The backbone of a good guide is detailed information in an organized, accessible style; Sea Kayaking the Carolinas has what it takes. Each of the 70 kayak trips is rated for difficulty (providing ease for novices and challenges for old hands). The book includes maps and details on boat ramps, campsites, and hazards from North Carolina"s Mackey Island to South Carolina"s Savannah National Wildlife Refuge. Neither price nor weight are inflated with glossy pictures; what you get is practical instruction, an introduction to the local flora and fauna, and a guide to the joys of kayaking that"s exceptionally easy to use.