How to Read Water cover art

How to Read Water

Clues, Signs & Patterns from Puddles to the Sea

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How to Read Water

By: Tristan Gooley
Narrated by: Tristan Gooley
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About this listen

A must-have book for walkers, sailors, swimmers, anglers and everyone interested in thenatural world, in How To Read Water, Natural Navigator Tristan Gooley shares knowledge, skills, tips and useful observations to help you enjoy the landscape around you.

Includes over 700 clues, signs and patterns.

You'll learn how to:

  • Interpret ponds like a Polynesian
  • Spot dangerous water in the pitch black with the help of a clock face
  • Read the sea like a Viking
  • Forecast the weather from waves
  • Find your way with puddles
  • Decipher wave patterns on beaches
  • Decode the colour of water

Unravel a river like an expert.

From wild swimming in Sussex to wayfinding off Oman, via the icy mysteries of the Arctic, Tristan Gooley draws on his own pioneering journeys to reveal the secrets of ponds, puddles, rivers, oceans and more to show us all the skills we need to read the water around us.

©2016 Tristan Gooley (P)2016 Hodder & Stoughton Biological Sciences Ecosystems & Habitats Environment Natural Resources Nature & Ecology Outdoors & Nature Sailing Sailing & Boating Science Walking Water Sports Sports Thought-Provoking Swimming

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Critic reviews

A Sunday Times 'Must Read' book.
All stars
Most relevant
I really enjoyed this book.

There are a wealth of nuggets of information that make you want to rush outside and check something for yourself!

Even though the narrator (and author) tries his best to keep things simple, I found some of the content quite heavy going and think it will take a second / third read for much of the knowledge to sink in.

Enjoyable and educational

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From the start to finish, Tristan's knowledge floats of each page, soothing your ears and eyes into what can only be described as a mystical voyage as he delves deep Into his life experiences and years of sailing. Knowledge, this should be taught in schools, like many crafts and skills that are being lost to modern technology, the knowledge and wisdom in these pages need to be shared for all the generations to come,
I loved the audiobooks that much I've purchased the physical books not just once but twice a set for me and a set for my son
It's been a utter pleasure
Thank you

What we really need to be taught

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This is a fascinating book from an inspirational author - it enables the entry level reader and expert to learn and enjoy his experiences and shared wisdom. He presents the information in a light and enjoyable manner and it is very easy to listen to - the equivalent of 'unputdownable'. I would strongly recommend it and will seek out his public speaking presentations at the RGS if possible. Looking forward (hopefully) to seeing his other titles on this site asap.

Great read (listen)...

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A great and well narrated dip into the watery world. Enjoyed every minute of it

Fascinating

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The reader I love how he talks and how he talks writer it!! The hole things!!!!!

The hole thing

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