This Months Books and Videos
December 2004-January 2005
This is an article from WaveLength Magazine, available in print in North America and globally on the web.
To download a pdf copy of the magazine click here: > DOWNLOAD
 Beyond the Whales
by Alexandra Morton Touchwood Editions, 2004, ISBN 1-894898-23-0, 144 pp, b/w & color photos, $29.95 Cdn, $24.95 US, Regular readers of WaveLength will already know about Alexandra’s love for the Broughton Archipelago—a group of islands at the top of Johnstone Strait—and her passion for protecting her non-human neighbors. For those who haven’t met Alex through her writing, Beyond the Whales is a wonderful introduction. This collection of photographs and musings, recorded during her twenty-one years in the Broughton, is a testament to her life’s work to date and to her conviction that although we have foolishly harmed the beautiful marine ecosystem that is her home, there is hope for its preservation and for peaceful cohabitation with its natural population. She speaks of the orca, the magnificent whale that first drew her to this part of the world, and goes on to demonstrate how all wildlife in the coastal ecosystem—plants and animals—are intertwined and interdependent. In the Foreword, artist Robert Bateman compares Alexandra to her role model, Jane Goodall: both women have advocated strongly for respectful, sensible treatment for all forms of life, and both speak from personal experience as they immerse themselves in the natural world, dedicating their lives to study and to educating others about what they have learned first hand. The message is a powerful one and Beyond the Whales is a sensitive, passionate messenger. |
 Birds of the Raincoast: Habits and Habitat
by Harvey Thommasen and Kevin Hutchings with R. Wayne Campbell and Mark Hume photographs by Michael Wigle and R. Wayne Campbell. Harbour Publishing, 2004, ISBN 1-55017-300-6, 224 pp, hardcover, color photos, index, bird checklist, $44.95 Cdn, $39.95 US, For birders and all those who love the abundance of nature, Birds of the Raincoast will make great winter reading if you are curled up somewhere warm and dry—this is not a field guide to take with you on birding expeditions. Organized according to habitat (Estuary; River; Open Fields & Farmlands; the Night; Coniferous Forest; Deciduous Forest; Town, Garden & Glade; Alpine & Subalpine; Winter), information about the appearance and habits of coastal birds is embedded in a broader discussion of each ecosystem. Beautiful color photographs show the birds where they live, as they live, some captured in dramatic moments of feeding, courting or caring for young, others in studied poses as if to say, “Look how handsome I am!” Relationships between different species of birds and between birds and their habitat are explained, underscoring the dependence of wild creatures on the environment—an environment that human beings seem to think is theirs to do with as they will regardless of the impact on other inhabitants. Perhaps this book will help to change a few minds. |
 Rendezvous with the Wild: The Boreal Forest
Edited by James Raffan, Boston Mills Press, 2004, ISBN 1-55046-422-1, 188 pp color & b/w photos, $39.95 Cdn The Boreal Forest covers 5.2 million square kilometres—about half of Canada— making it the single largest land-based ecosystem in North America. Stretching from Newfoundland to Alaska, this region absorbs and filters a quarter billion gallons of water each day and contains a large portion of Earth’s unfrozen fresh water. It is home to countless plants, animals and insects and is as important to Earth’s survival as the rainforests of South America. It is also under close scrutiny by people looking to exploit its richness. Rendezvous with the Wild was conceived as a follow-up to the Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society’s northern wilderness canoeing project, “Boreal Rendezvous,” in which notable Canadians were invited to paddle in the north to bring attention to the need for the long-term protection of the Boreal Forest. A number of high profile people from all walks of life participated in the project and then contributed stories, songs, poems, journal entries, photographs and art to this collection of fascinating and compelling material. |
 A Stain Upon the Sea: West Coast Salmon Farming
by Stephen Hume, Alexandra Morton, Betty C. Keller, Rosella M. Leslie, Otto Langer, Don Staniford Harbour Publishing 2004 ISBN 1- 55017-317-0, 288 pp, b/w photos, $26.95 Cdn/US A Stain Upon the Sea is a critique of fish farming practices in British Columbia and abroad, from an impressive array of authors. Each contributor brings expertise and information about one aspect of fish farming: journalist Stephen Hume provides the Nuxalk and Heiltsuk perspective and case studies from Ireland and Alaska; historians Betty C. Keller and Rosella M. Leslie document the development of the industry in BC; biologist Alexandra Morton explains the effect of sea lice on the pink salmon runs in the Broughton Archipelago; Otto Langer, biologist and former Department of Fisheries and Oceans employee, exposes the lack of enviromental review by DFO; and scientist Don Staniford examines the health risks of human consumption of farmed fish. You’ll want to read this book before eating a farmed salmon—and if you hope to eat wild salmon in the future! Partial proceeds from books sold by the Georgia Strait Alliance will help GSA continue its efforts on behalf of wild salmon. Go to www.georgiastrait.org or call 250- 753-3459. |
