Sunday June 7th, 2009 Can the Library Help You Kayak?

After thoroughly enjoying two kayaking excursions the previous summer, I found myself daydreaming more and more about the activity as winter dragged on. There is just something about gliding through the water on the banks of a lake or river that just appeals to me. Now, of course I am not the master kayaker that I claim to be to anyone who will listen. Nor am I an intermediate level kayaker. I am more between the level of beginner and extreme beginner (but God forbid that my friends and family know this fact). However, I plan to update my kayaking status with the help of a few key resources found at the Thunder Bay Public Library.

At any of the four TBPL branches, current books that specialize on the subject of kayaking can be found. A great example is the book Paddle Your Own Kayak: an illustrated guide to the art of kayaking by Gary and Joanie McGuffin. This beautifully illustrated book covers numerous kayaking topics on fundamentals, proper techniques, weather, clothing and safety with step by step instructions that will interest kayaking beginners and experts alike.

On the other hand, a book that focuses solely on the safety aspects of kayaking can also be obtained from the library. The Sea Kayaking Safety Guide published by the Canadian Coast Guard aims to educate recreational kayakers on potential dangers, proper regulations, trip planning advice accompanied with a thorough checklist, individual provincial information and first aid (a free PDF version of this book can be found on Transport Canada’s official website).

For those of you thinking about the opportunity to fish from your kayak, try Kayak Fishing: the ultimate guide by Scott Null and Joel Mcbride. These authors share both fresh and saltwater fishing tips based on their extensive experience on the subject. I’m hoping that these gentlemen might be able to provide some insight as to avoid being dragged all over the lake when hooking that big monster, or in my case, how not to fall out of the kayak when trying to rid myself of a snag.


One last book that might be of interest details the actual building of a fabric covered sea kayak. Building the Greenland Kayak: a manual for its construction and use by Christopher Cunningham is a concise manual that covers the design of a Greenland kayak with easy to understand instructions and numerous illustrations and diagrams.



Instead of relying solely on print materials relating to the subject of kayaking, instructional videos can also be found at the TBPL. DVD’s such as All About Kayaking written and produced by Kent Ford will offer viewers instruction on the basics of kayaking and kayak touring. In addition, The Kayaker’s Toolbox by Joe Holt (winner of the best instruction video at the 2006 National Paddling Film Festival), which was filmed in high definition quality, showcases instruction on the more advanced subject of whitewater kayaking.

Also found at the Thunder Bay Public Library is the Virtual Collection, which is a great online resource that can be accessed from inside the library or from the comfort of your home (provided one has internet access and a library card). Many of the electronic databases contained within the collection offer insightful articles on topics relating to and about kayaking.

As I become more and more familiar with the proper techniques and attempt to not look like a complete novice, I intend to make the most out of my summer and explore the fantastic wilderness in and around beautiful Thunder Bay and who knows what the future will hold. Whitewater kayaking? Yeah, I don’t think so…..

Derek Gradner, Library Assistant at the Waverley branch – www.tbpl.ca