The water is a formidable beast, but also a charming and serene place to let go of everyday worries. For as long as man has treaded the open waters, there are a myriad of stories and learnings to be told. Bundling up in this colder season may have you longing to make more of those memories on the water yourself, but in the downtime, it never hurt to learn a thing or two or hear an untold story to spark some adventurous inspiration. Here are a few of our favorite kayaking and paddling books for you to kick back with.

 

1. Five Hundred Miles to the Sea - by Andy Lee

This book tells the story of paddler Andy Lee who camped and paddled over 500 river miles across the Jackson, Cowpasture and James River from the West Virginia mountains to the beaches of the Atlantic. As a seasoned paddler, he discloses his most crucial secrets and tips for how you could take on a journey like that yourself. From weeks-long treks to a long weekend getaway, Andy breaks down things like how to conserve weight on your boat, finding the best sites to sleep comfortably, and choosing the route best suited for your vessel - even one like our K-Pak! This book is a super fun and educational anecdotal read that is sure to kindle the adventure flame within. 

 

 

2. Waterman 2.0: Optimized Movement For Lifelong, Pain-Free Paddling And Surfing - by Kelly Starrett 

As water lovers, we want to be able to live our best life while floating, and have the privilege of doing so pain-free and comfortably. That’s why Waterman 2.0 has made this list, because it divulges important information about basic exercises and habits to keep your joints fluid for the most common physical motions paddling requires. Dr. Kelly Starrett has experience participating in national competitions and working with the world’s top athletes, and has compiled his learnings into this book. It also features insights from over 30 of the world’s top water men and women, including Paige Alms, Kai Lenny and Laird Hamilton. 

 

 

3. Fearless: One Woman, One Kayak, One Continent - by Joe Glickman

This one is for the adrenaline seekers who are looking to vicariously live on the edge with hair-raising feats of bravery against the elements. This book tells the story of gymnast, marksman and Miss Germany contestant Freya Hoffmeister embarking on a year long paddling adventure around Australia, completely alone. Despite experts guaranteeing the trek would get her killed, she braved the 9,420 mile long journey through massive, shark-infested waters and set out to do it faster than anyone before. Author Joe Glickman kept up with her journey via her blog and eventually sat down with her to recap the harrowing adventure. 

 

 

4. No Barriers: A Blind Man's Journey to Kayak the Grand Canyon - by Erik Weihenmayer 

Author Erik Weihenmayer is the first and only blind person to summit Mount Everest, which may, staggeringly, seem like it undermines his additional feat of kayaking the Grand Canyon. With both accomplishments in his repertoire, there’s no denying that he’s got a few tricks up his sleeve and some serious tales to tell. Braving the thunderous whitewater of the Grand Canyon alone, he meets a number of explorers with a wide range of backgrounds who’ve broken through barriers of their own. It’s a story of family, friendship, hardship, loss and perseverance - one that will stay with you forever. Pick it up here.

 

 

5. Canoeing and Kayaking Ohio's Streams: An Access Guide for Paddlers and Anglers (Backcountry Guides) - by Richard Combs and Stephen E. Gillen 

Not only is this a comprehensive guide to the myriad of rivers and streams in the state of Ohio, but this book also serves as beginner and intermediate teachings that apply to paddling adventures everywhere. If you’re a diehard angler who’s never been to Ohio, this book will have you itching to plan a trip. For each river in the state you’ll get a detailed roster of stopover points for natural and human history, detailed maps with river miles, vehicle access points and game-fish for each waterway. This is the journey that your K-Pak was built for!

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Barring trudges through shark-infested waters and silty Class V rapids, our foldable K-Pak is suited for all your paddling needs. Packing down to a humble 21 pounds into a nifty backpack, any adventure is around the corner, or up the trail!