Product Description
The Northern Forest Canoe Trail (NFCT) links the waterways of New York, Vermont, Quebec, New Hampshire, and Maine. This is the first official guidebook to the whole 740-mile trail and reflects the broad mission of the NFCT: To celebrate the rich human heritage and diverse natural environment of the Northern Forest by establishing a water trail that traces historic Native American travel routes across the region.

The route's variety of flat water, swift water, and whitewater--expanding across a range of rivers, streams, lakes, and ponds--provides extensive opportunities for canoe, kayak, and camping recreation. Vibrant communities along the way offer inns, B&Bs, and museums, as well as other recreational and historical attractions. This guidebook goes beyond route information to serve as a narrative of the natural, human, and cultural legacy of the region and its wonderful accessibility to visitors. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

Thorough and joyful read
Find a comfortable chair because as soon as you open this book, you will be dreaming about and planning for the next trip. The Northern Forest Canoe Trail Guidebook is good enough for arm chair travelers and through paddlers alike.

It is rich in information for preliminary trip planning. Historical context and anecdotes are weaved between area attractions, navigation tips, terrain charts, pictures, maps, and itinerary recommendations. There are also segment profiles for quick reference to access points, services, contacts, and trail features.

The section maps (13 in total, sold separately) are a fantastic addition to the book with visual depiction of the trail, mileage markers, and service locations.

And there is the NFCT web site at [...]
with full directory of services, their contact information, itineraries, and events.

This is where the book falls short. I wish it included the contact details for the groceries, bakeries, B&Bs, and other services it refers to, so they are readily available while off and on the trail.

I enjoyed reading the book and planning for my first trip on the trail. I encourage you to plan a trip too. Stay safe and wear a life jacket.

The package is now complete!
Now that the detailed guide is out and in conjunction with the NFCT maps and on-line assistance a trip to plan and meet your customized needs or preferances has become a lot of fun. While all this information may take a little of the wilderness out of the trip, it allows the experience to be both safer and rewarding: as long as you do it.

The Northern Forest Canoe Trail
Great book.For everyone from really experienced paddlers right down to "arm chair" adventurers!I defy any paddler -- or would be paddler -- to read this book and not come away dreaming of doing at least some portion of the trail.6 paddlers in my family read the book and all, even this 67 year old recreational paddler, are just itching to do a section of the trail in NY before cold weather comes later this year.

There is an excellent introduction chapter covering the history of the trail, both natural and human, pretrip planning, a really complete gear checklistn, discussions of the different types of waters that may be encountered (flat water, large lakes, etc.).
There is a list of trips of all different duration that can be targeted according to the paddler's level of experience and availble time.There are even trips for novice paddlers with little tykes as crew members.

Comprehensive chapters on the sections in each state and provence cover types of water to expect, best seasons to travel the trail, heads up on put in and take out spots, hazards, camping, services, sight seeing, fishing, and much more.

The photographs are beautiful.The writing is very well done, easy to read, and very interesting.The layout of the book invites skipping around if that's your reading style.

Buy the book -- or borrow it from it someone -- you'll be well rewarded for your time.

Note: A waterproof edition, spiral bound would be nice, because this is a guide that should be with you on this water trail!

Official Guidebook NFCT
This excellent guide covers the 740 miles of the Northern Forest Canoe Trail.The trail follows connected waterways in New York, Vermont, Quebec, New Hampshire & Maine.After a short introduction, the guide is organized by state (province)segments.Each segment is described with many trail tips and interesting historical facts. Many black & white photographs are interspersed with the descriptions.The main set of 13 maps offered for sale by the Northern Forest Canoe Trail are referenced whenever possible.In the middle of the guide are 16 pages of very nice color photographs of the trail.The fall photographs are particularly appealing. The 13 map series published by the Northern Forest Canoe Trail is a must to make the best use of this guide.This is a guide that one will want to have while canoeing the trail itself.To that end, it would be nice if future editions offered a waterproof edition.All in all a great guide for a great trail.

Trip Planning from Idea to Execution
For me trip planning goes through distinct stages. The Northern Forest Canoe Trail guidebook addresses each stage.

Initially I explore destination ideas, then narrow in on a region, then focus on the trip I can do with time and resources available. Introductory text in the guide provides a sweeping overview of the region, including human and natural history. Now I'm hooked on the idea. The authors have done the work for me in narrowing the trips with a handy listing by categories such as "for families or beginners," "wildlife-viewing trips," and "paddling-hiking/biking combinations."

