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

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
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

Customer Reviews (4)

Too Short.
The book is less than 100 pages long.The caption on the cover "Secrets from the pro" is much more accurate than the back's "definitive guide".The author definitely assumes quite a bit of experience and knowledge of kayaking.The book is more a "quick tips and tricks" for the experienced rather than a thorough guide for someone wanting to learn the subject.

Might be a good book if you want to read the words of one of kayaking's royalty, but there are better books on the subject.

Too Short.
The book is less than 100 pages long.The caption on the cover "Secrets from the pro" is much more accurate than the back's "definitive guide".The author definitely assumes quite a bit of experience and knowledge of kayaking.The book is more a "quick tips and tricks" for the experienced rather than a thorough guide for someone wanting to learn the subject.

Might be a good book if you want to read the words of one of kayaking's royalty, but there are better books on the subject.

Not for beginners
Some great info on a wide variety of subjects.However, it is not a "definite guide" as the back covers leads us to believe.In fact, Foster tells us in his introduction that this book assumes the reader already has a solid grasp of kayaking basics.For example, in the section Launching and Landing the second method of launching is "Rolling Under The Waves"!Not very practical for the novice.Probably a better text for the intermediate.

A must have for all kayak enthusists!
Whether you're interested in kayaking or a veteran kayaker this book is a must have.It can teach you what you need to know, or be a valuable reference source.Purchase this book before skirting yourself in yourkayak ... Read more

Product Description
The essential guide to achieving and maintaining physical fitness and body tone through kayaking. Unlike running and cycling, kayaking enables you to enjoy the benefits of fluid low-impact activity and core strength development while having fun exploring on the water. For new or experienced paddlers looking to stay active and learn how to use their kayak as a fitness tool. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Half of the book is for novices and is not fitness-related
The first half of this book (73 out of 153 pages) is devoted to novice kayakers and has nothing to do with fitness. It covers such elementary topics as the difference between sit-inside and sit-on-top kayaks, the parts of a paddle, what a paddling PFD is, etc. I doubt that anyone who doesn't know such rudimentary things about kayaking is going to undertake a 4-day per week, 40-160 minutes per session, 8 week kayak fitness routine. There are plenty of other kayak books available for novices who have never been in kayak. This book was billed as a fitness book, and that's what I expected it to be.The second half of the book does focus on fitness, and the 8 week plan appears to be a good one.However, some of the information in the second half is sketchy - only half a page is devoted to "Strength and Power Development", there are only 4 stretches, etc.I would have preferred to see the entire 153 pages devoted to fitness.Then maybe there could have been entire chapters devoted to strength training, paddle-specific stretches, etc.I disagree with the other reviewer who says this is one of the few books that teaches the forward stroke.I have several introductory kayaking books and they all teach the forward stroke, and there are some great forward stroke DVD's available, such as Brent Reitz's "Forward Stroke Clinic."Also, the author teaches the high-angle forward stroke, which admittedly, is the preferred racing stroke.But he fails to even mention the existence of the low-angle forward stroke, or the fact that for someone who has a history of shoulder injury, the high-angle stroke isn't recommended.On the positive side, the 8 week plan itself is detailed (49 pages are devoted to it), the photographs throughout the book are excellent, and the author is very knowledgeable and well-qualified to write about kayak fitness.

Good intro to kayak fitness
The book does a great job of introducing kayaking as a tool for fitness.

Its great to see mention of flat water kayaking, and one of the very few place you can see a discussion on the forward stroke, as opposed to all the Sea Kayak stroke books which focus on steering and manouvering strokes, and very rarely cover the forward stroke.
... Read more

Product Description
144 drawings 6 x 9 Basic and advanced paddling techniques, fully illustratedIn-depth examination of canoe types and characteristicsChecklists and recommendations for preparing a canoe outingDespite minor changes in materials and design, the canoe is basically the same craft that was used hundreds of years ago, and the methods used to maneuver in the water have been passed from generation to generation. This first book in the new Paddling Basics series guides the reader through the canoes components and equipment as well as the fundamental skills needed to enjoy the canoes safe use. Detailed illustrations and text guide the beginner through the essential canoeing strokes into the more advanced techniques. Recommendations for trip planning and safety make this an excellent resource for canoeists of any experience level.Cecil Kuhne, the author of Inflatable Kayaking, is a contributing editor for Canoe & Kayak and a regular contributor to Paddler. He lives in Dallas, Texas. ... Read more

