SKILS continues to develop manuals and workbooks for their programs. These resources are available through SKILS; costs vary, so contact us for pricing. Bulk discounts are available for orders of 10 or more. Current titles include:

Coming soon...Spring 2010 Navigation, Sea State & Weather. A Paddler's Manual. Freedom of the Seas Volume 1, written by Michael Pardy, JF Marleau, Andrew Woodford and Piper Harris. Published by SKILS. CDN$24.99

Pre-order the book by sending us an email at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

Paddlers journey along the boundaries between sea, air and land. Volume 1 of the Freedom of the Seas series contains an important slice of paddling knowledge regarding these boundaries — information about navigation, sea state and weather. We have combined these three knowledge sets into one book for a simple reason: on the water, they are inseparable.

Freedom of the Seas, Volume 1 is intended as a reference for kayakers and canoeists touring large bodies of water. This book is written from a Canadian perspective. The examples in this book are drawn from across Canada, but the lessons can be applied anywhere in the world.

 In this book you will learn to:

·         Read a chart

·         Navigate using numerous techniques

·         Use a compass to take bearings and steer a course

·         Understand and predict tides and currents

·         Avoid collisions with other vessels

·         Understand waves and surf

·         Distinguish different forms of sea ice

·         Understand weather phenomena

·         Observe, record and predict the weather

·         Make the most of marine weather forecasts

·         And much more

Handbook of Sea Kayak Safety and Rescue, written by Doug Alderson and Michael Pardy, and published by Ragged Mountain Press in 2002. CDN$25

A great resource for kayak enthusiasts and professionals; the book covers a wide range of topics related to safety and rescue including: judgement and leadership; equipment; trip planning, self and assisted rescues, and rescue methodology.















 

Sea Kayak Guide Manual by SKILS updated 2009 edition now available.  CDN $25. Written by Michael Pardy, JF Marleau, Andrew Woodford and Piper Harris. Designed specifically for sea kayak guides, this manual covers a wide range of topics including: kayak touring, expedition behavior, leadership, legal liability, group management, camping, food and water, water treatment, tarpology, surf landing and launching, communication, emergency protocols, decision-making, pre-trip planning, guide standards, water classification, pre-trip talk, trip check lists, float plan, environmental impact protocols and trip reporting. Buy it online now!

Sea Kayak Instructor Manual by SKILS updated 2009 edition now available. CDN $20. Written by Michael Pardy, JF Marleau, Andrew Woodford and Piper Harris. Designed specifically for sea kayak instructors, this manual covers a number of topics including designing and running kayak programs, games, strokes and rescue progressions, and sample lesson plans. Buy it online now! 

 

Coastal Navigation Manual for Sea Kayaking by SKILS updated 2009 edition now available.  CDN$15. Written by Michael Pardy, JF Marleau, Andrew Woodford and Piper Harris. A great reference source for recreational sea kayakers, instructors and guides. This manual covers the principles and practices of sea kayak navigation including piloting, dead reckoning, tides, currents, and collision regulations. Buy it online now!

 

Sea Kayaking Manual for Interpreting Weather and Sea State by SKILS updated 2009 edition now available.  CDN$15. Written by Michael Pardy, JF Marleau, Andrew Woodford and Piper Harris. This manual covers the principles and practices of observing and predicting weather and sea states from the perspective of a sea kayaker. Buy it online now!

"Sea Kayak Strokes: A Guide To Efficient Paddling Skills " by Doug Alderson and published by Rocky Mountain Books in 2007. $CDN 19.99
Sea Kayak Strokes is a concise manual for learning and improving paddling skills. Doug Alderson's tips will help you paddle faster and with less effort, turn your kayak with greater ease, and keep your head above water using quick and effective bracing techniques. Doug describes how the forces of wind and water affect directional control of a kayak, providing information on how to choose the most effective stroke at the right time. You won't have to struggle in the wind if you use the strokes that let the wind do some of the work for you. Learn to save your energy and keep your kayak moving when waves and current are trying to push you around. Sea Kayak Strokes is a teaching and learning guide with sensible text and clear illustrations an invaluable resource for paddlers and instructors.

 


"Sea Kayaker's Savvy Paddler " by Doug Alderson and published Published by McGraw-Hill Professional, 2001. $CDN 15.95

Sea Kayaker's Savvy Paddler arms novice and expert paddlers alike with more than 500 concise, easy-to-digest tips for making sea kayaking easier, safer, and more enjoyable. Drawn in part from the popular "Tips" column appearing in Sea Kayaker magazine, all tips have been tested and refined in the field. They are inventive, yet head-smackingly simple: For example, convert an old CD into a signal mirror; use a drinking straw to suck the air from bread bags to add days of freshness. Tips are complemented by practical discussions of such things as how to pack a kayak for a multi-day trip, lists of essential touring items, advice on choosing the best paddling boat or partner, recipes for quick meals on the water or in camp, and much more.Tips are organized into sections for ease of access: major purchases; outfitting; navigation and safety; food; clothing and shelter; and health and fitness.





      



"Sea Kayak around Vancouver Island" by Doug Alderson and published by Rocky Mountain Books in 2004. $CDN 16.95
  

Sea Kayaking Around Vancouver Island covers a full circumnavigation of Vancouver Island. If you are interested in a grand expedition, a week of summer touring, or a weekend excursion, this guidebook will give you the information you need. Each chapter covers a section of the island providing ample information on: points of access, interesting sites, safe routes to travel, hazards to avoid, and comfortable campsites.

"Kayaking the Broken Group Islands. The Essential Guidebook" by JF Marleau and published by Pacific Rim Informative Adventures (PRIA) in 2006 (First Edition) and 2008 (Second Edition). $CDN 19.99.
   

The Broken Group Islands (BGI) on the west coast of Vancouver Island is one of the most famous sea kayaking destinations in the world. There is no match for its natural beauty and diversity of wildlife. This section of Pacific Rim National Park Reserve has much to offer kayakers of all levels. The inner islands are sheltered waters with quiet lagoons. The outer islands are exposed to open ocean swells and powerful waves which pound the shore. The BGI is a wilderness brimming with life including a variety of intertidal critters, marine mammals, land mammals and birds which live in this archipelago of over 100 islands. This paradise also has a rich history of First Nations culture that dates back more than 5000 years. This paddling guidebook is the most complete and up to date field reference on the Broken Group Islands. It is suitable for all kayakers - from the novice paddler to the experienced kayak guide. It provides in-depth information pertaining to the Broken Group Islands including natural and cultural history, wildlife, camping, safety, and highlights. This reference will enhance your preparation, preparedness as well as your safety, knowledge and enjoyment of kayaking in the Broken Group Islands. Buy it online now!

"Backroad Map and Outdoor Recreation Guide" by JF Marleau and published by Pacific Rim Informative Adventures (PRIA) in 2003. $CDN 6.49.

This map is an invaluable outdoor activity guide for the Tofino-Ucluelet-Pacific Rim area. It features a multi-use trail network, logging roads and recreational activities and locations of interest. Vancouver Island's west coast is a popular destination with beautiful, wild, uncrowded backcountry areas. Hundreds of kilometres of trails offer exceptional opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, mountain biking, and off road driving. This map includes route information (length, level of difficulty, access, etc.) for hiking and mountain biking for all levels, from beginner to expert. Buy it online now!

Knots: Learn how to tie a Highwayman's hitch for a tow system by Doug Alderson. Click here for the video


Learn how to perform a Straddle - X rescue by Doug Alderson and Michael Pardy. Click here for the video