This Month's Books

Paddle Your Own Canoe: by Gary & Joanie McGuffin

A comprehensive manual on canoeing techniques, designed for both novice and experienced paddlers and endorsed by the ACA & CRCA. Gary & Joannie McGuffin, professional adventurers and North America's most celebrated canoeing couple, offer expert step-by-step instruction on everything from strokes, rescues, gear, how to read a river, to canoeing philosophy. Delightful reading with more than 600 color photographs and personal anecdotes.
Boston Mills Press, 1999. ISBN 1-55046-214-8, hardcover, color, 208 pg. $39.95 Cdn $29.95 US

Superior, Journeys on an Inland Sea: by Gary & Joanie McGuffin

The awe-inspiring story of the McGuffins' circumnavigation of Lake Superior, the largest expanse of fresh water in the world-2000 miles by canoe, kayak, skis & snowshoes. 140 spectacular color photos reveal a powerful, mysterious yet fragile eco-system.

Boston Mills Press, 1995. ISBN 1-55046-067-6, hardcover, color, 158 pg. $50 Cdn $40 US

Where Rivers Run: by Gary & Joanie McGuffin

The remarkable account of the McGuffins' 7 month, 6000 mile canoe journey from the Atlantic to the Arctic.

Boston Mills Press, 1988. ISBN 0-7737-2207-6, softcover, b/w, 2356 pg. $22.95 Cdn $18.95 US

River Running: by Verne Huser

In 1975, this book inspired a whole generation of river paddlers. The 2nd edition is completely rewritten and updated to reflect changes in regulations, advances in equipment and the growing popularity of the sport, covering gear, technique, preparation, health, safety, environmental issues, and more.

The Mountaineers Books, 2001. ISBN 0-89886-701-0, softcover, b/w, 208 pg. $18.95 US

River Rescue: A Manual for Whitewater Safety: by Les Bechdel & Slim Ray

This is the 3rd edition of River Rescue, the authoritative reference for kayak, canoe and raft safety & river rescue techniques. As paddle sports have become more popular and paddlers are running more difficult rivers, rescue techniques and gear have advanced. This edition has easy-to-understand illustrations, lots of practical advice on reading & responding to river hazards, and includes a new chapter on "rescues on the run". It assumes the reader has a basic understanding of whitewater paddling and basic first-aid skills.

Appalachin Mountain Club Books, 1997. ISBN 1-878239-55-4, softcover, b/w, 285 pg. $16.95 US

River Safety: A Floater's Guide: by Stan Bradshaw

Stan Bradshaw believes the majority of fatal river accidents could be prevented by following a few simple rules. He presents a basic guide on river safety for novice & intermediate paddlers. He covers reading rivers, identifying hazards, navigation, rescue, and equipment. It includes easy-to-read diagrams, accounts of actual accidents and a directory of schools and resources.

Greycliff Publishing, 2000. ISBN 1-890373-08-7 softcover, 132 pg. b/w, $14.95 US

The Gift of Rivers: True Stories of Life in the Water: Edited by Pamela Michael

A collection of stories about the pull of rivers on the human spirit. The writers share their experiences on the world's rivers and how rivers have nurtured, challenged and inspired them.

Travelers Tales Inc., 2000. ISBN 1-885211-42-2, softcover, black & white, 248 pg. $23 Cdn $14.95 US

Never Turn Back: the Life of Whitewater Pioneer Walt Blackadar: by Ron Watters

The incredible, inspiring life story of Idaho physician Dr. Walt Blackadar, the father of modern whitewater paddling and champion of river conservation efforts.

The Great Rift Press, 1994. ISBN1-877625-03-5, softcover, b/w, 264 pg.

Ken Whiting, 1997 World Whitewater Champion, explains and illustrates the techiniques he's learned in his extensive career. This manual provides information about boats, paddles, currents, holes, and techniques for whitewater paddling. It's packed full of photos, diagrams and detailed descriptions of moves.

Heliconia Press, 1998. IBSN 1-896980-02-3. 146 pp, B&W paperback $19.95 Cdn/ $14.95 USA

Breakthru!: by Performance Video

Breakthru! presents a plan for intermediate to advanced playboaters to develop skills for precision river running & playboating. It demonstrates over 50 drills guaranteed to improve anyone's paddling skills, including forward strokes, carving exercises, corrective sweep techniques, finesse and reverse drills. Produced and narrated by Kent Ford, featuring Scott Shipley, John Brennan and Sarah Leith.

60 min, $29.95 Phone 888-259-5805
www.performancevideo.com

Kayaking Georgian Bay: by Jonathon Reynold & Heather Smith

The waters of Georgian Bay are particularly suited to kayaking. The sheltered waters around the 30,000 islands are great for novice and intermediate paddlers. For experts, there are the large waves and deep waters off Bruce Pennisula. This book contains 30 kayaking routes divided into 4 areas. Reynolds & Smith emphasize planning, safety & environmental responsibility and have included information on trip length, difficulty, maps, charts, fees, radio stations for marine reports, & gear rentals.

Stoddard Press, 1999.ISBN 1-55046-280-6. Softcover, 168 pages B&W with maps. $19.95 Cdn. $13.95 US.

Whitewater Adventures CD: by Dreams Lab

This CD covers 140 river runs all over the world. It includes 40 minutes of video movies, interactive maps with direct access to river reports and 55 internet links to the best kayaking sites, as well as more than 600 photographs and a powerful search database.

Email: info@dreamslab.it web page www.dreamslab.it

Steep Creeks of New England: by Greg & Sue Hanlon

For the experienced whitewater enthusiast, this is an excellent guidebook to 29 of the most challenging whitewater runs in New England. For each run, it provides highlights of the river, water level information, how to get there and excellent topographical maps. Easy to use, concise information, a valuable resource for Class V kayakers.

New England Cartographers 1999. ISBN 1-889787-05-1, softcover, B&W 131 pp. $14.95 US

Extreme Sea Kayaking: by Eric Soares & Michael Powers

Eric Soares & Michael Powers, veteran members of the legendary extreme kayaking group, the Tsunami Rangers, depict the dangers and excitement of extreme sea kayaking and describe how to do it as safely as possible. They explain paddling techniques: bracing, recovery and rescue maneuvers, handsignals, open sea survival, and how to judge surf conditions. The entertaining exploits and spectacular photographs show the spirit, courage and lust for life of these adventurous kayakers.

Ragged Mountain Press, 1999. ISBN 0-07-059718-X, Paperback, B&W, 118 pp $19.95 US, $22.95 Cdn

The World of Fresh Water: by Sydney Cannings, Richard Cannings and Robert Cannings.

This book was designed to delight and inform nature lovers about the fresh water world of British Columbia. It traces the journey of fresh water from the clear mountain streams through lakes, marshes and rivers. The authors tell the fascinating stories of some the inhabitants of these waters. Lots of beautiful color photos and interesting diagrams.

Greystone Books, 1998. ISBN 1-55054-635-x, softcover, color, 110 pp. $19.95 Cdn

Easy Kayaker: by Paul Grey and Gary Backlund

This guide to laid-back paddling is written for the novice to intermediate kayaker who wants to enjoy the beautiful waters around Vancouver Island. The first half of the handy book contains practical information about kayak safety, buying a kayak, kayak maintenance & etiquette, kayak camping, kayaking with kids, and rental trips. The remainder of the book lists popular Vancouver Island launch sites and paddling routes, complete with maps and descriptions of Paul and Gary's adventures. Enjoyable reading with lots of useful information.

Greyswan Publications, 2001. ISBN 0-9687858