Complete Book of Sea Kayaking 40th Anniversary Edition

Derek Hutchinson wrote the very first book on sea kayaking in 1976. This new 6^thedition is a 40^thAnniversary tribute to Derek’s first book. I had the pleasure and honor to update the book for this new addition, since Derek is no longer with us having passed away in 2012. Derek and I were very close friends having spent countless hours together traveling and teaching classes together. As a result of this relationship I was asked to update his book.

I tried to keep the soul of Derek’s book (his many hand drawn illustrations) while updating techniques, current trends in paddling and adding over 50 photos.  I reorganized the chapters in addition to adding new ones. Where I know Derek & I disagreed I would state both of our points of view. I included my 35+ years of experience teaching kayaking when appropriate.

As a result of his first book countless individuals took to the sea in kayaks. He designed 18 different kayaks, aside from different paddles and paddling equipment. His contributions to the sport of sea kayaking are still seen today. It is easy to see why Derek is considered to be the “Father of Modern Day Sea kayaking.”

Aside from his kayaking contributions Derek was a MASTER story teller, artist, jewelry designer and showman. I have included some Derek stories and his artwork throughout the book so the reader could get a better feel for him as a person aside from being a paddler. If you want to hear Derek telling stories then I highly recommend the DVD “North Sea Crossing & Yarns from the Cockpit”, which is a 2-Disc set of Derek telling his famous North Sea Crossing talk and other great tales. It can be found in the Adventure DVD’s Section in the USK Store. In fact I am including it at a discount when you buy the book and DVD as a set. Select the Complete Book of Sea Kayaking & The North Sea Crossing DVD combo (BK 415) in the USK Store in the Artwork & Book section to get the discount.

If you want to learn about the sport of sea kayaking while enjoying some kayaking history I highly recommend this book for your library.

If you would like a personalized autographed copy of the book please send an e-mail after you order with the name you would like in the signing. study@useakayak.org

As a reminder, all book orders will be sent via media mail (which is slower but less expensive) and only in the U.S. If you want a book sent quicker or shipped to another country please e-mail us study@useakayak.org in advance and we can calculate and discuss the shipping charges.

Write a review

Your Name:


Your Review: Note: HTML is not translated!

Rating: Bad           Good

Enter the code in the box below: