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As its title suggests, this useful guide offers about as exhaustive a course in river running as you can expect to get on dry land.Author Jeff Bennett outlines a simple approach that will take you from the showroom of your local paddling outfitter to the rapids of your favorite river. You'll learn about rafting history, equipment, safety, and rescue, and explore the dynamic forces at play in the rivers themselves.From underwater currents, surface hydraulics, and rapids classifications to water and wave patterns known as haystacks and pillows, The Complete Whitewater Rafter examines all facets of river running. Bennett also covers the planning procedures for full-scale river expeditions and the advanced maneuvers essential for Class V rivers. --Lance JuddBook Description
This is the manual endorsed by professional guides, instructors, and recreational river runners everywhere. With comprehensive step-by-step coverage starting with the first run, it includes tips from top guides, outfitters, and instructors, plus the most complete guide to Class V rafting techniques ever assembled. This is the completely revised and updated successor to Bennett's best-selling manual, Rafting!. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

exceptional information
Bennet's book is detailed, readable and contains all the information that is needed to start rafting, though the information on the types of boats available is a bit dated.His chapters on the river bed morphology and the effects on the moving water are understandable and excellent and far makes up for the older information on this years raft models.

We have used this as a basis for our white water rafting cours.

if you're thinking of rafting it's a must!
Jeff Bennett has been doing rivers in North and Central America as aguide, whitewater instructor, international racer and professionalphotographer since the early 1970's.He has co-authored several otherbooks, including Class Five Chronicles.The Complete Whitewater Rafter isthe culmination of his river experiences and the progeny of his previousbook Rafting!.Although sole author, he envisions The Complete WhitewaterRafteras the culmination of a river-running evolution that has beenongoing for the last half century.He has borrowed tips and techniquesfrom contemporary instructors and classic technique textbooks.

Bennettcharacterizes this book as a complete course in river running.For thosewho raft, the book has it all, beginning with a chapter on the Evolution ofRafting: From Powell to Paddle Cats and ending with a chapter that coversbecoming a professional guide, whitewater photography, rafting for thephysically challenged and rafting with children.

I primarily bought thebook to get tips on oar rigging and everything was there, including allexisting boat, frame, and oar designs.The chapter on gear maintenance andrepairs was first rate and complete (it even included material onmaintaining wetsuits, drysuits, lifejackets, and pumps).For those withinterests in paddle rafts the cook covers all the strokes and moreimportantly has an entire chapter on Paddle Captaining: The Art ofWhitewater Choreography.Several major rafting companies include this asmandatory reading for guide certification.Finally, the book has severalchapters on multiday trips, which review packing and carrying gear, rivercamping and cooking, and river exploration.This material is applicable toanyone who is contemplating a multiday trip (whether raft supported ornot).

If you are not particularly interested in rafting check-out thebook for the information in chapters 5, 8, and 10.Chapter 5 - RiverMorphology: The Dynamics of Running Water looks beneath the surface atriver mechanics, laminar flow, turbulent flows, chaos, helical currents,and meanders and relates all this to tongues, upstream Vs, standing waves,diagonal waves, haystacks, breaking waves and stoppers, pillows, undercuts,rooster tails, boils and holes.It's really well written and excellentlyillustrated.I will probably scan-in some of the illustrations and makeslides to use in lectures for paddling classes.Chapter 8 covers runningrapids in oar rigs and paddle rafts but the information is equallyapplicable to hardboats.Again, the illustrations and suggestions ontactical approaches to rapids are excellent.Finally, chapter 10 - Raftingon the Cutting Edge discusses class V rafting including boulders and slots,waterfalls, high water techniques, and even steep creeking. I hadn't evenimagined creeking in a raft but it is done.I have a whole garage full ofhard boats for every possible use.This book has made be consider gettingan R-2 for this year's creek season. ... Read more

Book Description

Great recipes from a celebrated resort.

Whitewater Resort in the Canadian Rockies is renowned for its spectacular scenery, deep snow and Fresh Tracks Café. Despite constant pleading from customers, recipes for dishes made famous there were as unattainable as snowflakes in July. Even the café staff was sworn to secrecy. Now, Whitewater Cooks opens the kitchen doors.

With this eagerly anticipated book, home cooks can re-create chef Shelley Adams' signature dishes. Readers will enjoy over 70 recipes from the café's selection of top sellers -- from warming soups to desserts -- indulging in such culinary favorites as:

• Whiskey-smoked salmon chowder
• Ymir curry bowl
• Whitewater veggie burger
• Runaway train wrap
• Peppercorn, brandy and gorgonzola sauce
• Crackle top snowy mountain cookies
• Whitewater brownies.

