KASK Handbook

The concept of the KASK handbook originated in 1995 with a scoping document sent to paddlers throughout New Zealand. The response was very positive and the results were edited by Peter Sullivan and Paul Caffyn. The task of typing, scanning and layout of the first edition was undertaken by Peter. The handbook was first published in 1996. A second edition, published in 1998, was reformatted by Paul Caffyn with a resources section added, plus more of Nicola Johnson’s marvelous sketches. A fourth edition, published in 2006, involved a huge collective effort by KASK members. The fourth edition was a significant update including rewriting of existing sections and several new sections.

The KASK handbook is currently out of print, it is available electronically as a screen resolution PDF below. The information that the handbook was intended to cover is constantly evolving as sea kayaking equipment and techniques develop over time.

The KASK Committee have taken the difficult decision to discontinue developing the handbook in it’s current form and aims to progressively update the information in electronic form taking advantage of the current video and image technology, exactly how this will be presented is still an ongoing work.

Readers with expertise in areas not covered in the current handbook or with constructive criticism please contact KASK via the Contact Us link.

The overall aim of the Handbook, to emphasize the skills and techniques necessary to enjoy safe, incident free paddling will remain, the format of delivery is being updated.