Fundamentals of Kayak Navigation is the complete guide to finding your way and getting there safely. Burch, the director of the Starpath School of Navigation in Seattle, Washington, covers every topic relevant to sea kayak navigation, including reading and using navigational charts, dead reckoning and piloting, determining paddling speed, estimating distance from a landmark, maintaining a heading while paddling in a crossing current, and tidal effects relevant to navigation.

Burch strove for completeness when writing this seminal manual, but also kept the layperson in mind by maintaining his clear style throughout the text. His years of teaching experience and immense navigational knowledge are obvious from reading Fundamentals. Each example is accompanied by clear diagrams that help illustrate sometimes difficult points.

This book is targeted specifically to kayakers; it's not an adapted version of a small-craft navigation manual. The techniques described are only those that can be accomplished from the seat of a kayak; you won't find sextants and astronomical tables discussed here. Burch is clearly an avid kayaker who has spent many hours perfecting his navigation skills in this ancient craft.

Because navigation is a very complex subject, and Burch attempts to treat it thoroughly, some readers may become discouraged or confused by the vast amount of information presented. Fundamentals requires more than one read to absorb all the techniques and important information. As with all complicated topics, practice is required to master the techniques, but those willing to put in effort will be rewarded by the ability to always know where they are and get where they want to go.

If you plan to kayak on the ocean, and want to spend time learning about navigation (as all sea kayakers should), this manual is the kayak navigation book to buy.