The Paddler Magazine issue 74 Autumn/Fall 2023 | Page 9

PADDLER 9
Ultimate Paddling Adventures https :// fernhurstbooks . com By Sarah Thornely ( www . supjunkie . co . uk )
ATOM SUIT
PADDLER 9
REVIEWS

Ultimate Paddling Adventures https :// fernhurstbooks . com By Sarah Thornely ( www . supjunkie . co . uk )

I always feel very blessed to be asked to review a paddling book because a ) paddling is my passion and b ) I get to hold in my hand a physical copy fresh off the printing press , and that is what I love – you cannot , in my opinion , beat a hard copy of a book ; the weight , the quality and feel of the paper and the images as you turn the page . I ’ ve also noticed that I always start at the end of the book , flicking my way from back to front – is it because I am left-handed , or do we all do that ?
Regardless , I have in my hands the latest paddling book from Fernhurst Books , ‘ Ultimate Paddling Adventures – 100 Epic Experiences with a Paddle ’, by Eugene Buchanan , Jason Smith , and James Weir , with SUP experts joining in with some of their beautiful recommendations . This book covers paddles worldwide , and its pages are packed with adventures that will appeal across the board , from novice to the much more adventurous . It covers paddling in general , so all types of craft , from canoes and kayaks to SUP and packraft , with each entry covered by an expert in their chosen field .
Our fair isle is highlighted well with some of the UK ’ s best spots , from the Lake District to the Norfolk Broads and the Outer Hebrides and lochs of Scotland to Snowdonia in Wales . It ’ s been lovely for me to see some of my paddling friends showcasing their local waters or more exotic destinations they have been to .
Further afield , you have the continents of Europe , Africa and Asia , Australasia and the Pacific , North America and Central and South America – it really would take up more than the whole page if I covered each paddling spot ; suffice to say they are extreme and grand in every way .
The paddling area and destinations can be found in the index at the front of the book . Once you have chosen , there is a map , a clear experience level indication , straightforward advice on how to get there , and further information on more paddling in the location and on land local activities . The inspirational description of each read beautifully , and you know that the person who wrote it has experienced that paddle in all its glory , be it a gentle SUP in the breathtaking Swedish Archipelago to sea kayaking along the second longest barrier reef in the world in Belize . This book has something for everyone , from the relative safety of novice sea kayaking in the Big Bend in Florida to expert surf kayaking the tidal rapids in British Columbia , Canada .
The book is a large-format paperback showing stunning full-page photographs . We all need bigger adventures to inspire us to further our knowledge and passion for our chosen sport , and I , for one , will enjoy the darker evenings even more as I plan my adventures to farflung destinations worldwide .
This is the perfect Christmas present for the water lover in your life . I dare you not to be motivated by this book ’ s awe-inspiring adventures and breathtaking images . Price : £ 20.00

The world is made of atoms

ATOM SUIT
A drysuit made for adventure . Durable and flexible ; with YKK AquaSeal zips , breathable XP 4-layer fabric and extra layers of reinforcement where it counts . Each suit is individually pressure tested . Available in men ’ s and women ’ s styles .