Sea Kayak Safety and Rescue

Sea Kayak Safety and Rescue by Gordon Brown is a must-have guide for every sea kayaker — from beginner to expert. Building on his acclaimed book Sea Kayak, Gordon brings his decades of experience and engaging teaching style to focus on the vital topics of safety, prevention, and rescue in real-world conditions.

Each chapter begins with a real-life kayaking incident that sets the scene and reveals the lessons learned. Gordon then unpacks the principles of risk awareness, decision-making, teamwork, and self-reliance before exploring the hard skills in detail. Supported by numerous full-colour photographs, every section blends story, theory, and practical instruction to help paddlers anticipate problems and respond effectively.

Inside you'll discover how to:

• Recognise and avoid risks through effective planning and awareness
• Master essential rescue techniques for solo and group situations
• Develop sound decision-making under pressure
• Apply safety principles to real-world coastal environments
• Reflect and learn from experience — the foundation of expert paddling

Written in Gordon's clear and often humorous voice, this book combines technical expertise with human insight. Whether you're training for leadership awards or simply exploring your local coastline, this is an essential companion for safe, confident sea kayaking.

About the Author

Gordon Brown has recently moved from the Isle of Skye in Scotland to Vancouver Island in Canada. He has a lifetime's experience of kayaking in all its forms and well over thirty years of coaching sea kayaking. In 1992 he completed both sea kayak and white water kayak BCU Level 5 coach qualifications, and was involved in the development, training and assessment of these awards until they were discontinued when the award scheme was reorganised. In 2016 he completed a Masters Degree in Performance Coaching and has produced a set of three instructional DVDs in the Sea Kayak with Gordon Brown series, the world's first sea kayak rescue video, Over … and Out, as well as writing the book Sea Kayak also by Pesda Press. Gordon believes that everyone has the potential to achieve more, and that a creative and supportive environment can lay the foundations for the greatest advances in personal development. He values the importance of taking time to reflect and learn from the experience. His most rewarding experiences are when helping someone else achieve their potential. He likes acoustic folk music, close friends and good food although not necessarily in that order. Gordon has previously said that he has the best job in the world. He still believes that to be true and looks forward to his time on the water with all students.