 Sea Kayaking: A Manual for Long-Distance Touring
by John Dowd Greystone Books, 2004 ISBN 1-55054-976-6 288 pp, b/w photos $24.96 Cdn, $18.95 US This revised and updated edition of John Dowd’s classic Sea Kayaking, first published more than 20 years ago, contains new photographs and a new chapter about kayaking for people with disabilities. Revered by paddlers since its inception, the focus of the manual is on sound seamanship, risk management, navigation and traveling with a group. It provides no- nonsense information about equipment, paddling technique, rescues, first aid, survival and expedition planning. With 40 years of paddling and guiding experience, Dowd is considered a foremost authority on the sport of sea kayaking and has much to offer both novice and experienced paddlers. His Sea Kayaking continues to be an indispensable resource for anyone planning a kayak expedition on the open ocean anywhere in the world. |
 Paddling the Tobeatic: Canoe Routes of Southwestern Nova Scotia
by Andrew L. Smith, Nimbus, 2004 ISBN 1-55109-492-4 384 pp, b/w photos, maps, glossary, bibliography, $24.95 Cdn A glance at a map of the rivers of Southwestern Nova Scotia will quickly convince you of the enormous potential for paddling in the region. This comprehensive and carefully written guide describes 50 routes on 33 rivers in 13 different watersheds. Beginning with a general introduction to paddling as a sport and background information about the natural history of the area, the majority of the guide is made up of detailed information about particular routes the author has paddled. Put-ins and easiest access points, possible campsites, carry routes, river conditions are all identified in a chatty text—almost like having a personal conversation with the author. Numerous diagrams showing hazards and flow patterns help to clarify descriptions of the paddle routes. Interesting bits of local history add to the appeal of this definitive guide. |
 A Prepared Paddler’s Guide to Kayak Safety & Rescue with Mark & Becky Molina
Backcountry Productions, 2004 VHS: $14.95 USDVD: $18.95 US Phone: 303-772-8358 This video/DVD presentation is for people interested in getting into kayaking. It clearly identifies basic information like the components of a kayak, essential gear, how to dress for different paddling conditions and how to plan for safe paddling. Launching and landing techniques, bracing, wet exits, and self and assisted rescues are demonstrated with thorough explanations of each step in the process. Important information is reinforced through repetition in the narration and role playing, ensuring that even the uninitiated will come away with some basic concepts well established. Although nothing takes the place of on-the-water practice and professional instruction, this video is a worthwhile instructional tool for beginning kayakers. A Prepared Paddler’s Guide to Canoe Safety & Rescue is also available. |
 This is the Sea
by Justine Curgenven Cackle TV Productions, 2004 DVD, $29.95 US Award-winning adventure filmmaker, Justine Curgenven, traveled to California, Georgia, Florida, San Juan Islands, Greenland, Wales and Russia to capture this thrilling footage of sea kayakers enjoying extreme paddling in difficult ocean conditions. A specially designed, kayak-mounted camera system, captures action packed moments, bringing the viewer into the participant’s, rather than observer’s, perspective. Celebrity sea kayakers (including Nigel Foster, Chris Duff, Malligiaq Padilla, Shawna Franklin and Nigel Dennis) show how exciting sea kayaking can be when you’re contending with surf and tidal races. Great music accompanies each segment, making this an entertaining hit. |
 Girls at Play
by Anna Levesque Heliconia Press, 2003 DVD, 60 minutes$39.95 Cdn, $29.95 US This white water kayaking resource was created by World Freestyle Medalist Anna Levesque especially for women. Its expert advice will help women perfect their freestyle and river running skills by improving edge control, balance, timing, and upper body positioning. In addition to great technical instruction, Girls at Play also features interviews with experienced female paddlers on issues that affect women in paddling. Information on women’s gear, boat designs well suited to women, and fitness through yoga round out this DVD presentation. |
 Legend of the Falls
by Corran Addison Imagine Media, 2004 DVD, 90 min., $35 US This awesome instructional video for intermediate and advanced paddlers teaches river running and creeking skills, drawing on Corran Addison’s 28 years of whitewater experience. Everything is covered, from equipment, to reading the creek, to fundamental skills, including hand signals for communication on the river, demonstrated by Arnd Schaeftlein. This is a great visual manual for anyone wanting to learn or improve basic river running or creek boating skills. |
 Seamanship for Kayakers: Getting there (and back)— Navigation
Hosted by John Dowd, based upon programs developed by John Dawson and Dan Lewis. Produced by John Kenchenten, 2004 DVD $39.95 Cdn, $29.95 US, This impressive visual presentation, hosted by veteran paddler, John Dowd, introduces basic navigation concepts and outlines practical methods for navigating in sea kayaks using a compass, bearings, charts, GPS and tide tables. The clever overlay of paddling footage with marine charts, makes for vivid learning and quick transference of skills. Very useful. |
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