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Customer Reviews (1)

watch out
I have paddled extensively in the areas covered by this book and find the route descriptions to be very accurate, but keep in mind this book is 17yrs. old and there are some changes, most noticeably many of the put in points have been closed ,fenced,etc. and no longer exsist. Check locally before a long drive. ... Read more

Product Description

Product Description
Guide to Sea Kayaking in Central and Northern Californialets kayakers of all skill levels explore 40 trips, providing morethan 100 route alternatives, in some of the most spectacular andwildlife-rich marine habitats on the planet. Designed for beginner,intermediate, and advanced kayakers, this guide gives mile-by-miledescriptions of the routes, including prominent landmarks andinteresting sites along the way. Detailed maps as well as overviews ofCentral and Northern California's weather, tide and current patternsadd to the thorough coverage of paddling this spectacularcoastline. Whether exploring quiet, bird-filled estuaries or protectedbays, navigating rock gardens or exposed Pacific headlands, this bookis a must for all sea kayakers. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Great Kayaking Guide
If you like to paddle on the Calif coast, this is the book for you.My wife and I have paddled (we thought) most of the coast, this book brought us to places that we could only dream of.They way its laid out, you can plan for a part/full or overnight trip.Tips on where to go, what you might see, camping, lodging, ect are great.If you paddle the Calif coast, you will be happy to have this book.

Clear, concise, good maps - well written
Outstanding, useful guide to the coastal areas - greatly appreciate the tips on local conditions and access.

Clear, concise, good maps - well written
Outstanding, useful guide to the coastal areas - greatly appreciate the tips on local conditions and access.

User friendly.A guidebook for paddlers of all levels.
Roger and Jan's book gives seakayakers invaluable information regarding some of the most beautiful paddling areas on the west coast.The maps included with the easily understood text allow the reader to easilyvisualize the targeted area.This guidebook will be of interest topaddlers of all skill levels since most of the featured paddles alsoinclude intermediate and advanced level alternative routes.The sidebarsscattered throughout the book impart interesting information about thearea.This book is a must have for those interested in exploring the coastof California. ... Read more

Product Description
Pennsylvania contains more miles of rivers and creeks than any other state except Alaska, making the Keystone State a prime destination for canoers and kayakers. This guide contains information for 211 of the commonwealth's rivers, creeks, lakes, ponds and reservoirs. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Kayaking in PA
I am new to the kayaking experience and ordered this book in addition to another similar one. I found it not as useful because it addressed the broad perspective of Pennsylvania versus my personal geographic interest in SE PA and southern NJ locations. A glossary of terms would have been helpful for the novice kayak reader. The locations were described in a manner that challenged me in looking at maps for specific access points. The other reference book provided GPS coordinates that were more useful because some water access points are really not obvious.

Pick up your paddle and go!
I now understand why it has taken so long for a book on this subject to be published; it is simply a monumental undertaking, and Mr. Mitchell is to be congratulated for his effort. As he mentions in his introduction, PA has 'more waterway miles than any state except Alaska'. The real challenge in writing this book was deciding where to draw the line in the scope of what it would cover, and do it in such a way that the information would stay useful for a reasonable period of time.

"The Guide focuses primarily on sizeable flatwater rivers and streams...'this is not a guide to whitewater rivers and creeks'. Industrialized rivers, or those open to heavy commercial traffic are not included.

"There are 211 separate excursions described in the book, organized by watersheds. At the beginning of each section there is a watershed map showing all the trips described. Each individual trip includes a 'thumbnail' map showing access points. A data table for each trip shows pertinent USGS gages with suggested minimum levels, and a maximum recommended level where it applies; difficulty rating; hazards; scenery rating; notes on fishing and camping, with a narrative.

"Each description is designed to give the reader an overview, and a fair sense of what may be expected from the experience. It lacks exhaustive detail, but it is certainly more than adequate and will whet your appetite for exploring beyond your [geographical] comfort zone. This, coupled with a PA Gazetteer and maybe a AAA TourBook will put you well on your way to enjoying many new adventures on our state's waters."

Review of paddling book
Books were in excellent condition, shipping was very fast.Very interesting and informative book for quiet water paddlers.

Jeff Mitchell has done it again!
Jeff Mitchell has done it again!He has written a concise, detailed and most importantly an ACCURATE guide to wilds of the Keystone State.Wonderful !
... Read more

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Customer Reviews (8)

A head start
Not many books are written on this subject, so it was more information than what I could find elsewhere.Although far from perfect, I read through it and at least could identify the rivers I wanted to explore.I didn't expect perfection and found if I needed updated material I could turn to the internet where there's plenty of personal testimonials.I rate this a "four" and a definite buy if you want a good Alaska river resource.Whitewater ho!

