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 and 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. Ten years after the release of the first edition, we are excited to release this revised and expanded second edition with up-to-date information, new drawings and graphics, and tips to improve your skills and knowledge. We are grateful for some fantastic feedback from SKILS staff and students on how to improve the content and make it easier to understand some complex theoretical concepts.

 

What you'll learn in the navigation section:

1) How to read and use a marine chart.

2) Practical navigation techniques.

3) Advanced practical navigation techniques.

4) Collision Regulations.

5) Navigating with a compass and electronic navigation.

1) A better understanding of the how swell and waves are formed and how they affect watercraft.

2) A better understanding of how to paddle in the ice.

3) A better understanding of tides and currents, their origin and how they impact watercraft.

1) A better understanding of the how weather systems are formed and affect you.

2) You’ll develop skills and knowledge how to record and interpret marine weather. 

For the past 18 years, the authors have developed training manuals for SKILS programs. These manuals are currently being expanded and polished and will become books as part of the Freedom of the Seas series. Freedom of the Seas Volume 2: Sea Kayak Touring and Leadership Manual is now available here!