Rating: 
Summary: Most authoritative book on folding kayaks . . . PERIOD.
Review: For a book written in the early 1990's, much of what Mr. Diaz has to say about evaluating the different manufacturers & models still applies. Being in the market for a folding boat, I've found this book very helpful. Although I think the author is little too zealous about the virtues of folding boats vs. the hard shells. If you're looking for a boat about whitewater kayaking or river boating, skip this one. The focus is on sea kayaks. Does this mean that folding boats aren't suitable for the river? Couldn't tell you after reading this book.
Rating: 
Summary: Reintroduces the elemenatry concept of kayaking!
Review: I live in Japan, where space is at a premium, but I also love kayaking. All the hardshell kayaks I looked at were reasonably priced but at lenghts of 17 feet or more I could hardly keep them in the tatami rooms of my house. Ralph Diaz reminded me that a folding kayak was the practical and intelligent answer to my needs. So today, I own a Klepper double which collapses into two canvas bags, which, when I'm not exploring the coastline of Japan, or other distant places, stays in a closet in my office. This book furthermore covers every aspect of the seemingly endless features and benefits of folding kayaks, and reviews all the major manufacturers products as well. The well-written introduction by Paul Theroux alone is worth the price of this little gem ("Paddling in Hawaii in the winter, it is not unusual to see whales, But only the paddler is able to leap into the water and hear the whales singing..."). Highly recomeneded reading for anyone seriously contemplating seakayaking anywhere in the world.
Rating:
Summary: A strategic read for choosing a folding kayak.
Review: If you are about to buy a kayak, rigid or folding, you will benefit by reading this book, at least most of it. Each boat type has its virtues and drawbacks, but what are they? In a careful, comprehensive, and clear manner, Ralph Diaz sets forth the virtues of the folding kayak. In doing so, drawbacks of both designs surface. This book is invaluable in obtaining a perspective before you buy.Diaz discusses the heritage of the folding kayak: a boat used by Eskimos to hunt at sea; a boat built of bones, driftwood, and animal hide. Diaz points out that although springing from an old design, the current "skin and frame" vessel is constructed of modern materials. This synthesis of old and new renders a craft that is strong, light, roomy, seaworthy, versatile, easily repaired, and portable. These features now compete winningly with the contemporary rigid design. Diaz suggests criteria for selecting a particular model. These he puts into the category of "Sizing up your needs." Among the questions you need to ask are: Do you wish to kayak in a single or double? Will you need to assemble and disassemble it regularly? For instance, do you live in the city and keep the kayak in your closet? Also, where do you paddle? In protected waters or the open sea? What is your predominant launching area like? Shells, rocks, sand, a dock, debris? How will you use it? What are your skill levels? How strong are you? Answers to these questions will ultimately determine which of the varied designs will meet your needs. This chapter includes strategies for buying a new folding kayak as well as what to consider when buying used. Diaz then compares the major folding kayaks made in the US, Canada, Germany, and France. Here he evaluates six double- and eight single-folding kayaks. For each boat, conscientious attention is paid to the following key factors: assembly and portability, stability and seaworthiness, tracking, maneuverability, speed and efficiency, versatility and access, quality and durability, and cost and depreciation. Other chapters address equipment and accessories, handling and operating skills, traveling with a foldable, speed assembly hints, sailing a folding kayak (including various rigs), camping, repairing, maintaining, and modifying your folding kayak. Most of the book is dedicated to the folding kayak, while portions are applicable to kayaking in general, rigid or folding. Since the book was published (1994) some of the evaluated models have been dropped from production and new models have been introduced. Naturally the evaluation criteria remain the same, whether new or used. If you are new to kayaking and are thinking about making a purchase, all of this book will prove useful, if not essential. If you are already versed as a kayaker and are open about kayak design, most of this book will strengthen your perspective, aim you in the right direction, and contribute to your making an intelligent choice.
Rating:
Summary: A strategic read for choosing a folding kayak.