Too many errors
The hallmark of a good guidebook is how accurate it is.Unfortunately, this book contains more than its share of errors - some are merely nuisances, but others are more serious.

I bought this book because I wanted to expand my knowledge of Alaska's river systems. I live in Alaska, and enjoy exploring new waters; I try to get in at least one major trip each year.This book offers a brief survey of over 100 rivers, with an effort to cover systems in each of the major regions of Alaska.

Most of the river descriptions are 2 to 3 pages; the information usually contains a map showing the most common put-in and take-out spots, then a brief description of the overall character of the stream with some of its standout features.A few paragraphs of historical notes are often added.Following the description of the river is a section of useful data: appropriate USGS topo maps; the best seasons for floating; specific safety issues; prominent fish and wildlife likely to be seen; and a list of the government land management agencies who oversee the river and adjacent territory.

The book also contains some nice sections at the beginning on trip planning, with sections on appropriate gear for a river trip, trip safety, and ethical camping practices.

The structure of the book means it probably shouldn't be looked at as a detailed trip planner for any specific river system in Alaska; instead, the book represents more of an encyclopedic listing of float trips, with some background advice common to all river trips.It's a nice book to have when you're facing a question like: "I want to do a trip, but which river should I choose?"It's also a nice book to keep by your favorite chair, to browse through and to dream about the dozens of quality excursions in Alaska.

The river maps are a definite plus and are helpful.Consisting of black and white sketches, they usually cover one column in the two-column page layout of the book, so the maps are oriented longitudally.For orientation, a north-arrow pointer is placed on the map.This means that rivers which run in a mostly-east or west direction are shown with the easterly direction oriented toward the bottom of the map.That's fine I guess, but it would have been nicer if the maps were printed in a more standard fashion: for rivers running predominately east or west, the maps could have been printed so they spanned the width of the page across both columns; for north or south-flowing rivers, the maps could be oriented in the standard longitudal fashion.In either case, the maps would then be oriented with north at the top, east to the right, etc.

This leads to one aspect of the book's maps that is a mystery to me: some of the maps for rivers that run in a north or south direction are oriented with north at the bottom (down) of the page.What purpose does this achieve?Why can't the map be flipped around, to be printed the standard way, with the northerly direction at the top? I don't get it...

But apart from the map issues, it's the number of errors in the text of the book that presents the most serious deficiency.I have no way of knowing how many mistakes the book contains because my first-hand knowledge - and consequent ability to catch mistakes - is limited only to a fraction of all the waters covered. Nevertheless, when I concentrate on the places well known to me, too many blunders begin to jump out.

Some of the faults are very minor, like the description of the Situk River fish where distinct runs of both "steelhead" and "rainbow trout" are mentioned (there are no runs of rainbow trout in the Situk, and the population is very small.All the trout that ascend, or "run" in the river are steelhead).

And then are other errors - again relatively minor - that are merely annoying, like places where the text is mistakenly repeated (e.g. page 275) or where a river is misnamed in the middle of the description (page 163), or places where the text is worded in a way that you wonder if some of the author's stream-of-consciousness notes somehow made it into print (page 277).

But the most serious mistakes I found involve specific descriptions of some of the rivers. The location of rapids is sometimes misplaced, roads are occasionally misnamed, geographic features are goofed up, and sections of text appear under the wrong heading.Again, I found these mistakes in the small number of rivers that I am familiar with.I am left to assume that the rate of inaccuracy is equally high among the other rivers where I don't have first-hand experience. This begs the question: what good is a reference book when the data is fraught with errors?

I checked with the publishers and their web site now offers substitute pages that help correct some of the mistakes.People who already own this book will want to download the pages.Be advised, however, that the substitute pages only cover a portion of the book's faults.

To sum up, I think this book might have value to those of us who want to use it as a "dream book" - a sort of a listing of "what's where" and the possibilities for wilderness trips in Alaska.But I urge caution to anyone who needs to rely on the book for cold facts.I would hope that subsequent editions of this book (if it someday gets printed again) will be more carefully researched and edited.

3rd Edition Highlights
In addition to all of the more than 90 rivers and runs from the previous edition, the 3rd edition of the Alaska River Guide includes new detailed descriptions of the runs of the Nenana Gorge, Upper Alatna, Tlikakila, Eagle, and Upper Chena, and other rivers. It also includes 13 new runs:

Delta Clearwater River
Kantishna River and Moose Creek
Chulitna River
Gulkana River and Middle Fork Gulkana River
Little Nelchina River, Nelchina River, and Tazlina River
Matanuska River
Willow Creek and Little Willow Creek
Stikine River

The 3rd edition also includes information on the application process for a Tatshenshini River permit. The entire book has been updated with websites and contact info, updated Leave No Trace info, detailed information onwildlife and fish species found on each river, and more history and archeology for some rivers.