Time for packing and logistical details. They have a pre-trip planning section and trip put-in/put-out information.

On the water, suddenly that boring to read at home text of the route details (e.g., "...approach to the dam, which is dangerous because of exposed metal rebar in the river...") is the center of my focus! Critical point by critical point, the guide helps me make safe route choices and alerts me to interesting features I might otherwise miss.

The waterproof section maps (sold separately) complement the book.

This book was written by several authors, each sharing their expertise for segments of the route. All write well and the guide flows together nicely; however, at least one is an exceptional writer.

My only suggestion for improvement would be that the guidebook be plastic spiral bound so it could rest open within a zip-lock plastic bag for field use. I don't want to be thumbing for the right route section each time I review the guide while underway. ... Read more

Product Description
Embrace the outdoors by becoming one of the 17 million people who participate in kayaking, one of the fastest-growing outdoor activities around. Kayaking presents the basics of the sport as well as the skills and knowledge required for becoming a successful paddler.

Expert instructors from the American Canoe Association provide you with

• practical guidance on gear and equipment selection, nutrition, fitness and stretching, water trail etiquette, and safety and survival skills;
• step-by-step paddling techniques for flatwater, river and whitewater, and sea kayaking, as well as instruction on more complex maneuvers and rolls;
• useful consumer, technique, and safety tips throughout the book; and
• Web-based resources to help you plan trips throughout the world and find paddling organizations and instructors.

Part I of Kayaking explains the background knowledge, fitness fundamentals, equipment and gear selection, nutritional needs, and safety and survival skills for a successful adventure. Part II helps build basic techniques, strokes, and maneuvers so you can embark on adventures of increasing difficulty. You'll find tips and instruction for the three most popular types of kayaking: sea, river, and whitewater.

This book also includes the Quick-Start Your Kayak DVD to reinforce the paddling strokes and safety information found in the book. It features videos of kayaking maneuvers, which will make anyone capable of learning the basics.

Kayaking is part of the Outdoor Adventures series. Throughout each book, experts provide technique, consumer, and safety tips from their extensive experience. This introductory book teaches you the techniques and skills you need in order to enjoy your water adventure and then challenges those skills with more complex rolls and maneuvers. After reading Kayaking, you'll feel confident enough with your kayaking skills to test more challenging waterways and even plan overnight or extended trips with friends and family. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Great Introduction to Kayaking
Great introduction to kayaking. Goes over all equipment and basic strokes etc. Good introduction before taking lessons.

Great all-encompassing resource
An enjoyable read and informative resource.Lots of photos which help to clearly explain the text.Covers paddle strokes, all types of kayaking (tips for each), pre-planning ideas, safety, river reading (with nice diagrams), etc.Only thing missing is an index, which makes it hard to find specific topics at times. ... Read more

Product Description

Product Description
Written by enthusiastic and current British Canoe Union coaches and practitioners, this book is an invaluable source of information for both novice and expert alike. For the newcomer it will provide a firm foundation in their chosen aspect of the sport. The coach or experienced paddler will find it invaluable as: 1. An update to current theory and practice. 2. An introduction to new aspects of the sport. 3. A pointer to other sources of information such as relevant books and websites. ... Read more

Product Description
Don't get caught without a paddle...

Filled with nearly 100 photos and illustrations, this must-have guide-written by the foremost paddlesports experts-gives the aspiring canoe or kayak adventurer everything he or she needs to know before taking the plunge. Inside, discover how to choose between buying a canoe or a kayak, understand paddling techniques and strokes, and find out how to plan a trip and choose an outfitter or guide. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Good basics for beginners
Definitely has some important basics that beginners need, as well as plenty of information beyond beginner phase.

Good for learning beginning skills
Good basic book for the beginner learning about kayaking/canoeing.Filled with many good tips for picking a boat, paddle, and good ideas about what to buy to outfit boat and yourself.Good safety tips too.Since I've never done any kind of boating, this was a worthwhile purchase for me.

