On Celtic Tides: One Man's Journey Around Ireland by Sea Kayak

I read every kayak book I could find during a winter away from my boat. This was one of the very best books I've ever read. Another reviewer said there's too much 'head stuff' and 'sappy' but I must disagree. Chris immersed himself in this trip so he could fully appreciate it. He didn't just do the movie scene where Chevy Chase looks at the Grand Canyon & says "Nice, can we go?" Chris took extra time to imagine what history had happened on each spot he found. He quickly became friends with people there and allowed them to enrich his experience. He took none of the panoramic landscape for granted. He was not a window-shopper by any means, but a participant throughout his whole being. He made an effort to touch and be touched by everything in his path. I've recommended this book to kayakers as well as people with an interest in Ireland. It's also great for anyone who wants a lesson in how to live without letting life pass you by.

I almost didn't read Chris Duff's "On Celtic Tides" due to some of the reviews posted here. The book is either loved or not quite what the reader was seeking. Luckily for me, this book overwhelmed me with the excitement of Mr. Duff's travels and learning more about the historical sites in Ireland. I thought he found a perfect blend of description of the sea's, kayaking and history and emotion. His writing style continually impressed me. He is an expert at painting pictures with words but isn't wordy for the sake of filling space. His words are well thought out and his style unique. I also enjoyed the fact that he never complained. I've read other stories of significant journey where the author excessively complained about his loneliness or hardships. I thoroughly enjoyed reading about how he mentally managed the rough seas that were encountered. This is not a book about kayak technique, although there are inferences made about the technical aspects of kayaking. The reader is exposed to mental tools and techniques that may help in a rough situation, and this is certainly an under exposed area in the standard kayaking how-to book. I highly recommend this book, don't be dissuaded from reading it.

This wonderful book won the 2000 National Outdoor Book Award for literature.

chris duff's travel in a sea kayak was one of the most wonderful books i've read in some time! His clarity of vision, storytelling, balance and insight were and are refreshing. The book is intimate both on and off the ocean. One need not be a kayaker to revel in the journey but it certainly helps. i was truly saddened when he completed the trip and look forward to reading about his other voyages. i'd love to join him the next trip out!vincent maher, NYC

the book is an excellent journal of the writers kayak journey around ireland.i was pleasantly surprised by the author's references to ireland and the coasts history and its lessons for our own lives.