Product Description
For over a decade, the American Canoe Association has gathered accident reports connected with the sport of whitewater paddling. As much a tool for instruction as it is a body of literature, The American Canoe Association's River Safety Anthology represents an effort to educate the public to the potential dangers of whitewater sports. These stories tell of the resourcefulness and heroics of people who, despite the odds of personal injury, placed themselves at risk to help others. This collection is also a homage to those who have lost their lives while engaged in whitewater sports. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Improve Your Judgment
Charlie Walbridge has done an excellent job of looking at past whitewater accidents and helping us all learn from them.

This book helps you improve your WW judgment without actually having the near-misses and accidents you would normally need to get smarter and more worldly.

Every parent of a paddler ought to buy their kid this book, but you might not want to actually read it yourself because then you might think paddling is more dangerous than it actually is.

Canoe 1
I have heard others in the canoeing community refer to this book as the "book of the dead" which it is, but I had never read it. My curiosity finally caught up with me and I bought a copy for myself. For being such a small book, it is very powerful. It is a compilation of true life story after story of both novice and experienced canoers and Kayakers who have lost their lives partisipating in the sport they love. In my opinion, it is a must read for anyone who dips their hulls in the water. This book really flows from one account to another, as the author recounts the details of each mishap. I have seen many of the mistakes I have made on the water in this book, and now realize how lucky I have been, because the same outcome could have happened to me. As the author noted, running rivers has become far safer than it ever has been in the past, but everything in life has risks, crossing a busy street, driving to work in traffic, etc... But this book has oppened my eyes to the fact that you can never be to prepared or to aware of river conditions. I give this book a 5 star rating, you will not be dissapointed in it. ... Read more

Product Description
Despite the large, growing and diverse swimming population, rules have not previously been set fort to organize and regulate this activity. Thousands of accidents happen annually in lap swimming, ranging from minor cuts, black eyes and lost teeth, to fractures and concussions. This book will delineate lap swimming rules, and etiquette andsafety standards, as well as provide guidelines for preventing accidents, injuries, and disruption. ... Read more

Product Description
Veteran sea kayaker John Lull provides you with a wealth of useful information to increase your safety and performance on the water.Rescues that work in the real world of wind and rough water are covered in detail with accompanying photos.In addition, the book takes a very comprehensive look at all the safety issues that affect sea kayakers in a multitude of environments, ranging from inland waterways to tide rips, ocean rock gardens, and the surf zone--information that may save a life! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (10)

Not All Wet!
John Lull is an excellent paddler and teacher, a combination that doesn't occur often. As the only core member of the Tsunami Rangers that paddles a decked(true)kayak, he lends a real, practical level of expertise to the science and execution of safety practices and rescue procedures. Unlike many other treatments of this subject, Lull looks at the big picture of hazards and conditions that can complicate recovery and rescue, rather than looking at the practices in a vacuum. Great photos give a real sense of progression to the rescue and recovery methods presented. These photographs are backed with well-written explanations that help paddlers choose and apply methods that appeal and apply to them. A really concise book that packs Lull's extensive experience and knowledge into a portable format, this is required reading for anyone venturing into water in a kayak.

Basic kayak safety for the outer coast
This is the premier book on kayak safety for those venturing to the outer coast -- in my case for Alaska and BC coasts. It deals with rescues, rock gardens, breaking waves, surf landings etc. To the best of my knowledge, this book is the best of its kind.

Much needed
Although there are a few similar books that focus on Sea Kayaking safety; this author's approach is my favorite.He approaches the subject from the perspective of managing risk rather than "being safe".In other words, he takes a real world approach to being out on the water where things are rarely "cut-and-dry".There are plenty of introductory level books, some with useful information for intermediate paddlers willing to look for it.Lull's work is clearly intended for the paddler who wants to develop their skills and "sea sense".I recommend this book to any intermediate sea kayaker.

A Must Have Book
A great comprehensive book about the skills required to safely Sea Kayak in just about any conditions.Well written, easy to follow explanations and pictures on the skills of rescues, rolling, strokes, "reading" the water and Weather, essential equipment....basically everything every kayaker needs to be safe on the water.

Novices and experienced kayakers will find valuable information in this book.Read through it in a few hours and can't wait to get out and practice!!

A Great Newbie Kayaker Book
I am a new to kayaking with only beginning classes under my belt and 12 hours on mostly flat water. Living is the SF Bay area there is lots of water close at hand. Plenty of afternoon wind as well. As a newbie John Lull's book has been great. I really like how John breaks the water down into domains. As he goes through the characteristics of each domain he lists the "Skills Needed" to be successful in that domain. His first chapter "Building A Safety Foundation" has a great section on managing fear. I would recommend this book to anyone thinking about the sport of sea kayaking. It is a must read. It's an enjoyable read as well. ... Read more

Product Description
Essential reading for anyone involved in either river or lake paddling, this book discusses all aspects of canoe safety: how to develop safe canoe habits, concise step-by-step descriptions on how to manage rescues and how to choose appropriate rescue technique and equipment. Although directed chiefly at recreational open canoe paddlers, this book is a "must" for canoe guides, outdoor programme leaders, summer camp operators, etc. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

A Canoeing Instructor's Comments
I have been a paddler since 1973 when my husband and I bought a used aluminum canoe. I surely wished I had Mr. McKown's book back then. In 1982 I became a certified canoeing instructor and have regularly taught canoe classes since that time.