Just what we wanted
We had already purchased a kayak,are novices,and wanted to learn a few basics without going through classes, since we were going on lakes, not white water. The book is packed with all kinds of interesting tips, terms, and knowledge. I looked over many books and decided on this one. Glad I did, it was just what I wanted. ... Read more

Product Description

The first quick-and-easy composite construction method for canoes and kayaks

This book is certain to appeal to any paddler with a DIY bent. Master craftsman Sam Rizzetta presents three attractive innovations: a new building method that makes Kevlar and carbon-fiber boats cheap and feasible for home builders; an ergonomically designed canoe that makes paddling easier and more comfortable; and a foam-flotation installation method that makes canoes and kayaks safe and unsinkable.

Customer Reviews (4)

Documentation of a pet project
This book is nothing more than the documentation of a boatbuilding project. It would be more interesting is he went into the different setups of composite materials for boat building. When kevlar works when your should use it with carbon or polyester.

Additionally, it would have been great to see something more then what you can freely get on Youtube or on any of the boat building forums on the internet.

I have the book now.... Oh well.

Not a bad book!
I thought the book was about numerous boats being built not just one. Although the book was very informative it was about the author building his boat from step one.
I was kind of hoping to have more ideas and other methods for building for future projects.

Good Information
After reading this publication I understood the fundamentals of composite building, however it fell short of production building, which I wanted.

How I built a wierd piece of floating plastic
There are some excellent books out on building skin-on-frame kayaks using modern materials -- this isn't one of them. The author is very good at impressing us with his credentials, but lamely wastes most of the book upon a pet project that won't work for anybody looking to build either a seagoing, estuary, lake or river kayak OR a canoe OR small boat.

As for the other half of the full title's implicit promise -- i.e., showing one how to build a BOAT (e.g., a recreational row-boat, or a small tender for a yacht), well that is completely ignored, making this book essentially a rip-off for buyers expecting to get, as it advertises, instructions on BOAT-building ...

I recommend "Building Skin-on-frame Boats" by Robert Morris and also "Building Your Kevlar Canoe" by James Moran for the boatbuilders reading this review, supplemented by articles in Wooden Boat on small craft construction using Kevlar-on-wood-frame technique.

I will leave the recommendations for kayak building in Kevlar (etc.) to those with good experience building/using those vessels. ... Read more

Product Description

Customer Reviews (4)

Great series for Kayak locations
WE have the New England series of the Quite Water books. All the books have good directions, descriptions of paddling locations, and description of wildlife and plants. These books have greatly expanded our kayaking adventures.

Good book if you live in southern or central Maine
I liked the book.Material was readable and well presented.There was not nearly enough information about paddling in northern Maine.We have a lot of good waterways and more could have been included.

Excellent resource for mellow paddling in Maine
There are more places to canoe & kayak in Maine than you can shake a paddle at, and the possibilities and choices can be overwhelming.This is a great book to start out with.Whitewater paddlers need not apply unless they are looking for a change of pace.This book is well suited to beginners and experienced paddlers alike as well as solo paddlers and those paddling with kids & dogs.Nicely detailed and well written.While I can plop my canoe into any one of the lakes and ponds in my area, it's nice to read about some places I've never considered (or even heard about).Variety is the spice of life.So far I've put in at five of the recommended ponds in this book and I have been pleasantly surprised each time.Highly recommended if you are a quiet water paddler looking for a new place to dip your paddle in Maine.

More than 100 ponds, lakes, and rivers in Maine that are particularly suitable for canoeing and kayaking
Now in a completely revised second edition, Quiet Water Maine: Canoe & Kayak Guide identifies more than 100 ponds, lakes, and rivers in Maine that are particularly suitable for canoeing and kayaking. Each suggested trip includes directions, parking, and launch information; tour descriptions with estimates of time, distance and difficulty; notes of flora and fauna to be seen in the area; and more. Written for paddlers of all skill levels from beginner to experienced, as well as for birdwatchers, anglers, and families with children, Quiet Water Maine is enthusiastically recommended both for its attention to detail and its enthusiasm for nature.
... Read more

Product Description
The best available paddling guide to flatwater rivers innorthwest Oregon now includes lake routes and much more. Thiscompletely updated new edition has been expanded to include 20 newroutes for a total of 70 outings on northwest Oregon and southwestWashington rivers and lakes for canoe and sea kayak enthusiasts. Allthe details for each outing are offered, from where to launch to tripdistance to points of interest to best season to go. It covers tripson the Willamette River on its tributaries, Oregon coastal rivers, theColumbia Gorge and the lower Columbia River, the Oregon Cascades, andsouthwest Washington. In his introduction, experienced paddler PhilJones gives tips on equipment, clothing, safety, paddling basics,shuttling cars, tides, and ethics.