P.S. Sorry for the self-serving rating, but I couldn't post the review without completing a rating!

The Alaska River Guide:Canoeing, Kayaking, and Rafting in the Last Frontier
I have read many river guides and find this one to be little help in any whitewater decents.I would instead try to find the out-of-print book "Fast and Cold" for information that contains valuable whitewater information.The Alaska River Guide is a book for someone who needs general directions and an incredibly broad overview of the larger picture.Details and maps are incredibly vague to the point one wonders if the author actually ran the rivers described.

Look elsewhere for info on the ANWR
I purchased this book solely for information on a couple of rivers I am considering canoeing in the ANWR. This book has a meager (to put it nicely) section on this part of Alaska. I can appreciate the author not wanting to encourage a bunch of travel to this area, but at least make it clear to potential buyers.

Otherwise, the book has good sections on trip planning, logistics, etc. ... Read more

Product Description
Whether you are looking for a quiet float along a rural stretch of flat water or an exciting paddle through Class IV rapids, this book will guide your way.As well as being a comprehensive guide to the many rivers and streams in the state, Canoeing & Kayaking Ohio's Streamsincludes chapters on water safety, paddling instructions, how to read and rate white water, and even tips for paddling with children.

For each of over 45 rivers in the state, you will find suggested stopover point for natural and human history, information on potential hazards and portages, detailed maps with river miles and car shuttle miles from access points, and listings of game-fish for each waterway. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

very informative
there are a lot of waterways in Ohio, but it isn't easy to find information on where to put in and take out.This book describes those locations as well as dangers that lie ahead on the river.I am anxious for spring so that I can try some of the unfamiliar waters.

A must have for anyone looking for river adventures in Ohio!
Within two days of reading this book, My brother and I had one of the most memorable canoe canoe trips we've ever had. The authors have done the necessary legwork in not only identifying all of Ohio's rivers, but they give you detailed descriptions of each river, maps that show access points, including distances between points in both river miles, and shuttle miles for your car. They also list any hazards/portages in each river such as dams, etc. I was amazed to find several excellent canoeing river within an hour of home, with all the information I needed to make a quick escape from the daily grind. Excellent!!!

Used To Be Useful
Originally published in 1984, this guide is less than useful now.We'vediscovered that Lake Erie having dropped 3 feet in the last few years hassignificantly changed the river levels.Maybe the authors/editors couldmake a return trip? ... Read more

Product Description

Whether your interest is in paddling in more challenging conditions, or in learning new skills and concepts that will boost your confidence for more sheltered paddling, Sea Kayaking: Rough Waters will help you get the most out of your time on the water.

With stunning photography by Jock Bradley and Paul Villecourt, fun illustrations, and a gold mine of knowledge passed on by expert paddler and instructor, Alex Matthews, Sea Kayaking: Rough Waters is a must-have for all sea kayakers.

YOU'LL LEARN ABOUT:

• Choosing and caring for equipment
• Optimizing your strokes and paddling techniques
• Rough water safety and rescue
• Navigating through tidal currents
• Paddling in surf zones
• Dealing with wind
• And much more...

Customer Reviews (3)

Beautiful but disappointing
No doubt one of the better produced books.Unfortunately, the content does not live up to the glimmer of the pictures and illustrations.If motivation is your goal and you get it by looking at excellent images of sea kayaks in rough conditions, then by all means get this book!If you already have a solid grasp of sea kayak basics and consider yourself an intermediate paddler, you will not find much new information in this book.Pages and pages are spent on detailed descriptions of paddling techniques and gear that you can find in any other book.Here and there a sentence or two sneak in trying to apply the descriptions to rough water but they rarely exceed the level of common sense.

There is a table of for distance covered in a certain amount of time when traveling at a certain speed.If you look up a cell that corresponds to 4MPH speed and 2 hours the answer is 8 miles!WOW!The author recommends that you tape this table to your kayak!Are you kidding me?Haven't most kayakers passed 4th grade multiplication and division?

Another disappointment is at the end of the book.I always go there for a good index that makes for efficient use of material.In this book, you'll find numerous pages of advertisements and no index.

In summary, I found that this book covers what every other book on the market covers and does not contribute anything to the literature on sea kayaking.The title jumped out at me as there is a gap in the literature on rough water and surfing.Having read the book, I am deeply disappointed!Good pictures but little else to recommend it!

