An introduction to canoeing that uses step-by-step photographs to demonstrate the essential strokes and maneuvers; includes safety tips and information on equipment.

An information-packed tool for the novice or handy reference for the veteran. Distills years of knowledge in an affordable and portable book.

From its beginnings, river canoeing in the United States has grown enormously. New equipment, materials, and techniques have advanced the capabilities of boaters. This handbook explains the techniques of whitewater canoeing, with concise instructions and clear illustrations, for a safe introduction to the sport. Oriented to the open two-person canoe, the material presented in this book also is applicable to solo paddling and closed canoes. The chapter on equipment and clothing contains information on the latest types of canoes available and discusses the advantages and problems of each in whitewater canoeing. Different shapes for canoes are reviewed along with their implications for recreational and whitewater canoeing. Information is given for lifevests and helmets, knee straps, painters, and bailers. Floatation devices are covered, along with splash covers and carrying yokes. Other chapters cover effective paddle strokes, reading fast water, river maneuvering, rescue techniques, strategies, canoe slaloming, and wilderness whitewater canoeing. A special chapter on becoming a whitewater instructor is included. Appendices illustrate how to reinforce paddle blades; making a throw-line rescue bag; universal river signals; the English Gate; use of a flannel board for training; and the difficulty classifications of rivers. (ALL)

2005 National Outdoor Book Award Winner. A fully illustrated introduction to river kayaking with a full-color gear guide plus chapters on river safety and reading the water. Step-by-step instruction on essential techniques, including all major strokes and rolls.

CLICK HERE to download the section on sea kayaking "Safety: Self & Assisted Rescue" from Sea Kayaking * Features 130 demonstrative photographs and 30 charts and illustrations * Written by a veteran paddling coach and expert in kayak stroke efficiency * Advice from expert contributors throughout adds full range of experience The latest addition to the award-winning Mountaineers Outdoor Expert series, Sea Kayaking: Basic Skills to Advanced Paddling Techniques, offers authoritative advice for paddlers of all levels, from beginners considering their first gear purchase to competitive kayakers looking to perfect their forward stroke. As a longtime paddling professional and National Team coach, author Dan Henderson draws from a lifetime of personal experience, teaching, and his academic research in exercise science to instruct readers on everything they need to know to get out on the water, including: * Gear -- how to pick the right kayak for your body size, skill level, and lifestyle * Foundations of safety, how to plan and prepare, and must-know advice for assisted and self-rescue * Basic paddling styles to advanced techniques (side slipping, edging, bracing) * Techniques for a range of conditions caused by wind, waves, currents, swells, and more * Expedition planning and camping * Getting the most out of kayaking for fitness “Dan’s participation in paddlesports is celebrated by a lifetime of contribution to the sport, friendships that span the globe and professional success across all disciplines of paddling. The opportunity to learn from Dan’s experience will only add to your enjoyment and success in the sport.” -- Joe Jacobi, Chief Executive Officer USA Canoe/Kayak

This is a thoroughly modern book on the traditional open canoe. It covers all aspects of the open canoe, from design to wilderness travel. What really sets it apart is its focus on canoeing techniques. Ray Goodwin is the UK's best known and (many would go so far as to say) foremost canoe coach. By introducing some of the latest canoeing performance skills, based on what he has discovered through decades of coaching and guiding, he sets out to inspire a new generation of paddlers. Through clear language and the use of photographs acquired over many years of paddling around the world, he shares some real insights of the reality of canoeing; sometimes gritty, but always enthralling. New in the 2nd edition is a section on 'vision pattern', a method for creating a mental map of a rapid. There is an expanded and re-written chapter on canoeing with children. There are more techniques for improvised sailing and more on advanced lining and tracking. It describes new solo rescue techniques and has many new inspirational canoe expedition examples. Ray has paddled extensively in Europe and his British canoe trips include the circumnavigation of Wales and the Irish Sea Crossing. In North America he has canoed the Rio Grande in the South and done trips as far north as the Arctic Circle, as well as doing two kayak descents of the Grand Canyon of the Colorado. In addition to being a British Canoe Union Level 5 Coach in Canoe, Inland Kayak, he holds a Mountain Instructor's Certificate and has led ice climbs on Kilimanjaro, Mount Kenya and in the Atlas Mountains. He runs his own coaching and guiding business, working at all levels from novice to the top BCU leadership and coaching qualifications courses.