Well-organized, succinct, and accurate, Canoe and Kayak Routes ofNorthwest Oregon opens up miles of scenic paddling for the beginnerand challenges the advanced boater to stretch skills and equipment onenticing big water routes--find a favorite route and paddle! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Great book for flatwater kayaking!
I was new to the sport of kayaking when I purchased this book so the information in this book was invaluble. I use it all the time seeking out new routes to kayak in Oregon. It seems most of the kayak books out there are for whitewater, which I have yet to get into, so this book is perfect for me. It offers information on many day trips and some multi-day trips if I remember correctly. It is really helpful when choosing rivers to kayak because it tells you the overall speed of the rivers at certain points. I am eager to try all of the routes the author suggests! It offers coastal routes, routes all along the Willamette, Santiam, Siletz, Columbia River, and many lakes and smaller streams just to name a few.

Good Book
I'm sort of a collector of maps and canoe books for the NW since I find the reasources somewhat limited for the queit water paddler.This book as good info and is worth the purchase.

A practical book that you'll enjoy if you own a kayak or canoe
I live near the Columbia River, and when I bought my new Equinox Kayak (from Eddyline) I went looking for a really good book that would describe trips in Oregon that I might enjoy.Philip's book was just the ticket.It describes dozens and dozens of waterways that can be used for something as short as a day trip to something as long as a week or more.He describes trips on lakes, rivers and bays, with most trips being most appropriate for a sea kayak, though there are plenty of descriptions of trips appropriate for canoes and shorter river kayaks, too.

Jones describes the salient issues associated with each trip, such as where to put in, take out, and hazards/points of interest along the way.He has lots of maps, though not particularly detailed (he has information about where to get detailed maps).

Generally speaking I've found the rout descriptions accurate and detailed enough to make it work.If you enjoy kayaking or canoeing in northwest Oregon, this book really belongs on your bookshelf.
... Read more

Product Description
Kevlar is a strong (40% stronger than fiberglass) material, perfect for building light-weight (35 pounds for a 17-foot canoe), fast, maintenance-free canoes. The only problem with Kevlar canoes is their cost--$2,000 or more. With this book, the most inexperienced home builder can turn out a handsome canoe for an investment of about $600 and a few weekends. The principal tools needed are a sharp pair of scissors and a $5 hand plane--and the method is astonishingly easy and forgiving. Featured are designs for a stable family canoe, a solo canoe, and a wilderness tripper, any of which can be built right from this book. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (9)

Great book, needs more pictures and pre-printed plans
I am working on building a Kevlar canoe using this book and the author does a great job at explaining the process, but it could use more pictures to show some of the details that can not be explained easily.It would also have been nice to have the plans pre-printed and included with the book.

Kevlar Canoe
Well written, great detail, well worth having before you start building- read it twice for a solid background.

Excellent resource
The guide has some very excellent information on creating a plug and molding a canoe. We found it to be a very good resource when making a copy of one of our designs.

The use of common materials to create a high quality canoe is insightful, inexpensive and the directions are easy to follow. Concepts are explained well, with plenty of pictures and should make the process easy to replicate.

Overall this book is very well done and a valuable guide for anyone wanting to build their own boat.

Interesting book but method is not for me
This is an interesting book.I liked reading about how to make a male mold.It definitely is for builders who want a light boat and are not really concerned with looks.I am not sure that the costs are as low as the author writes though so shop around carefully for Kevlar because this is very expensive material.Check to make sure that you are not sacrificing a few pounds for hundred of dollars more in materials.Glued lapstrake plywood building and cedar strip can be very light, beautiful looking boats too at fairly low costs if you build yourself.Make sure you check out all options.
After reading the book, I realized this method of building would be too expensive for me (due to Kevlar costs).