Good information
There is no doubt about the authority of the author. His experience is our gain. Even if you are a flat water boater, the information in this book can save you a lot of grief.

Great Reference
As a dedicated sea kayaker, I found this book to be an excellent addition to my library on sea kayaking.It's beautifully illustrated with numerous high-quality photographs.I wouldn't characterize it as an instructional book but more of a celebration and introduction to kayaking in challenging "big water" conditions.There's enough information to get one's appetite engaged and probably enough to get one started in learning the techniques needed to manage those conditions.However, it shouldn't be regarded as a substitute for formal instruction and practice. ... Read more

Product Description

The most comprehensive canoeing techniques book ever is now available for the first time in paperback.

Illustrated with 600 full-color photographs, this wide-ranging book is designed with both beginner and seasoned canoeists in mind. Gary & Joanie McGuffin, North America's most celebrated canoeing couple, discuss issues rarely covered in other how-to guides, such as developing fitness and balance.

The book offers first-hand, experience-based instruction on outfitting, reading the river, paddling strokes for all flatwater and whitewater conditions, advanced turns and maneuvers, portaging, safety and rescue techniques - even how to tie a canoe on your vehicle.

Recommended by both the American Canoe Association and the Canadian Recreational Canoeing Association, Paddle Your Own Canoe features:

• Canoeist's vocabulary
• Selecting the right canoe
• Selecting the right paddle
• Portaging techniques
• Self-rescue techniques
• Solo whitewater spins
• Complete flatwater techniques
• Complete whitewater techniques

Customer Reviews (3)

New book on the "Paddling" shelf
Having always considered "The Path of the Paddle" as the last word in canoeing books, I was too cheap to buy Gary and Joannie's book as I considered it to be superfluous at best.Having received it as a Christmas gift this year, I can humbly say I was wrong.There is no book that will get you safely on the water and having fun faster than this one.Every aspect of recreational paddling is covered, right down to outfitting your whitewater playboat.The photos are clear and the angles and sequences leave you nothing to want for, save time spent on the water (although the photos of Gary and Joannie look just a little bit too happy, eh?)The only thing I can say in the minus category is that I am not a personal fan of the leaned forward, aggressive style of modern paddling and that is obviously where they are coming from.It's good to know how to lean forward and plant your paddle while using your body todraw the boat hard to the placement.When I need to accelerate rapidly, that is the best way. But for me, canoeing is more about relaxing and getting there with style and grace, and for that purpose, nothing says it like old-fashioned Canadian freestyle (i.e. Bill Mason and Omer Stringer).That difference aside, I think this book is a stellar achievement and deserves a place alongside "The Path of the Paddle" on the bookshelf.

Paddle Your Own Canoe
I have a whole shelf of books on canoeing.This one and Bill Mason's Path of the Paddle are the best.The pictures in Paddle Your Own Canoe way out-shine the pictures in the Bill Mason books.The McGuffins certainly know what they are talking about.This book delves into canoeing technique with more depth than any book except Mason's.It does take a long time to study and figure out what they are doing.Canoeing is hard to learn from a book, but if I had to recommend one book this would be it. Beautiful photography.

Paddle Your Own Canoe
This is a great book if you want to learn alot about the different paddlestrokes used while in your canoe. It has great pictures and very goodnaratives. I highly recomend this book. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Great Guide
This summer a friend and I decided we were going to canoe the Delaware from Balls Eddy, near Hancock New York, to tidewater at Trenton New Jersey.Having never canoed more than a few miles of the river this guide was lifesaver as it allowed us to get out and scout the most dangerous of the rapids.For the most part camping locations were up to date.We lived by this book for the entire length of our trip and probably would not have made it through without it.If you are looking for a great summer adventure, grab a canoe, a tent and this book and set off for ten days of fun.

The Author saved my life!
"A bunch of the boys were whooping it up at the Malamute Saloon." A mere verse by Robert Service you say? Aha. It actually was the beginning of an adventure along the Delaware River. A trip unimaginablewithout Mr. Letcher's book. What started out as a challenge to see whocould start a raucously good time one evening turned into a betterchallenge; who could find a complete guide to an entire weekend? I won thechallenge with Mr. Letcher's exciting guide to canoeing the Delaware.Thisbook has it all: helpful hints, maps, select side trips and historicalperspective. I was and will continue to be impressed by the completeness ofGary's book. I would recommend it to both novice canoeists and the mostexperienced.I have read several books about canoeing in differentlocations but this is the best! ... Read more

Product Description
The first comprehensive flatwater paddling guide to Utah's lakes, rivers, and reservoirs.