Review: If you are about to buy a kayak, rigid or folding, you will benefit by reading this book, at least most of it. Each boat type has its virtues and drawbacks, but what are they? In a careful, comprehensive, and clear manner, Ralph Diaz sets forth the virtues of the folding kayak. In doing so, drawbacks of both designs surface. This book is invaluable in obtaining a perspective before you buy. Diaz discusses the heritage of the folding kayak: a boat used by Eskimos to hunt at sea; a boat built of bones, driftwood, and animal hide. Diaz points out that although springing from an old design, the current "skin and frame" vessel is constructed of modern materials. This synthesis of old and new renders a craft that is strong, light, roomy, seaworthy, versatile, easily repaired, and portable. These features now compete winningly with the contemporary rigid design. Diaz suggests criteria for selecting a particular model. These he puts into the category of "Sizing up your needs." Among the questions you need to ask are: Do you wish to kayak in a single or double? Will you need to assemble and disassemble it regularly? For instance, do you live in the city and keep the kayak in your closet? Also, where do you paddle? In protected waters or the open sea? What is your predominant launching area like? Shells, rocks, sand, a dock, debris? How will you use it? What are your skill levels? How strong are you? Answers to these questions will ultimately determine which of the varied designs will meet your needs. This chapter includes strategies for buying a new folding kayak as well as what to consider when buying used. Diaz then compares the major folding kayaks made in the US, Canada, Germany, and France. Here he evaluates six double- and eight single-folding kayaks. For each boat, conscientious attention is paid to the following key factors: assembly and portability, stability and seaworthiness, tracking, maneuverability, speed and efficiency, versatility and access, quality and durability, and cost and depreciation. Other chapters address equipment and accessories, handling and operating skills, traveling with a foldable, speed assembly hints, sailing a folding kayak (including various rigs), camping, repairing, maintaining, and modifying your folding kayak. Most of the book is dedicated to the folding kayak, while portions are applicable to kayaking in general, rigid or folding. Since the book was published (1994) some of the evaluated models have been dropped from production and new models have been introduced. Naturally the evaluation criteria remain the same, whether new or used. If you are new to kayaking and are thinking about making a purchase, all of this book will prove useful, if not essential. If you are already versed as a kayaker and are open about kayak design, most of this book will strengthen your perspective, aim you in the right direction, and contribute to your making an intelligent choice.
Rating:
Summary: One heck of a book
Review: Let me tell you, as somebody who works personally with Mr. Diaz on a daily basis I can truly say that Ralph Diaz is the ultimate source on kayaking. He is somebody who takes his kayaking as seriously as he does his editing and it shows
Rating:
Summary: A must-have book for all foldable kayakers.
Review: Ralph has written a concise handbook which is really essential for all folding kayakers. He covers a short history of foldables, how to select a foldable, details of the major (4) manufacturer's products and how-tos in paddling, traveling, rescue and reboard after the rare capsize. His style is friendly, compentent, and authorative. You will find yourself reading and re-reading this book. The only problem is he has not issued an update with the latest since 1994. You will still learn a ton! I will be surprised if you don't subscribe to his bi-monthly newsletter. Ralph writes like he has been there and he has. I am afraid I am going to have to get a second book since my copy is getting worn out from re-reads. You cannot go wrong unless you don't get this book.
Rating:
Summary: A must-have book for all foldable kayakers.
Review: Ralph has written a concise handbook which is really essential for all folding kayakers. He covers a short history of foldables, how to select a foldable, details of the major (4) manufacturer's products and how-tos in paddling, traveling, rescue and reboard after the rare capsize. His style is friendly, compentent, and authorative. You will find yourself reading and re-reading this book. The only problem is he has not issued an update with the latest since 1994. You will still learn a ton! I will be surprised if you don't subscribe to his bi-monthly newsletter. Ralph writes like he has been there and he has. I am afraid I am going to have to get a second book since my copy is getting worn out from re-reads. You cannot go wrong unless you don't get this book.
Rating:
Summary: The Bible for folding kayak owners
Review: The author, Ralph Diaz, has for a number of years published a slim but tremendously valuable newletter for folding kayak enthusiasts, and this book is essentially the information collected by Ralph and his readers over the years, updated, corrected and expanded, together with new information collected for the book.
The result is a unique and absolutely invaluable reference volume for owners (and prospective owners) of folding kayaks. Ralph is no dillitante how-to author; he's a fanatic evangelical for folders, knows everyone in the business, and has helped countless people to select the kayak that's best for them. He also knows, and is know by, everyone in the folding kayak business. Ralph takes you on a tour of the history of the folding kayak, the benifits and drawbacks of folders, a tour of the various manufacturers and models available from each, and walks you through basic kayak technique. He tells you about modifications that owners have made and tested, and where to get parts and repairs for out of production boats. I have been enamored of folders since I saw my first one on Isle Royale back in 1968. As we talked, a young fellow not much older than I assembled a boat from two small suitcases that was far more seaworthy than the heavy aluminum canoes my compatriots and I were paddling. As a 14 year old I didn't have the wherewithall to buy one, and put the notion aside for a number of years. Last year, with Ralph's help, I found the folder of my dreams, a Folboat Greenland II.
If you're contemplating purchase of a non-whitewater kayak, you must read this book- even if you hadn't been contemplating a folding boat.
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