DIY Kevlar Canoe... and it is so easy
I was in the market to purchase a kevlar canoe when I stumbled across this book.This book does such a good job of explaining how to build your own Kevlar canoe, that I gave up the search for a new one and decided to build my own.This book lets the reader know that with some very simple techniques, almost anyone can build a Kevlar canoe.I am currently in the middle of my project and I have been very happy with the level of detail provided in this book. ... Read more

Product Description
The only complete women's guide to sea kayaking. Shelley Johnson, a professional guide and kayak instructor, takes you through the process of becoming a kayaker, from deciding where you will paddle, to dealing with common fears and stumbling blocks.... .getting quality instruction. . .choosing your boat. . .learning paddling techniques. . .and planning your trips.Amazon.com Review
Novice paddlers and seasoned veterans alike will find this ahighly readable and eminently sensible guidebook to the essentials ofsafe and enjoyable sea kayaking. Forget the macho approach--this is aninstructional for women, written by a woman. Basing her instructivetechnique on the premise that women hail from the "talk it overand think it through first" school of outdoor learning, authorShelley Johnson's tone is friendly and conversational. Whetherdiscussing useful ways to carry and transport a kayak, getting in andout of it, or staying afloat, she is quick to offer supportive,practical advice. Yes, for instance, proper paddling techniques aredifficult to master; but with the easy-to-follow captioned photographsprovided, forward, backward, turning, and support strokes are a wholelot easier to understand and ultimately execute. If your greatestfears are the "wet exit" (capsizing) and hypothermia, you'llbe pleased to learn there are myriad ways to prepare for and/orprevent such safety hazards. In addition to lending her own expertise,Johnson also includes comments, stories, and instruction from veteranwater women of all ages. Chapters on weather/tidal conditions,equipment, and heading out with children all brim with excellent tipsand straightforward advice. A resource listing is also included. So ifyou want the lowdown on how to be well prepared, properly geared, andsafety conscious in a sea kayak, this edition of the Ragged MountainPress Woman's Guide series points the way. --Martha Silano ... Read more

Customer Reviews (8)

Like new, great book on kyaking for women
This book is perfect for new kayakers.It has everything you need to know with good illustrations and kind advice and encouragement.

A good book for either sex.
I checked this out from the library for my girl friend, but was very impressed with the content when I went through it myself.She never did, so now she's getting it for a birthday gift.This is a well written book that I'd recommend for anyone interested in kayaking.I went through all the kayaking books the library system had to offer, and this was definitely one of the best.

A Pleasurable Read
I enjoyed reading thisbook.I feel more at ease about going out and kayaking without the "aide" of my husband.Great ideas for women only!

Excellent Resource
We're all out on the water. Excellent source of information with a target audience.

Lots of kayaking info for all!
I had been looking for an informative book that covered the many aspects of kayaking when I found this bookwhile on a kayaking/camping trip in Maine.The book caught my eye, because it said it was a woman's guide to sea kayaking.However, it is much more than just a "woman's guide".As the others have said, all kayakers will benefit from reading this book.It is an interesting and easy-to-understand guide with lots of descriptive photos and drawings. It covers a wide range of topics such as:getting to know your kayak & paddle, safety and emergency info, carrying and transporting your kayak, weather and navigation, and much more!I would recommend this book to any person interested in learning more about kayaking! ... Read more

Product Description
A lavishly illustrated, user-friendly guide for novices and experienced boat builders alike, The Canoe Shop provides plans and building instructions for three graceful and rugged touring canoes--a 12-foot double-paddle canoe, a 14-foot solo canoe, and a 16-foot tandem boat--that virtually anyone can build directly from the book.

Following the same critically acclaimed format found in his classic, The New Kayak Shop, leading North American boat designer Chris Kulczycki walks readers through the entire building process for each boat. One standout feature of The Canoe Shop is a revolutionary, simplified approach to lapstrake construction which makes this traditional technique--considered by many to be the finest method of wooden boat construction--available to amateurs for the first time.

- Features three original designs from one of the most respected small-boat designers- Contains dozens of illustrations and step-by-step building instructions ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Was exactly as Described
I received this slightly used book within two days after payment even though shipping said 5-10 days. It was exactly as it was described, wrapped in plastic and even though it said used it looked like it was nearly brand new. As far as content anyone who know the author knows this is a great book. The directions are easy to understand and the pictures fill in any blanks you may have. Because this is a slightly older book I do recommend that you check on the web for updates to the lofting charts. On a boat builders forum I found there was a mistake in the lofting charts for the 16 footer but since I am building the 12 it was no big deal.I highly recommend this book to anyone wanting to build a lapstroke canoe. I further highly recommend Amazon as the place to buy it. They re the best in the industry, hands down!!