Utah is covered with scenic waterways that offer a diversity of excursions for paddlers of all levels. Pine-lined shores, red-rock cliffs, quiet canyons, and high-altitude lakes make this state a year-round paddler's paradise, and this book a welcome resource for flatwater enthusiasts.

Packed with tips, gear lists, and natural history, this comprehensive handbook is a long-awaited guide to many of Utah's little-known waters and popular destinations. Logistical details help you find exactly the kind of excursion you seek, from easy day trips to challenging expeditions, and provide the information you need to make the most of your paddling experience. 15 maps,30 black and white photographs, index. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Flatwater is clearly noted in the description of the book!
I do not like to write reviews of my own book but I feel the criticism presented here is unfair and unwarranted. If the critic had simply read the description of the book he or she would have seen that it is clearly a flatwater guide.

I think giving a book a one star rating because you did not take the time to read the description is wrong. This book was assembled after travelling over 6000 miles to paddle all the flatwater in the state. There are abundant books on Utah's white water and this is why I wrote this book.

As you can see from the other review, the book provides exactly what is provided in the description.

Misleading Title - mistake to purchase - Complete is the last thing this book provides.
On the Cover:
"Canoeing and Kayaking Utah: A Complete Guide to Paddling Utah's Lakes, Reservoirs & Rivers"

On the Back Cover:
"The first comprehensive FLATWATER paddling guide to Utah's lakes, rivers and reservoirs"

There is hardly a river mentioned
Complete should have included "whitewater Kayaking" an ultimate in Utah!

Obviously, a marketing technique to deceive the buyer.
I would rate this a (-)10 - for the purpose I purchased the book! I AM RETURNING THIS BOOK - NOT READ JUST DISAPPOINTED - OBVIOUSLY MISLEADING ON PURPOSE

Good guide to Utah flatwater paddling
I agree with the author when he says that this is the only guide to flatwater in Utah.Even though it is the default choice, it is a well thought out book.It hits the obvious places and a few out of the way places I'd never heard of.Each individual review does a good job of describing the location.The book would have benefited from individual closeup maps for at least the "best bets" destinations.

Also, for the destinations that are reservoirs (most of them) it might have been helpful to have listed the water level required for the paddling that is described.Some of the destinations flat out don't exist in a dry year.

Of course, any travel guidebook is outdated the day it is published and thisbook is no exception--the kayak rental place on Antelope Island is closed as of September 14, 2007.

While you could eventually discover most of the destinations yourself (there just isn't much water in Utah), this book can will save you a lot of time and miles.Recommended. ... Read more

Product Description
The Inside Passage is something of a holy grail for contemporary sea kayakers. It is without question the most scenic and challenging paddling trip in North America. Kayaking the Inside Passage will aid kayakers both in planning and in carrying out paddling trips on the rugged Pacific artery that runs along the western edge of North America.

It is a complete through-trip guide to sea kayaking the entire 1,300-mile length of the Inside Passage along one select route with some alternate variations. This route runs from Olympia, Washington, past Vancouver Island and up through Glacier Bay National Park in Alaska. No other paddling guide covers the entire length of the Inside Passage. There are 33 maps, 50 photos, and pen-and-ink illustrations. Miller includes complete historical and natural background along with proficiency and equipment recommendations. 50 black & white photographs, 33 maps, index. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

Motivation
This comprehensive book is routinely recommended for a reason. Plus it should motivate anyone who has not made the final decision to kayak the IP. Get it and go.

Not what I was looking for
I was looking for more of a resource for making this trip. This book went into more depth about the history of the region than the specifics of the trip. In general I was pretty disappointed with it.

Kayaking the Inside Passage: A Paddling Guide from Olympia, Washington to Muir Glacier, Alaska
Mr. Miller has a wealth of knowledge in kayaking, the passage, and the environment. He shares this with humor and historic accuracy. I particularly enjoyed his observations of human interaction. However, it would be a much more digestable read if I didn't have to use the dictionary every ten minutes to discover the meaning of the obscure language he uses throughout the book. Although I clearly understand the gist, the audience (me)... would be more interested in a text that had a manageable rhythm. Perhaps he is trying to prove he is a literate, intellectual outdoor person. I will use this book to help plan my own month long trip in the inside passage.

Been There, Did It ... With This Book.
This summer 2005 I used this book to kayak the inside passage from Anacordis WA to Glacier Bay, AK. I left Anacordis on 18 June 05 and reached Glacier Bay on 25 Sept O5.This book was my guide the entire way.I tried every recommended campsite, and paddled the recommended route almost entirely, without stopping, for 1400 miles, and 3 1/2 months. So ... perhaps, in a small way, I am qualified to review this book.

