Book Reviews

August-September 1998

This is an article from WaveLength Magazine, available in print in North America and globally on the web.

 

The Kayaker's Playbook by Kent Ford with Phil and Mary Deriemer

Designed to be a pocket trainer, this workbook is the fastest way for any paddler to improve whitewater kayaking skills. Consider this: drills are the foundation for excellence in any sport, and kayaking is no exception. So the book packages a series of exercises that make improved paddling easy. Paddlers will notice better control and confidence, and have more fun on the river!

Author Kent Ford has a remarkable background for producing a paddling text. A two time World Champion slalom paddler, and former coach for the US Junior Team, Ford has considerable experience observing and developing systems that help improve paddling skill. Assisting with the text were instructional authors Phil and Mary DeRiemer. These veteran instructors are well known for their concise articulations of paddling techniques.

The authors are so confident the book will prove helpful to any paddler that it includes a money back guarantee to improve paddling. Includes waterproof crib sheet to help the student remember the flatwater drills.

The Kayakers Playbook 64 pp, b&w photos ISBN 0-9660569-1-4. Published by Kent Ford



Island Backroads by Richard K. Blier

Outdoor writer Richard K. Blieronce again shares his intimate knowledge of many of the best places to get away from it all on Vancouver Island. Richard provides a complete listing of outdoor destinations from popular provincial parks and B.C. Forest Service locations to primitive wilderness campsites, hiking trails, fishing lakes, canoe and kayak routes, and four-wheeling regions. Island Backroads includes forty trips described and classified under paved roads, logging roads, and hiking and paddling destinations; major access routes for each locale, including road information; and any entry restrictions contacts for regional information and all pre-trip planning.

Trip difficulty ratings aren't included in Island Backroads, however detailed descriptions of each route will give an idea of how challenging it is.

Richard K. Blier is the author of Island Adventures (Orca Book Publishers, 1989) and More Island Adventures (Orca Book Publishers, 1993). He has travelled Vancouver Island backroads for more than two decades.

Island Backroads Hiking, Camping and Paddling on Vancouver Island. 224 pp., photographs, maps ISBN 1-55143-097-5 Published by Orca Book Publishers $16.95