Over 724 colour photographs
Over 7 illustrations

• A complete practical instruction manual including step by step photographic sequences and artworks throughout



• The perfect introduction to and handbook for one of today's fastest growing and most popular sports



• A detailed look at the specialist equipment needed for different disciplines



• Takes into consideration different levels of ability, from beginner to advanced levels



• Includes over 720 specially commissioned photographs

One of the fastest growing adventure sports worldwide, kayakiing and canoeing offer enormous scope for young children, teenagers and adults alike in terms of recreational fun, touring trips and camping holidays. Written by one of the most exciting new authors on the subject, this superb book offers a comprehensive introduction to the sport aimed at both beginners and established paddlers seeking to broaden their experience.

The book's introduction gets back to basics with a look at paddling as a mode of transport predating the wheel, and traces its development as a sport through history to the present day.

Getting Started gives practical advice on when and where to paddle, clothing and equipment and fitness training and warm-up routines.

On to Moving Water looks at the fast and furious sport of white water paddling, while Open Horizons takes to the open water - showing the skills and techniques for confidently navigating inland waterways and the sea.

Advanced Paddling shows paddling at its most extreme; the exhilarating specialist disciplines, such as play boating and surfing, and explains the competition scene. This section includes information on Paddling Around The World, which looks at Europe, the Americas, Australia and New Zealand, Asia and Africa for paddlers who want to travel and explore in their boat. Keeping Safe provides a reference point for all paddlers, with detailed advice on emergency rescue drills and first aid techniques.

About the Authors

Andy Middleton - Consultant Editor

Andy Middleton, consultant editor, is Chief Executive of TYF No Limits one of the UK's leasing adventure and education businesses. Andy pioneered white water rodeo kayaking in Europe and established World Championships as the sport's premiere event. He is a BCU Level 5 Coach and experienced surfer, mountain biker and windsurfer.

Bill Mattos - Author

Bill Mattos has been kayaking for over thirty years and has paddled all over the planet in pursuit of an ambition to kayak on every continent and in every ocean. He has competed in a wide variety of kayaking disciplines, including freestyle to World Championship level as a member of the 1995 and 1997 British Freestyle Team. He has won National and Eurocup events including several times the prestigious Bitches Rodeo in Wales, and has successfully surfed the fearsome Teahupo'o wave in French Polynesia, which had never before been ridden by kayakers. Bill has worked as a professional kayaker, designer, writer, model, photographer and videographer as well as being involved in the business and marketing side of the kayaking industry. He runs several companies which manufacture equipment and clothing for extreme sports and professional rescue use, and has written a number of books and scores of magazine articles on outdoor related matters. He currently lives in Cornwall where he surfs and kayaks every day there's nothing better to do. For more information go to www.billmattos.com