The book's recommended route is impecable - perfect all the way from Anacordis to Glacier Bay, with one exception, as follows: Between Petersburg and Juneau AK, the author routes the kayaker along admiralty island to see a bear sanctuary, and then into a blind lagoon where the kayaker is forced to use a land trolley to transport his kayak across a peninsula. This route is a poor selection because 1)The bear sanctuary is impossible for kayakers to see because of beligerant forest service policies requiring advance reservations. No exceptions; 2)The blind lagoon's trolley has the rails disconnected at the north end, requiring the kayaker to CARRY his kayak on his back down a steep, high hill to finish the portage.Instead, kayakers buying this book would do best in ignoring the author's Petersburg to Juneau route, and instead paddle along the mainland shore, where multitudes of iceburgs float, where the second best whale-watching area in north america is, and best of the best, where the Tracy Arm Glacier is, arguable the finest, most impressive and actively calving glacier in all of Alaska.Why the author bypassed the miraculous Tracy Arm to NOT see a bear sanctuary that doesn't permit impromptu kayakers ... we can only guess.

Campsites:The author openly admits that he lost his notes on what his campsites were for much of the trip. Thus, the campsites recommended on the book's maps are anotated in the book with painful phrases paraphrased like "... the topo map shows this to be flat ground, so there maybe SHOULD be a campsite there...." OUCH.Speaking as a traveller who has visited all the author's recommended campsites, the author is right only better than half the time, and when the campsite he recommends turns out to be a swamp ... or indeed IS flat ground but is fronted by jagged rocks impossible to haul a kayak up the beach on ... that means the tired kayaker must continue paddling blindly and exhaustedly, perhaps with light failing and conditions deteriorating, looking for a campsite on his own. Now this wouldn't be so bad, except that for the vast majority of the inside passage, the mountains fall directly into the sea, leaving jagged cliffy coastlines where campsites appear only once every ten miles or so. Campsites are as scarce as hens teeth. So ... a tired kayaker having timed his paddling day to end at the author's recommended campsite ... has only a 50-50 chance of indeed finding shelter there, and will perhaps be forced to continuing paddling on ... and on ... and on.

Author's commentary and background research is superb. Many times I found myself teaching the locals about their own area by reading them this guidebook's commentary. The book is very readable and fun, yet is highly educational. The author's anecdotes had me rolling on my tent floor in laughter many times. Exceptions: The author comments that one can expect to see one to five bears a day along the inside passage. This is not so. I paddled 3 1/2 months, and only saw 6 bears, all of them black, none of them browns. Bears, and signs of bears, were few. Land wildlife is actually very rare along the entire inside passage ... but marine wildlife abounds.Only three places in 1400 miles did I see a deer, for example.

Overall, this book earns its 5 stars. But note the exceptions above to correct the book's few quirks. Hats off to the author on doing such a good job guiding us through such a demanding, lengthy, and thrilling journey.

Not Just a Kayak book
Full of history, regional politics, and local knowledge, this book is not just for kayakers.Anyone planning or dreaming of an Inside Passage voyage will enjoy this read. And yes, it hasthe maps,references, and all the hard-to-find details for actually doing this trip. ... Read more

Product Description

Now in its second edition, Whitewater Kayaking: The Ultimate Guide has become the established, definitive guide on the sport.

Drawing on the combined 30+ years of experience of world-renowned paddlers and instructors Ken Whiting and Kevin Varette, this comprehensive guide covers everything from the most basic skills and concepts to the most advanced, cutting-edge paddling techniques. Whatever you need, you'll find it in this essential whitewater kayaking reference.

YOU'LL LEARN ABOUT:

• Choosing the right equipment
• The essential strokes and paddling techniques
• The art of reading whitewater
• River running
• River safety and rescue
• Playboating
• Creek boating
• Paddling in big water
• Surf kayaking
• Squirt boating
• Kayak tripping
• And much more...

Customer Reviews (3)

Good starter book for a beginner.
I read this book while learning to roll.Recently, I just tackled my first to runs of the lower Ocoee in Tennessee.This book was a good guide and supplement to my training.It's pretty comprehensive - great for a beginner.And I still reference it now that I'm working on improving my strokes and water recognition.In all, the book was well worth it.

Must have for any kayaker
I got this book as a gift when I was already a solid Class III-IV kayaker, and I was still able to learn a lot to help me improve my paddling.Ken goes into great detail on everything from river features, to basic strokes, advanced creeking and playboating to multi-day trips. This is the one book that any whitewater kayaker (of any skill level) should own.Also, if you've never been in a kayak in your life, but are interested in getting into the sport...buy this book first.

