker’s More Deep Trouble – Gotta Have It or Make It Stop!? – A Review
More Deep Trouble is another collection of death and disaster stories featuring sea kayakers, compiled by Sea Kayaker editor Chris Cunningham. More Deep Trouble is a follow up to Deep Trouble, and like the previous book includes the Lessons Learned from each event. I mentioned More Deep Trouble to Tsunami Ranger John Lull. John has years […]
ENCHANTED VAGABONDS – A Review
ENCHANTED VAGABONDS is my favorite expedition sea kayaking book, packed full of bold action and exciting mishaps. If you enjoy the early 20th century writing of Richard Halliburton, which is rollicking adventure coupled with a light, almost cavalier style, then you’ll love author Dana Lamb’s account of his and his wife Ginger’s 16,000 mile journey […]
THE FAT PADDLER – A Review
The book’s title says it all. This just-published book by Aussie kayaker Sean Smith tells the story of an ordinary bloke who took up sea kayaking in earnest because he had to. It’s not about a long sea kayaking expedition. It’s about a fun-loving rugby rower out riding his scooter who was run over by […]