Product Description
This no-nonsense, fundamental guide to the popular sport of canoeing will get the beginner into the water quickly with a solid grounding in good canoeing skills--from paddle strokes to trip planning to gear needed. Illustrated with line drawings.Amazon.com Review
Get your feet--or rather your paddle--wet with The Outward BoundCanoeing Handbook. In the space of just over 100 pages, Paul Landry andMatty McNair cover the basic skills needed for traveling on wide lakes,narrow rivers, and variations of the two. The authors boast solidcredentials, having taught for Outward Bound and lived in Canada'sNorthwest Territories, a wet and soggy place made for canoeing if everthere was one. If you're heading out on your first trip and don't know thedifference between a turning stroke and a brace, this book could save youenormous effort and frustration on the water. It begins with tips onchoosing equipment and then moves on to efficient paddling, navigating hazards(such as waterfalls, rocks, and downed trees), avoiding mishaps and seriousaccidents, planning overnight trips, and dealing with wind, waves, andlightning. This last section will be a blessing to any canoeist who's everstruggled against a stiff headwind, tailwind, or crosswind; each requiretheir own navigational technique, some of which are counterintuitive.Whitewater canoeing is the topic of the last chapter, and the authors givejust enough information to keep beginners from getting waylaid by rocks,"keeper holes," and other dangers in fast-moving water. It's an area worthyof specialized books and training courses, and Landry and McNair don'tpretend to offer the last word on whitewater. As they note, it should bepursued only after mastering the flat-water techniques contained in theirHandbook. --Demian McLean ... Read more

Product Description

Customer Reviews (3)

Good overview of most available canoe makes, models, etc.
The book is a fairly complete compendium of information on canoes, paddles & accessories.
However, if you're a beginner, beware that the recommendations & necessities expressed in this book may seem so numerous, expensive & daunting that you may hesitate to buy a canoe after all.
My recommendation for beginners: Borrow or rent a canoe, paddle & life-vest, & try canoeing to see if you like it. Chances are that you will if you appreciate a craft that offers silence, speed & maneuverability with relatively little effort. Try it in good weather on a lake, a bay or a slow moving river; don't head for the white water on your first time out.
With a little experience under your belt, you'll be able to better understand what the book is trying to tell you. You'll also be in a position to determine for yourself how many of the author's recommendations & imperatives work for you, & progress into canoeing at your own speed & budget.
Happy canoeing!

Wonderful guide for beginners
Detailed step by step directions and advice on just about every conceivable aspect of canoeing. The book is full of color pictures which take you through each stage of the hobby in great detail. I'm new to paddling and have read most beginner books on canoeing and kayaking and this is clearly head and shoulders above the rest. Can't wait for the companion edition on kayaking to come out!!

A Great Book for Canoers and Kayakers
This book is a great resource for anyone interested in canoeing and/or kayaking. The information given is invaluable! ... Read more

Product Description
Let two expert kayakers guide you through some of the most exciting kayaking to be found on Lakes Huron, Erie and Ontario. In this guide you will find full descriptions of 41 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 will help you navigate with ease some of the most beautiful and rugged habitats on the planet. Whether paddling along the St. Lawrence River in search of whales, exploring castles in the Thousand Islands, navigating around shipwrecks and protected marshland, this book is a must for sea kayakers of all levels. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Weak
While the format of the book is good, the content appears weak.I bought it to learn about areas I didn't know, but to gauge the value of the information, looked at the one I do know (Lake Erie).Ohio, with over 260 miles of shoreline and some wonderful island trips, is omitted.In the directory of paddling clubs, the venerable Keelhaulers and Bradstreet groups are conspicuous by their absence.These are not insignificant oversights.