Improved 2nd edition
The second edition with its colour illustrations and colour coding of the chapters, makes it an invaluable reference for the Whitewater kayaker. ... Read more

Product Description
"Recreational Kayaking: The Ultimate Guide" is the 10th of an award winning series of books and DVDs by world renowned kayak instructor, Ken Whiting. Whether your interest in kayaking stems from the desire to get outside and exercise, spend time with your friends and family, or explore the endless waterways that surround you, this easy-to-read guide makes paddling fun and safe for both new and experienced paddlers looking to broaden their horizons. In this work, you'll learn about: how to choose the right equipment; the essential strokes, manoeuvres, and paddling techniques; capsize recoveries; paddling on the sea and in surf zones; paddling on rivers, lakes and in moving current; how to get the most out of your kayak; how to stay safe on the water; and, paddler's first aid. This work contains 192 pages and over 200 full colour photographs. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Too short of a book to match the title!
I am sure that this is a good book. I have not read it, but there is no way that this could be the ultimate guide to kayaking. That would take 500to a thousand pages easily. Ken has a great reputation, and his publisher probably picked the title, but you will probably have to buy several books to get a good grasp of all the types of kayaking, the history, the future, techniques, safety, vast array of boats: sea kayaks, sit on top kayaks, recreational kayaks, whitewater kayaks, inflatables, folders, hand made wooden, rotomolded, fiberglass etc. I consider all kayaks recreational, even though that term has been used to mainly refer to sit in kayaks with large cockpits for easy entry and exit. Sit on tops are safer, because they do not fill up with water, when you tip them over. I would buy several used books on kayaking first. ... Read more

Product Description
A graceful, beautiful sport that is characterized by fancy strokes and swaying motions, freestyle canoeing is based on the quiet, ripple-less paddling techniques of Native Americans.

With an extensive collection of photographs and easy-to-understand text, veteran paddlers Charlie Wilson and Lou Glaros explain freestyle canoeing for both the beginner and the expert. Join them as they detail the strokes and movements that make canoeing a work of art. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Almost worthless
I am a person who normally can learn from a book. I did not find this one too helpful. I talked more about boats and gear than the actual moves. It is hard to tell how to do the moves from the book. A complex move might be shown in three static pictures. I just took a course with Karen Knight and this is the way to go! I cannot say enough good words about Karen.She did not have kind words for the book and recommends the book by Mark Molina and Becky Molina which is out of print presently, but might be found used or writing beckmark@aol.com.

From beginner to expert
Having recently purchased a solo canoe, I was looking for the right book to help me make a Hollywood style morning on the lake.This book beautifully demonstrates the art of freestyle paddling, including tips for precision and efficiency, for the beginner to the expert. Learn moves like the Axle, Post, Wedge, and Christie and you'll be well on your way to perfecting the art of freestyle paddling. ... Read more

Product Description
For some learners a picture is worth a thousand words--and this lavishly illustrated volume proves the rule. The expert advice and lively illustrations combine to offer serious how-to instruction in an entertaining fashion to sea kayakers of all levels.

Developed by an ACA-certified instructor over years of paddling and education, this complete program provides a visual tour of all that sea kayaking can offer, including ingenious tips on advanced paddling techniques, navigation and safety, and more. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (10)

Serious but also funny.A great Sea Kayaking book.
A very funny and very comprehensive overview of sea kayaking that is a joy to read.

Excellent book
This is an excellent book. This book not only covers the various kayaking skills, it also provides lots of information on kayak design, selection, camping tips, tips on how to read tidal charts... etc. This is all done in a humorous, non-tedius way, which kept my interest a few hours until I finished it. Very useful information and I highly recommended it.
My tip - read this book and watch a video (I used the Sea Kayaking: the ultimate Guide by Ken Whiting). The combination of the two complements each other quite well.

Sea Kayaking Illustrated
This is a great book for people new to kayaking.It has fun illustrations and good instruction that is easy to understand.I bought it for myself, my parents, and a friend who is a beginning paddler.

Just what I needed
About 4 years ago I decided I wanted to take up kayaking, so I bought a copy of this illustrated book, then bought a kayak and I've been paddling weekly ever since (except the Winter).Can you learn from a book?I did.No lessons.Might they have been helpful?Sure, but I have to say that this guide tells a lot and gave me the confidence to go for it.It's also very funny.I only wish I'd taken up kayaking years ago for the exercise, fresh air, and contemplation.Nothing better to escape stress.

