In this new edition, the south-west coast of England is described in 50 great voyages, from the Isle of Wight to the Scilly Isles to the Severn Estuary. As well as describing 50 great kayaking journeys, this updated book presents all the navigational and tidal information a sea kayaker needs on this magnificent section of coast. This means that it can also be used as a kayaker’s ‘pilot’ for any journey they might wish to undertake in this area. It follows the successful format of other Pesda Press sea kayaking guides, presenting the information in a user-friendly fashion and making good use of maps and colour photographs. As well as providing essential information on where to start and finish, distances, times and tidal information, the book does much to stimulate and inform our interest in the environment we are passing through. It is full of facts and anecdotes about local history,geology, scenery, seabirds and sea mammals. A fascinating read and an inspirational book.
Mark Rainsley
Over 20 years ago, Mark was the only Scout in his troop to capsize and swim when they tried kayaking. Undismayed, he enrolled for an ‘intro to whitewater’ course run by Franco (of Pesda Press), who threw him upside-down in his kayak over a Welsh waterfall. Mark has since paddled whitewater in over twenty countries on six continents and made first descents. He also sits on the BCU Expeditions Committee and created the most popular UK paddling media, the UK Rivers and UK Sea Kayak websites. Unfortunately, the humiliating wipe-outs and swims continue.
Mark grew up near Britain’s most inland point. For this reason, the sea has always retained a special allure for him, whilst retaining its air of mystery. After moving to the coast, Mark addressed this by buying a sea kayak and paddling solo around the South West. This 1997 paddle still ranks among his most cherished experiences. He has since sea paddled fanatically and has evangelically converted many other whitewater paddlers.
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