Suitable as building guide? No!
I started building the Sassafras 12 with the help of this book and regret to say that it was not a succes. After having spent a good 20 hours in measuring and cutting the planks I found that the two halves which formed each one plank, did not match. There simply was no way in positioning and bonding them into a smooth curve. I have build small boats before and have checked and rechecked every step, to no avail. E-mail contact with publisher and writer learned me that it was advised to use complete and updated full scale drawings rather than the book, although they denied the inaccuracies that I have found. For me, the book turned out to be worse than a waste of money. In the end I bought complete plans of a similar design with another design firm. Sorry to write such an unhappy review, but this is the way it is!

Hans van Poelje

Good, but not unique!
This book is a "How-To" manual to build the Sassafras Canoes from CLC.If this is the canoe you want to build, then it is excellent and you should buy this book.If however, you want general information on building wooden canoes, don't bother.There is nothing unique in this book (for the generic canoe builder) that you cannot get from other books, or indeed by just browsing on the internet.

The one thing that I did learn was that I do NOT want to build this design.So for the price of the book, it saved me from making an expensive mistake.This is not to suggest that there is anything wrong with either the design or CLC, just that the construction method and the look of the finished canoe are not to my personal taste. ... Read more

Product Description
The northwoods of Minnesota are home to one of the nation’s most enduring craftsmen and a true state treasure. Over the course of 65 years, Joe Seliga of Ely, Minnesota, has handcrafted over 650 absolutely sublime canvas-covered wooden canoes in his humble backyard shop. Among canoe and wooden-boat aficionados, the canoes built by this unassuming and self-taught 94-year-old are highly prized and deemed the best of the best. With specially commissioned color photography by outdoor photographer Deb Sussex and captions by Joe’s fellow master canoebuilder Jerry Stelmok, this celebration of Joe’s lifework details the creation of a Seliga masterpiece, from choosing the wood stock to the first launch. These unique and candid views of Joe at work inside his shop bear witness to the unique methods and handtools that he has developed since 1936, many of which are revealed here for the first time. Accompanying this inspiring record of Joe’s craft are the stories of his childhood as the son of an immigrant miner in the prewar northern wilderness, how he unexpectedly embarked on his storied career, and the role that his beloved wife Nora, who passed away in 1999, continues to play in his life. Stelmok also includes testimonials he has gathered from noteworthy Ely denizens like arctic explorer Paul Schurke and photographer Paul Brandenberg, as well as enthusiasts fortunate enough to own a Seliga canoe. Finally, Stelmok explains how; when Joe retires, his legacy will be carried on in a specially dedicated shop at YMCA Camp Widjiwagan in Ely, which owns and cherishes more than 40 Seliga canoes, some dating back to 1948.
Postscript:We are sorry to say that Joe has now passed on in 2005, but his spirit will live on through his canoes and the pages of this book. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

A great look at one of the last masters of an-almost lost art


I found this book in the library and immediately fell in love with this man's passion for his life's work. As an owner of a Cedar/Canvas canoe (not a Seliga, unfortunately) I know the connection that he feels with creating them...more than just a how-to about old canoe construction techniques, it's also a "Why I bother doing" book.
RIP Joe...may you always find in Heaven a calm lake to paddle and a flat portage to carry.

Okay, so I'm not really a kid.
As a camper at Camp Widjwagan (a YMCA camp outside of Ely, Minnesota) who has used Joe Seliga's canoes many times, I have to say that this is an excellent source of information about canoe making. He was a skilled artist who made magnificent canoes, and I'm honored to say I have used one of his own. So, thank you, Joe Seliga.

A True Artist
If you have any thought of building a canoe and want to stand beside a true artist in the field you should get this book.The photography is superb and you can't beat experience and Joe has that.The book shows a price sheet from 1946 when a 18 footer cost $178.00 so that gives you an idea of how experienced.A Beautiful Beautiful book.

A New Appreciation for the Work Behind the Beauty
I stopped by Joe's house in Ely to have him autograph my copy.We had never met before but he greeted me warmly, offered me cookies and a drink, showed me his shop, and added me to his list of people who want a canoe.This man is a national treasure and his canoes will be timeless heirlooms.

This book goes into great detail on how he crafts each of his beautiful, rustic, canvas-covered wooden canoes by hand and has given me a bold appreciation for how much work goes into just one canoe.I have no idea how he ever made a living charging only a couple thousand per canoe.