Great Guide to the Lower Great Lakes
This book has been a very useful guide. In addition to the guides for avariety of kayak trips this book also highlights some of the scenic placesto visit in the Great Lakes region. The advice given is useful on any seakayak trip, on any waterway around.

Bill and Sarah's long time knowledgeand experience in Great Lakes sea kayaking shows through in this gem of aguide. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Experience a river trip as Lewis and Clark did
I knew Phil Babiak well and, though I was asked, never was able to accompany him on one of his many trips "in the wild."This was always one of my regrets.Reading the book, which is really a compilation of Phils journal during the trip, historical references, etc., I felt as if I was there.Phils describes what he saw, how he felt, knows cold, hunger, comraderie and conflict during the two-man kayak trip in the wilds.A highly engrossing read, reccommended with no reservations! ... Read more

Product Description

Customer Reviews (1)

Canoeist's Q & A
I am in my second childhood when it comes to canoes. Did not care about them until a few years back with I traded my desire for speed and action for serenity. For me canoeing helps me find serenity. This was a good book for the novice canoeist. I enjoyed it and plan to save it for future refernece.
Also if you are interested in any outdoor activites. Cliff Jacobson is a wonderful outdoorsman. He loves the outdoors and enjoys teaching others. ... Read more

Product Description
The best canoe, kayak and hiking routes in the wild Temagami region of Ontario.

Temagami is one of the northern hemisphere's most desirable and pristine wilderness areas. Each year thousands of Americans and Europeans visit this 4,000 square mile wilderness area in Central Ontario in search of rugged solitude and truly authentic backwoods adventure.

This comprehensive guidebook clearly details 25 of the best canoeing, kayaking and hiking routes and contains notes on the region's history, geography, archaeology, flora and fauna, as well as important outfitting, camping and safety tips.

Trips include:- Temagami to Lake Wanapitei Loop- Florence Lake Loop- Marten River to Wicksteed Loop- Lake Temagami Circle Loop- Red Cedar to Jumping Cariboo Lake Loop- Diamond, Wakimika and Obabika Lake Loop- Anima Nipissing and Jackpine Lake Loop- Rabbit and Twin Lakes Loop- Turner Lake Loop- Matabitchuan River Route- Nasmith and Obabika River Route- Lady Evelyn, Makobe River, Montreal River Loop- Anima Nipissing -- Montreal River Loop- Maple Mountain Loop- Sugar Lake, Muskego River Links- Gowganda to Elk Lake Route- Sydney Creek Route- Smoothwater Lake to Gowganda Route- Smoothwater Lake, Lady Evelyn River Loop- Makobe Lake and Trethewey Lake Links- Smoothwater Lake to Sturgeon River Route ... Read more

Product Description
This is a book for intermediate, proficient paddlers who wish to develop their skills to an advanced level. The book looks at increasingly difficult types of paddling: the fast and furious sport of white water and the sea,and extreme paddling,which refers to specialist discipline such as playing paddling, surking, and the competition scene. ... Read more

Product Description
A complete guide to touring Northern California by kayak, with suggested ocean, bay, and lake trips. Includes all you need to know: regional weather and waters, navigation and rules of the road, trip ratings for difficulty and time, campsites, and much more. Maps and an excellent bibliography are also included. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

I would be afraid of this book.
I live and kayak in Humboldt County, California, one of the areas this book covers. With regard to our area, the book is flat out wrong and some times in ways that are a danger to beginners and visitors without local knowledge. I can't speak to how this book treats areas other than Humboldt County, but I would be afraid to use it as a guide to water with which I was unfamiliar.

A well-researched, detailed guide that is a joy to read
I got this book almost by accident..I live in NYC and am pretty well aquainted with these shores but when a buddy sent me this book along with a invitation to spend ten days sea-kayaking along the Pacific I could notresist.I read the book from cover to cover before I left.I wasimpressed with how detailed it is and delighted that the author chose toshare some of her discoveries with us. I would certainly reccomend thisguide to kayakers like myself who want to venture into new, expertlycharted waters.

