Complete Folding Kayaker

by Ralph Diaz

Book Overview

Most kayakers paddle a boat with a rigid hull. Yet a distinct group of enthusiasts paddle foldables, portable kayaks that can be assembled and disassembled in minutes, packed in a backpack and carried... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0070167346
• ISBN13: 9780070167346
• Release Date: January 1994
• Publisher: International Marine Publishing
• Length: 162 Pages
• Weight: 0.90 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 7.4" x 9.2"

Customer Reviews

You've Got to Know When to Fold 'Em

Complete Folding Kayaker, 2d EditionBy Bill Marsano. The folding kayak or boat-in-a-bag is rare compared to rigid or hardshell kayaks--and a lot more expensive. But unlike those others, you take it with you. You can break it down into component parts, stuff the bits into one or two bags or even, in the case of the Feathercraft, a specially designed backpack with padded shoulder straps and a hip belt, and take it wherevever you're bound. That's the whole point: No more hoping to find kayak rentals at your destimnation. No more settling for whatever beat-up barges the renters happen to have on hand.If that tempts you, then you need this book to help sort out the facts and fiction (are folders fragile? less efficient than rigids? less stable? etc.) and get a handle on the numerous makes and models, which vary considerably in price, weight, size and design. Diaz, who is a good writer and an enthusiast (he publishes the Folding Kayak newsletter), has done his homework, updating his 1994 first edition to include and critique several kayaks that are new to the U.S, marketThat's a critically important part of this book: So far as I know, this is the sole source of independent information covering the whole category. But Diaz offers a lot more. He goes beyond the hardware to presnt a very good course in basic kayaking: instruction and skill drills, safety, navigation. sailing rigs, kayak camping, and repairs and maintenance. The Resources chapter alone (on books, guidebooks, magazines and newsletters, websites, dealer access and much more) will keep you busy all by itself.In short, if you've got an itch to paddle, this book will help you make an intelligent choice and teach you what you need to enjoy it when you get out on the water.--Bill Marsano owns a Feathercraft Kahuna and has unfolded it numerous times in the U.S., Italy and France.

A strategic read for choosing a folding kayak.

If you are about to buy a kayak, rigid or folding, you will benefit by reading this book, at least most of it. Each boat type has its virtues and drawbacks, but what are they? In a careful, comprehensive, and clear manner, Ralph Diaz sets forth the virtues of the folding kayak. In doing so, drawbacks of both designs surface. This book is invaluable in obtaining a perspective before you buy.Diaz discusses the heritage of the folding kayak: a boat used by Eskimos to hunt at sea; a boat built of bones, driftwood, and animal hide. Diaz points out that although springing from an old design, the current "skin and frame" vessel is constructed of modern materials. This synthesis of old and new renders a craft that is strong, light, roomy, seaworthy, versatile, easily repaired, and portable. These features now compete winningly with the contemporary rigid design.Diaz suggests criteria for selecting a particular model. These he puts into the category of "Sizing up your needs." Among the questions you need to ask are: Do you wish to kayak in a single or double? Will you need to assemble and disassemble it regularly? For instance, do you live in the city and keep the kayak in your closet? Also, where do you paddle? In protected waters or the open sea? What is your predominant launching area like? Shells, rocks, sand, a dock, debris? How will you use it? What are your skill levels? How strong are you? Answers to these questions will ultimately determine which of the varied designs will meet your needs. This chapter includes strategies for buying a new folding kayak as well as what to consider when buying used.Diaz then compares the major folding kayaks made in the US, Canada, Germany, and France. Here he evaluates six double- and eight single-folding kayaks. For each boat, conscientious attention is paid to the following key factors: assembly and portability, stability and seaworthiness, tracking, maneuverability, speed and efficiency, versatility and access, quality and durability, and cost and depreciation. Other chapters address equipment and accessories, handling and operating skills, traveling with a foldable, speed assembly hints, sailing a folding kayak (including various rigs), camping, repairing, maintaining, and modifying your folding kayak.Most of the book is dedicated to the folding kayak, while portions are applicable to kayaking in general, rigid or folding. Since the book was published (1994) some of the evaluated models have been dropped from production and new models have been introduced. Naturally the evaluation criteria remain the same, whether new or used. If you are new to kayaking and are thinking about making a purchase, all of this book will prove useful, if not essential. If you are already versed as a kayaker and are open about kayak design, most of this book will strengthen your perspective, aim you in the right direction, and contribute to your making an intelligent choice.

A must-have book for all foldable kayakers.

Ralph has written a concise handbook which is really essential for all folding kayakers. He covers a short history of foldables, how to select a foldable, details of the major (4) manufacturer's products and how-tos in paddling, traveling, rescue and reboard after the rare capsize. His style is friendly, compentent, and authorative. You will find yourself reading and re-reading this book. The only problem is he has not issued an update with the latest since 1994. You will still learn a ton! I will be surprised if you don't subscribe to his bi-monthly newsletter. Ralph writes like he has been there and he has. I am afraid I am going to have to get a second book since my copy is getting worn out from re-reads. You cannot go wrong unless you don't get this book.

Reintroduces the elemenatry concept of kayaking!

I live in Japan, where space is at a premium, but I also love kayaking. All the hardshell kayaks I looked at were reasonably priced but at lenghts of 17 feet or more I could hardly keep them in the tatami rooms of my house. Ralph Diaz reminded me that a folding kayak was the practical and intelligent answer to my needs. So today, I own a Klepper double which collapses into two canvas bags, which, when I'm not exploring the coastline of Japan, or other distant places, stays in a closet in my office. This book furthermore covers every aspect of the seemingly endless features and benefits of folding kayaks, and reviews all the major manufacturers products as well. The well-written introduction by Paul Theroux alone is worth the price of this little gem ("Paddling in Hawaii in the winter, it is not unusual to see whales, But only the paddler is able to leap into the water and hear the whales singing..."). Highly recomeneded reading for anyone seriously contemplating seakayaking anywhere in the world.