Basic Essentials (R) Sit-On-Top Kayaking, 2nd

Dennis Stuhaug's title words "Basic Essentials" means just that. There is enough information to interest a person new to the sport without going into a lot of additional information. This books get you started. For more specific and in depth coverage of such specific sit on top kayak uses as kayak fishing, The Complete Kayak Fisherman by Ric Burneley fills the bill very nicely and is a better choice.

Comprehensive and easy to read, even has a bit of humor thrown in to make reading more enjoyable. Covers all the basics such as finding a sit-on-top kayak and outfitting it for fishing, diving, etc. Explains various paddling strokes and other drills. It could use a glossary of kayaking terms. For a more advanced book that covers navigation, weather, tides/currents, and DOES contain a glossary, read "Kayaking Made Easy", also by the same author, Dennis Stuhaug. Although this book concentrates on sea kayaks, much of the info is applicable to sit-on-tops as well.