The author Jerry Stelmok did a fine job of breaking a complicated process down into simple text that anyone can enjoy.And National Geographic photographer Deborah Sussex filled the book with enticing photos.

The book sits on my office wall along with other non-fictional works about the woods of Northern Minnesota, and this one by far gets the most attention.It's a wonderful addition to anyone's library.

Enjoy! ... 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

Product Description
Canoeists are increasingly discovering the deep satisfaction in creating their own equipment rather than adapting to the generic standards of boats and paddles available through retailers. Indeed, interest in making paddles and canoes is at an all-time high with recreational boaters. For the how-to beginner, a paddle represents the perfect challenge, both finite and functional. For the skilled woodworker, the opportunity to experiment with design and technique and thereby create a tailor-made product that perfectly suits a paddler's needs is a dream come true.

In Canoe Paddles: A Complete Guide to Making Your Own, longtime canoeist and woodworker Graham Warren presents detailed blueprints for making paddles that you will cherish and use with confidence. From his insightful look at the way a paddle works when it meets the water through the selection of the best woods, adhesives and tools, Warren takes the reader on a veritable paddlemaking odyssey. You will learn how to make a paddle with a single blade, a bent shaft or double blades; how best to protect a paddle with oil or varnish; what to look for when test-driving your paddle; how to decorate it; and how to care for and repair it. Warren also includes an appreciation of the evolution of the paddle, and a special chapter by renowned canoe-building teacher David Gidmark celebrates paddlemaking in the native tradition. Canoe Paddles is thoroughly illustrated with photographs and drawings. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (15)

Nice Guide
If you want to make your own canoe paddles than this is a book you will want to own.Covers many designs and has detailed instructions on how to make them.

Good Teacher
This book has a great way of sharing both wood working skills along with a history of paddles. If you want to build your own then this book goes a long way to helping you understand the timbers required and the methods used both historically and current. I recommend it.

All about Paddles
Great Book on Paddles, gives history of paddles and how to design and buildpersonalized paddles or use the designs in the book.

Paddle Making in Detail
This is an excellent, detailed book on making canoe paddles.There is a lot of layout and carving information that a first time paddle maker would not have thought of.
It would be helpful if the chapters were numbered to match the table of contents, but that's a minor quibble.If you want to begin making a paddle of your own, buy this book.

paddling down under
Have now received book "Canoe paddles"Everything seems to be fibre glass or plastic down here, it is a "Breath of fresh air" to see so many paddles in their original form, WOOD.Cannot wait to get started. ... Read more

Product Description
Though it sports a new name and look, A Canoeing & Kayaking Guide to West Virginia (formerly Wildwater West Virginia) is still the definitive guide to whitewater in the Mountain State. Thirty years after the initial printing, this book continues to bring paddlers the best of West Virginia's waters: from classics rivers, such as the Gauley, the New, and the Tygart, to steep creeks like North Fork of Blackwater and Meadow River. At-a-glance information for each river section helps boaters pick rivers to match their ability and current weather conditions, while river descriptions, gauge and shuttle route information provide additional critical information. Whether boating in kayaks, canoes, or sit-on-tops, paddlers will find more than enough rivers to fit their interest or skill level. In addition, literary interludes scattered throughout each book will invoke the spirit of paddling, encouraging readers' contemplation of past and future trips. Appendices include websites, gauge information, and safety information, making this book a valuable resource in planning out the next trip.From meandering riffled streams to on-the-edge, in-your-face steep creeks, these guides contains the best each state has to offer.
... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Will never be on the bookshelf
I just recently discovered this book when a friend loaned it to me, and I can't wait to order my copy.This is a nice reference book that will stay on my coffee table from April to September.I do a lot of canoeing/fishing on the rivers in the summer, and this book has already led me to a lot of great floats that I didn't know about, even though I'm a native West Virginian.It's not going to tell you what to expect around every bend, but it does list the more notable areas of each river, including the dangers and problems you may encounter.

The first section of the book has basic information on canoeing and kayaking, terms and definitions, dealing with locals, phone numbers and other sources of information, and more (Much of this is written in a humorous way, reminding me somewhat of Pat McManus).

The book then lists each river basin, and after a short description of the area and a little history, it breaks it up into sections.The layout for each section is as follows:

1.TABLE - Contains capacities and ratings of the section including rapid classes, river gradient, water volume, scenery rating, time of trip, and river level.

