Water Sports

Dive into our collection of water sports books spanning kayaking, sailing, wild swimming, surfing and open-water adventures. From coastal explorations and river journeys to ocean crossings and cold-water therapy, discover the stories and guides that bring the water to life.

28 books

The Last Dive

Bernie Chowdhury

Audiobook

Barbarian Days

William Finnegan

Audiobook

Sailing a Serious Ocean

John Kretschmer

Audiobook

Technically Speaking

Simon Pridmore

Audiobook

Rowing the Northwest Passage

Kevin Vallely

Audiobook

Cocaine + Surfing

Chas Smith

Audiobook

RYA Yachtmaster Handbook

James Stevens

Audiobook

RYA Powerboat Handbook

Paul Glatzel

Audiobook

Sailing, Yachts and Yarns

Tom Cunliffe

Audiobook

Saltwater in the Blood

Easkey Britton

Audiobook

Get Real, Get Gone

Rick Page

Audiobook

Amazing Sailing Stories

Dick Durham

Audiobook

Old Man Sailing

John Passmore

Audiobook

Surf Is Where You Find It

Gerry Lopez

Audiobook

Introduction to Sailing

Christian Williams

Audiobook

Rowing the Atlantic

Roz Savage

Audiobook

Sailing Alone

Richard J. King

Audiobook

Pipe Dreams

Kelly Slater

Audiobook

Making Mavericks

Frosty Hesson

Audiobook

Young Woman and the Sea

Glenn Stout

Audiobook

The Habit of Rivers

Ted Leeson

Audiobook

Four Mums in a Boat

Janette Benaddi

Audiobook

Dark, Salt, Clear

Lamorna Ash

Audiobook

Sailing Alone Around the World

Joshua Slocum

Audiobook

Flirting with Mermaids

John Kretschmer

Audiobook

About Water Sports

From the adrenaline rush of big wave surfing to the meditative calm of wild swimming, water sports offer some of life's most transformative experiences. Our curated collection brings together the essential reads for anyone drawn to aquatic adventure — whether you're planning your first kayaking trip, dreaming of ocean crossings, or seeking inspiration from those who've pushed the boundaries of what's possible on and beneath the waves.

These books span the full spectrum of water-based pursuits: practical guides for sailors navigating coastal waters, memoirs from channel swimmers and Atlantic rowers, explorations of cold-water therapy's healing powers, and stunning visual celebrations of maritime heritage. You'll find technical manuals for aquatic fitness, shore guides for exploring new coastlines, and deeply personal accounts of how paddleboarding, swimming and sailing have changed lives.

Whether you're an experienced sailor, a wild swimming enthusiast, a surfing devotee, or simply curious about life on the water, these books offer knowledge, inspiration and insight. They're perfect for armchair adventurers planning their next expedition, athletes seeking to improve their technique, or anyone who finds solace, challenge and joy in the world's rivers, lakes and oceans.

Frequently Asked Questions

Our collection includes several excellent wild swimming titles, from Breaking Waves, which explores discovery and healing in open water, to An Opinionated Guide to Swim London for urban swimmers. Blue Scotland offers comprehensive coverage of Scotland's wild waters, perfect for those seeking pristine locations.

Yes, many titles cater specifically to beginners. Books like Boat Buying Basics and shore guides to destinations such as The Netherlands and West Country provide essential introductory information. We also feature inspirational memoirs that show how people discovered water sports later in life, such as A Mid Life Less Ordinary.

Absolutely. Our collection includes remarkable accounts like A Mid Life Less Ordinary, which chronicles rowing the Atlantic at fifty, and 150 Years of Swimming the Channel, celebrating the world's most famous swimming challenge. These books offer both inspiration and insight into pushing human limits on water.

We feature comprehensive sailing resources including Bonnie Dahl's Superior Way for cruising Lake Superior, and Adlard Coles shore guides covering various coastal regions. A Sailor's Tales offers practical wisdom alongside storytelling, while guides like those for The Netherlands provide everything you need when stepping ashore.

Yes, Canoe and Kayak Building the Light and Easy Way offers practical construction guidance, while Bark Canoes: The Art and Obsession of Tappan Adney explores the traditional craft and artistry of canoe building. These books appeal to both practical builders and those interested in maritime heritage.