- Hardcover: 288 pages
- Publisher: St Martin's Press (14 Oct 1999)
- Language English
- ISBN-10: 0312205082
- ISBN-13: 978-0312205089
- Product Dimensions: 23.6 x 15.7 x 3 cm
- Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
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Amazon Bestsellers Rank:
746,668 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #62 in Books > Sports, Hobbies & Games > Water Sports > Boating > Sea Kayaking
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More About the Author
Product Description
Amazon.co.uk Review
"Every time I thought I had reached the peak, that the passion for the journey must certainly begin to wane, I would stumble on another experience that pulled me onward," writes Chris Duff, recounting his solo circumnavigation of Ireland by sea kayak in the summer of 1996. "Stroke by stroke, four miles an hour, Ireland was filling me with its life blood."
Beginning and ending in Dublin, Duff paddled 1,200 miles over the course of three months. Sometimes he piloted his frail craft through waters too tumultuous even for hardy local fisherman; other times he sought refuge in sixth- century monastic ruins on coastal islands or waited out storms for days on end in his tent. In this sense, Duff's journey is a study in contrasting worlds: land and sea; past and present; solitude and society. The story's suspense comes not from a questionable outcome, but in the surprise of daily encounters. Who or what relic of the past will the author stumble upon next?
Ultimately it is Duff's openness to ancient and elemental forces, expressed in starkly honest prose, that propels his narrative through the churning waters of Irish history and landscape. But this is also the story of a sea kayaker at the top of his game, dealing with nature's harsh blows and quiet caresses. --Kristopher Kaiyala
Product Description
A sea kayak battles the freezing Irish waters as the morning sun rises out of the countryside. On the horizon is the pinnacle of Skellig Michael, rising out of exploding seas. Somewhere on that isolated island are 6th-century monastic ruins where the light of civilization was kept burning during the dark ages. The ocean rises violently and tosses paddler and boat as if they were discarded flotsam. This is only one day out of Chris Duff's incredible three-month journey.
On Celtic Tides is a memoir unlike any other. Filled with vivid insight into the geography, culture, and history of Ireland, it transports you to a country rich in heritage. Take a whiteknuckle ride with author Chris Duff as he braves the furious Irish seas, and examines his own soul in a quest for self-discovery.
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
Chris Duff is not just sea kayaker. He is also a philosopher, a humanist, and a man who sees what remote places mean to our modern, crazy world, as well as what they look like. I learned things about my own country from this book. When I revisit places that he dropped in on during his round Ireland trip, I will see them with new eyes. When he came ashore, his perspective on the world of dry land, with its sometimes narrow and constraining life-styles, made one re-examine who was "normal" here: Chris in his wild and often calculatedly dangerous adventure, or us with our risk aversion and comfort. This is a classic narrative that transcends the narrow genre of "sea" adventure. It is a book about life and a search for deeper meaning.
Format:Paperback
I really enjoyed this book by Chris Duff and felt i was on the journey with him.A friend of mine Elaine Shooter Alexander did same trip so i have read a few kayak books to try and understand her journey.Chris gave such a vivid account which was both witty and informative.I suppose it says it all when i am reading it for second time!! Would recommend this book to any one with an interest in Ireland. Well done Chris.
Format:Paperback
This is a really mix of paddling,local history,culture and the people that he meets on his journey. The balance is excellent without too much focus on any one area.His descriptions of paddling mountainous seas and sleeping in damp monastic hermitages are all pervading and at times allow for a gripping read. Personally I preferred his South Island epic (Southern Exposure)but definitely worth a read.
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