Funny and informative
This book has a lot of GREAT information in it.It gets the points across by funny but sometimes very serious cartoons and illustrations.There is a lot of emphasis on safety which is very important to learn up front. ... Read more

Product Description
Let three expert kayakers guide you through some of the most exciting kayaking to be found on Lakes Superior and Michigan. In this guide you will find full descriptions of 49 trips, each carefully rated so that any kayaker can safely and confidently paddle on these inland seas. In addition, mile-by-mile descriptions and detailed maps for each route will help you navigate with ease some of the most beautiful and rugged habitats on the planet. Whether exploring quiet cobble beaches or the coastlines of sandstone cliffs, navigating sea caves or exposed rocky headlands, this book is a must for all sea kayakers. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Good area info- needs to be updated!
This was an excellent resource several years ago and I would have rated it at 5 stars. But, now, it is quickly becoming outdated.I would still recommend it as a basic informational source on the area attractions, but advise anyone planning a trip on these lakes to get some current advice, information and maps from the internet and official sources.

Guide to Sea Kayaking on Lakes Superior & Michigan: The Best
Being an experienced sea kayaker I often review books to evaluate the competence of the authors.This book is written by kayakers who really love the sport and want to share it but who have chosen not to guide newkayakers' every stroke.So many guide books do the entire trip for youleaving you with little to learn about your personal skill and no adventurewhatsoever. They give you the basics and then leave it to you to discoveryourself and adventure.Great guidebook!

Excellent Guide!
Good directions to put-ins and landmarks visible on the water

Terrific kayak trips resource for paddlers of all levels!
We referred to this book time and time again and found accurate, precise information regarding Lake Michigan and Superior paddle trips.Guided us to many accesible sites that represents the true nature of both lakes, fromsandy beaches to rocky shores. An accurate guidance of what skill levelshould attempt each trip.Great book to use as a guide to map a vacation.Also good information regarding restuarants and camping spots. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Canoeing Canada's Norhtwest Territories: A Paddler's Guide
I have paddled the Kazan River & used this book as a paddling guide.I found the book to be right on the mark.Great book to paddle by or to dream of your next trip. ... Read more

Product Description

Product Description
High-energy, high-adrenaline sea kayaking in surf, along rocky shores, in extreme weather conditions, is like no other experience in the world. Two of the world's top extreme sea kayakers have written the only tell-all, how-to manual for this wild sport, complete with riveting anecdotes. Learn here how the pros handle the wildest conditions, and read their advice (complete with spectacular photographs) on The Mighty sea--judging surf conditions and hazards; Exposed coast and open sea navigation and voyaging; Paddling techniques for ocean whitewater; Special techniques for bracing, recovery, and rescue in adverse conditions. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (9)

The Great White Ego
This book made me feel liike I was a lumbering pelican dangling over the pristine cresting waves - these guys are pleasantly obsessed.They insist you live it to the fullest-works for me!!Do they ever make it home for dinner!

auto-hagiography
it contains very little practical info, and is primarily an ad for their own kayaks and videos, and a medium to broadcast what heroes they are - "commander soares" indeed! they dont go "paddling", they go on a "mission"! these guys are doubtless good paddlers, but they cant write. to class the concluding poem "kayak brother" as ... would suggest it has literary merit (ie pathos), but it is just the stuff of cringe. guys, try understatement as a style for your next book, and put some useful info in it.

all the fun w/o the danger!
The book develops a healthy respect for the sea.Stories are thrilling, and excite one's imagination to possibly extend the limits of one's own exploration of the sea.It is not a textbook to teach how, but rather helps to decide whether to pursue the more extreme aspects of the sport.

Extreme
This extreme book provides a well presented and informative guide to paddling under extreme conditions.I could not put it down as it was both informative and exciting.The stories mentioned throughout the bookcomplement the clear and concise instruction given.Even if you neverintend kayaking under extreme conditions, the book is well worth a readjust simply for the amazing stories and photos

Thorough, authoritative, practical, entertaining
As a developing ocean kayaker, I found this book to contain a wealth of valuable information about an aspect of the sport which is rarely represented in the literature. I have long been aware of the TsunamiRangers' reputation and products, having seen their work on television andhaving purchased their rock garden techniques video. This book is acontinuation of the quality educational tools they are producing.Anyonewho kayaks, whether a beginner or an advanced boater, will find somethingto learn.I found the section on essential skills especially useful, andthe discussion of "subjective naviagation" in the chapterentitled "The Mighty Sea" confirmed what I have longbelieved--true understanding of ocean conditions is developed only throughlong periods spent on the water, until within us we carry the rhythms ofthe sea.The Tsunami Rangers obviously do. ... Read more