A great resource
Whether your kayaking is mostly of the armchair variety or whether you're heading out to sea right now, this book will be a great resource. It's chock full of details about trips in and around northern California, easyto read and up to the minute. Descriptions are enticing, with suggestedlaunch, picnic, and camp sites given amid observations on wildlife andscenery. Trips run the gamut between pleasant paddles for the novice andhuffing-puffing challenges for experienced sea kayackers. The book lookseasy to use and is clearly laid out for quick checks on a particular coveor waterway as well as for browsing through the counties you have on yourlist for your next adventure.

The best guide for beginners to advanced N. Cal paddles
A comprehensive guide - finally - has arrived for Northern California Sea Kayaking!I took this book out with me over the holidays, and discovered several nearby paddles.I really liked the skill levels and the elementsdescribed on each trip - made trip planning alot easier and the paddles somuch more enjoyable!Plus the sections on Getting Ready were veryinstructive, and a wonderful section in the back about the kayakingcommunity. Well written, good drive maps, and an essential guide forNorthern Cal sea kayakers. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Solid, timeless information.
This edition is thirty years old, but the information within is pertinent and worthwhile for today.Well illustrated and written in a crisp, non-nonsense style. Spiral bound. ... Read more

Product Description
Burgundy-red water, alligators and egrets - all these and more are visions of canoeing adventures described in the first volume of A Canoeing and Kayaking Guide to the Streams of Florida. Almost 1,000 miles of waterways are described, covering over thirty rivers and streams. Each river and stream section includes photographs and maps, access points, difficulty ratings and scenery descriptions of the native animals and plants that the paddler can expect to see. Suitable and scenic campsites along the streambed are noted. This guide is the only book you'll need to appreciate the beautiful and often wild scenery that will unfold before your eyes. The adventurous, the curious, the naturalist, the family boater and the casual tourist will find all the information needed to have a successful and enjoyable trip. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

An excellent reference for canoeing North Florida
This book is a guide to virtually every good paddling stream or river in the northern half of Florida, from the panhandle to the east coast and down as far as the Ocala National Forest and Orlando area.It leaves off a few rivers along the Northern Atlantic Coast but these are covered in the companion book.

For each river, there is a general description, typically with a B&W photo or two.Then, each covered section of the river is addressed individually, with difficulty ratings, access points, river mileage, and a description of the river section with interesting details or features, such as major shoals or safety hazards.Maps are included covering each section, typically based on the state canoe trail maps.

For readers familiar with the other Menasha Ridge canoe guides, this one will look a little different.There is less technical data such as river gradient, rainfall, etc., because Florida rivers aren't whitewater and don't really need it.However, the descriptions of the river sections are usually much more detailed than other books in the Menasha series.

The book also has a general introduction to paddling in Florida, including discussion of issues visitors to the state might not have thought of.For example, some basic alligator safety points are included, as well tips on insects, sun exposure, and riparian rights.

When my wife and I first started canoeing in Florida, we bought this book.Turns out it was the most essential piece of canoeing equipment we ever bought.We have used it literally hundreds of times in the thousands of miles we have paddled.

The four stars instead of five is the result of the book being somewhat dated. Menasha very recently released a long-awaited update (ISBN 0897325885) which combines this work and the original companion book on Southern Florida paddling.While I haven't seen the new edition, interested parties should consider it also.

... Read more

Product Description
The first and only comprehensive guide to sea kayaking the coast of Maine--one of the most spectacular paddling destinations. Sea kayaking is booming, and Maine, with more than 3,000 miles of rugged coastline, is the indisputable mecca of the sport in the eastern United States. Thousands of exceptionally beautiful islands, peninsulas, and bays offer paddling conditions ranging from very protected to extremely exposed. There are areas safe enough for beginners, and challenging enough for skilled paddlers. A complete guide to the coast from Kittery to Cobscook, Kayaking the Maine Coast is sure to become an indispensable resource to anyone who dips a paddle in Maine's coastal waters. Although it is specifically designed for day-trippers, experienced paddlers can also use this guide to put together multi-day expeditions. More then 50 sections of the Maine coast are described. Each chapter includes suggested trips, where to find launch access, how to read tides and currents, nautical chart and map references, safety considerations and danger zones, key points of interest, and information on bird and sea life. Miller also includes clear guidelines on "leave no trace" paddling--how to avoid disturbing nesting birds, endangered wildlife, and fragile shoreline vegetation--as well as where to go to find all this natural beauty.