This text has sound, all around safety advice for ordinary paddlers. We often think about safety equipment as just the rescue gear like rescue ropes, pulleys, river knives, etc. but Mr. McKown makes you aware of how important proper clothing is also. Survival kits, signaling devices, floatation bags, first aid kits and many other safety items are thoroughly discussed.

He tells how to plan for a safe trip and defines all the physical hazards that may be encountered on rivers such as dams, log jams, ledges, high or very cold water, rocks and more.

The meat of the book is the river rescue techniques themselves which are well described and illustrated. This is the only book in which I have found an accurate photo of how to hold a canoe for another person who is attempting to reenter the craft from the water.

Other river safety books such as "River Rescue" by Bechdel and Ray or "Whitewater Rescue Manual" by Walbridge and Sundmacher have extremely thorough information. All of the authors are nationally recognized water safety experts. However, some of it is of a VERY TECHNICAL nature for which you should have special training to accomplish effectively.

On the other hand, McKown's book is written for the every day canoeist with procedures you can rehearse on your own. You will feel much more confident on the rivers and lakes after reading this book and practicing some of the skills. This is a book that myself and the other local canoeing instructors highly recommend to all our student--and to you readers. Happy, AND SAFE, paddling. ... Read more

Product Description

The definitive guide to operating 30- to 100-foot boats at speeds of 25 to more than 100 knots

Fast powerboats outsell sailboats 10 to 1, yet there has been no comprehensive guide available for operating them. Now, from one of the world's leading authorities on fast powerboats, comes the book that answers that need. Author Dag Pike provides plenty of tips, anecdotes, and instructive illustrations as he covers crucial topics such as hull design and construction, engines and propulsion systems, coping with extreme conditions, tides and currents, collision avoidance, communications, and much more. He helps fast-boat owners:

• Adjust to the faster pace of events at high speed
• Understand the effects of speed on boat handling
• Negotiate waves safely and efficiently
• Master high-speed navigation
• Learn fast-boat docking techniques

Customer Reviews (2)

A fisherman and boat enthusiast's review
Having been around boats since a wee lad with countless white knuckle fishing trips, in sometimes frightening conditions, off the east coast from Key West to Cape Hatteras......I've learned many of the techniques written here by experience.There are a lot of boating accidents each year that could be avoided with a basic understanding of the concepts presented herein, such as using trim correctly, running inlets, surfing waves, etc.Modern fishing boats can reach speeds of over 40 knots in 4-6 foot seas.When you land hard, the force can throw you overboard very easily or plant you into the dashboard.Without an applicable at-sea coast guard or power squadron hands-on course, this book is your best bet!

Good overview about handling and safety
This is a short book to try to cover in deep the areas mentioned in its title. In general the book is a good and serious summary. The chapter explaining the different types of hulls is very interesting. Good print, graphs and explanations, but no colour pictures. ... Read more

Product Description
Fun and safety go hand in hand as a little girl and a dragon spend a hot summer day at the beach. The two friends build castles in the sand, splash and swim, and race a boatload of pirates to a hidden treasure. As they play, the girl teaches her irrepressible friend to be water smart. The winning combination of adventure and safety information -- including The Dragon's Water Safety Rhyme and the checklist of rules at the end of the book -- provide the perfect starting point for safety discussions. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

A Treasure at Sea for Dragon and Me
A delightful children's book on water safety.With the aid of a stuffed dragon I purchased, the story was excellent for the young children who come to our Health Department and have to wait in the lobby.A big blow-up dragon would have much more impact if you could find one and had a way of monitoring its life-span.Most of my displays have a way of walking out the door!

Highly Recommend the Dragon Safety Books
Our entire family really enjoys this series of safety books. We have the full collection and enjoy them all. We have purchased extras of some of the books to provide to our son's preschool teacher so she can share the safety lessons with the students.

Wonderful Intro to Water Safety
This fun book teaches children about being safe around open water by having the child-hero save his buddy the dragon.We have all four safety books in this series and really enjoy them all (especially now that they are in paperback). ... Read more

Product Description
Ken Kreisler has written this entertaining andinformative boating safety book for children to enjoy while learningthe importance of safety on boats. Both children and parents willlearn what must be done to be safe while having fun on the water.

Highly illustrated with photos, Daddy & I Go Boating is a book trulyworth incorporating into your child's learning library.

There is little any child would rather do than spend a great day onthe water with the family. Now that can be accomplished with safety,while having a great day boating. Illustrated. ... Read more

Product Description
Whether your interest in kayaking stems from the desire to get outside and spend time with your friends and family or to explore the endless waterways that surround you, this easy-to-read guide makes paddling fun and safe for both new and developing paddlers. You’ll learn to• Choose the right equipment • What to understand before you hit the water • Essential strokes and techniques • How to get the most out of your kayak • How to stay safe on the water • Dressing for kayaking • Transporting a kayak • Caring for a kayak • Dealing with weather • Kayaking activities • Paddling with kids • Handling a capsize ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Basic Kayaking Overview
Not a lot of detail here.A little short on the safety issues, to my liking, as well.Was looking for a book that could be used as a text for a summer camp kayak program and have dismissed this option. Great pictures, tho!

Great Info!
This is a great book for the total novice, informative, the basics are well covered to get you out on the water. I recommend this for anyone thinking ofkayaking for the first time. It helped me! ... Read more

Product Description
Explains safety risks on and near water (beaches, boats, lakes, canals), providing tips for safe conduct. ... Read more

Product Description
Michael and Kristin give pointers on water safety--at the beach, in the pool, fishing, and in the bathtub. ... Read more