2.MAPS - List of the names of the USGS maps and county maps that cover the section area.

3.DESCRIPTION - Describes the river, the scenery, and any other noteworthy aspects of the trip.

4.DIFFICULTIES - Notes any dangerous areas or other problems you may encounter along the way.

5.SHUTTLE - Suggests put-in and take-out spots or if there are any shuttle services provided.

6.GAUGE - Notes locations of river level gauges, phone numbers to call for river level information, or just basic references to gauge the level of the river for navigability.(I especially like this.Many times it goes something like, "If there are three stones showing on the so-and-so bridge, you should have no problems from point A to point B."This is nice since so many of our rivers have isolated sections that are nearly impossible to scout.)

If you live in West Virginia and want to canoe or kayak, or if you are planning a trip here for some river sports, this book is a great buy for the money. ... Read more

Product Description
30 pencil drawings7 x 9 .Concise, illustrated guides to specific canoe and kayak techniquesStep-by-step descriptions of paddle strokes and maneuversTips for packing and loading boats, rescuing, portaging, reading waterThe three books in this new series are concise, crisply illustrated guides to paddling techniques compiled from the pages of Canoe & Kayak magazine. Each book contains some 30 articles on specific maneuvers written by top competitors and instructors, and each article is illustrated by Bruce Morser, an award-winning artist and regular contributor to Canoe & Kayak. The books also contain sections on packing and outfitting boats, executing rescue techniques, and using paddling games to develop skills. Covers strokes and maneuversthe Duffek, hole surfing, waterfall running, eddy turnsof special interest to whitewater kayakers. Includes expert advice on reading water and navigating tough stretches, along with racing exercises using slalom and English gates ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Great guide for the beginner
I've just started white water kayaking and found this book to be a fantastic refresher.It covers all of the basics in a clear, straight-forward manner.I highly recommend it for someone who is just starting out in the sport or someone who wants to review the fundamentals. ... 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

Customer Reviews (1)

Wonderful content. Disappointing publishing.
Fifteen years ago my kids and I used the first edition of "Building a Strip Canoe" to make a "puddle duck." We were not great woodworkers but the boat is wonderful. We get lots of appreciative comments to this day. We've paddled it in the Rockies and the Chesapeake Bay. It has been bashed in and repaired and is a family icon.

I have long since lost my copy of the 1st edition so I was excited to see a new, 2nd edition of "Building a Strip Canoe" here on Amazon. I bought it hot of the press and found . . . the typeface, ink, and glossy pages conspire to make it very hard to read, to the extent that it is unusable.

In it's favor: the second edition includes full-sized plans for the canoes. The plans in the first edition have to be blown up (not hard on modern copiers.) Also the binding appears better now. My first edition fell apart -- I re-bound it with a simple spiral binding.

I returned the new 2nd edition and intend to buy a used 1st edition. ... Read more

Product Description
Covers the essentials of canoeing from basic paddling to advanced strokes and whitewater maneuvering, and discusses equipment and safety measures. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Great book
I am quite a novice into paddling, have done it a few times as "one of those tourists in a rental canoe". Then purchased a canoe and two books including this one. I've never been aware that there was so much to know about canoes, water and paddling technique. I already learned a lot and will be able to re-use this book to review and learn more after I've practised the first items.
I would recommend this book to anybody in a similar or slightly more advanced situation. You should note however that this book is primarily focussing on down-river canoeing. Flat water is also covered briefly and a lot of river technique also work for lakes. In case you would be looking for specifics on flat-water navigation, canoe behavior in windy conditions or trip planning, this book might be less appropriate.

Excellent resource for wide variety of paddling info
While this title may contain too much information for someone who has never paddled a canoe, it is an excellent resource for those who have paddled a bit but have never had formal instruction. There is detailedinstruction on a variety of strokes as well as identifying, entering andpeeling out of eddies. There is also very important info about readingwater and identifying hazards such as undercut rocks, strainers, hydraulicsetc. Also included is basic instruction on water-reading. This book hasmade it much easier for me to teach less experienced paddlers. If you'vebeen in a canoe enough to know how to get down an easy river, this bookwill likely have parts that are under and over your head. If you'resomewhere between beginner and expert, this book is definitely worthreading. ... Read more