* Suitable for experienced and novice paddlers alike
* 38 maps
* Features a special illustrated chapter on the natural history of the Maine coast ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Useful but lacking
Good information but very general and lacks any useful detail. One can get a lot of this information on line or from the locals.

Best kayaking guidebook I've ever read!
I've been sea kayaking for 16 years, all of them on the coast of Maine, aswell as many other places around the globe. . .and I've read LOTS of seakayaking guidebooks. . .and this is by far the BEST I've ever read!

Ithought that I already "knew" the coast of Maine really well. ..but reading Dorcas' book, I realize there is lots to learn and lots morecoast to explore.

Not only has Dorcas done a superb job at gathering ahuge amount of information useful for kayakers, she has presented it in avery kayaker- and reader-friendly way.I really appreciate that it isn't abook of "suggested trips," but rather a book with thorough infoabout launching spots, safety considerations, places of interest, anduseful local knowledge.Her focus on natural and cultural historyinformation also helps me figure out places I want to explore.

Have Iused the book?Yes, this past weekend I went paddling near Kittery and thebook was helpful for figuring out launching spots and weather/tide concernsto watch out for.And when we found a baby seal "stranded" onthe beach, I knew that there was a phone number in Dorcas' book that wecould call to report the "stranding" and help out the seal. Wecalled, the seal was fine.

And relaxing after the paddle, I startedthumbing through the book to figure out the next stretch of coast I wantedto explore.

This is definitely a must-have book for any sea kayakerplanning a trip to Maine!

Kayaking in the northeast
Kayaking in the Northeast has just gotten easier and NE kayakers much better informed thanks to the release of D. Miller's book.This book lives up to its title in every way. The book is well written, detailed enough toprovide confidence and an opportunity to plan well for a paddle adventure.The information in this book will save those less familiar with the coastof Maine many frustrating mistakes and bad trips,and for those morefamiliar with Maine some new ideas on what to do and see.In additionthere are informative chapters all who use the coast of Maine forrecreation should know and follow. For those of us beginning to explore thecoast of Maine by kayak this is an essential addition our bookshelf. ... Read more

Product Description
From the easily accessible Rio General to the remote Telire river, Mike Mayfield and Raphael Gallo describe in detail the prize jewels that are The Rivers of Costa Rica.

Mayfield and Gallo's description of the area prepares anyone for any type of travel to Costa Rica. Learned and experienced advice about traveling to and in Costa Rica as well as sections covering the geography, climate, and hydrology are valuable before as well as during this tropical adventure.

Regardless of your interests or travel plans, this guide is fascinating and informative reading about a paradise that quickly becomes reality with each page you turn. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Book lacks important details
This book has a lot of strong points, but the maps are poor and so are the driving directions.Basically I can't help thinking that the authors want to tantalize paddlers into coming to Costa Rica, but they do not want to empower them to put together their own trip.The other reviewer noted correctly above that one of the authors owns a rafting/kayaking tour company.Of course they don't want you to be able to put together your own trip.

The definitive guide on a Costa Rican Paddling
This book is is slightly dated -a revision is in the works from what I can tell of Web based updates.It is still the most comprehensive and detailed guide available to both kayakers and rafters (although it iswritten primarily for kayakers). Dozens of rivers are covered as well asmany of their indvidual rapids, peculiarities, specifications, and besttimes to run. By teaming a scientist up with Raphael Gallo (paddler andPresident of one of the top river outfitters in Costa Rica - RiosTropicales) you get a balance of technical information as well as practicalinformation with some good photos to boot. This book is mandatory if youare a serious paddler who wishes to explore Costa Rica. ... Read more