Whitewater Resort is internationally recognized for its alpine scenery and the fine quality of its food. Now home cooks everywhere can share its most celebrated dishes.

Customer Reviews (4)

This is the best cook book ever!!
That's all there is to it.There's not a single miss in this book.Every recipe is a hit!!And the pictures are awesome too!!I'd pay $100 for this book if I had too.Do yourself a favor and get one.You won't regret it.

Great kootenay hippie world food fusion! Excellent recipes.
Some of my favourite recipes from the amazing whitewater cafe. They bring back great memories of growing up in the Koots, and my winter at the Whitewater ski hill...
And it's great food, with tastes coming together from around the world.

Terrific Cookbook
I love this cookbook. The pictures alone are wonderful, and the recipes themselves turn out both beautiful to look at and delicious to eat. I've made about ten of the recipes. So far, our favorites are the black bean vegetarian chili, the corn bread, and the white chocolate-hazelnut brownies. The only criticism I have is that the book is poorly edited. Some of the ingredients are not specific enough (for example, "1 tsp mint"; dried? extract? fresh chopped?) and the instructions are sometimes incomplete. Still, by guessing as best I could, the recipes turned out well. I hope that the next edition of this book is more complete and specific.

Great cookbook full of fresh ideas
Over the years I've had the pleasure of visiting the Whitewater Resort and the Fresh Tracks Cafe many times and neither I, nor anyone in my family has ever been disappointed in the food that we've had - we've always enjoyed it. So when I found out that they had a cookbook, I immediately bought it - and again, I have not been disappointed.

It's full of great recipes (I've tried several and LOVE them all) that are fresh, easy and yummy. The recipes tend to be on the healthy side (which I like) but are not lacking in flavor in anyway - they are some of the most flavorful I've had. They are also very simple and most could be made quickly on a weeknight. This is a definite keeper for us! ... Read more

Book Description
Whitewater Rescue Manual is for all whitewater padlers, beginner to expert. This book presents the best techniques for self-rescue and rescue of companions on the river. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Excellent reference for the whitewater enthusiast.
Mssrs. Walbridge and Sundmacher cover the subject of whitewater rescuewell.It is geared toward the recreational boater, but is also a valuabletool for the public safety officer (police, sheriff, fire/rescue,SAR,ranger, etc.). It does not cover reading whitewater, since assumes thereader is already a boater of some sort.It does present the most commonproblems and solutions.In addition it covers use of the tools needed tosafely execute timely rescues.Easy reading, excellent photographs anddrawings illustrate the points well. ... Read more

Book Description
Whitewater kayaking is a high-adrenaline Olympic sport that has won a large following and demands special skills. Beginning to intermediate river runners will find it all here: selecting equipment, padling techniques, reading a river, tips from the pros, and more. Great photos complete this companion to the highly successful The Essential Sea Kayaker. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

This book will get you started or enrich your experience
I'm new to kayaking and being a kind of do-it-yourself person, instead of taking a kayak class, I rather bought this book.

Reading through the chapters and then trying the methods in the kayak, I quickly learned different strokes, rolls, manouvers, reading the whitewater, understanding where danger may come from, how to avoid it, ... I'm not saying I became an expert or something (afterall it's been only a couple of weeks I have it), but I did get the proper knowledge base to build from - and since it gave me the understanding of the concepts, I can easily extent my knowledge by watching (or asking) expert kayakers - you can learn so much more and faster if you know *what* to watch or ask!

I was not comfortable even thinking of more demanding rapids or performing some tricks before, but now I feel that I want to try it. Now quite now, but eventually, when I get more experience and confidence.

I give it five stars because it is easy to read/understand and at the same time very informative. If you are a begginer and are buying a whitewater kayak book, you can't miss with this one. You should also consider this book if you are familiar with whitewater, but want to extend your knowledge (performing tricks, playboating, ...). It sure boosted my whitewater experience.

The Essential Whitewater Kayaker
A friend of mine let me borrow this book, seeing how I am new to the sport, and it was great.It took me from basic rolls to maneuvering in whitewater. This book is great from beginners to experienced paddlers. Nomatter your skill level this book is a must. I will definately get my owncopy. ... Read more

Product Description
When a kayaker perfects fundamental strokes before attempting to tackle whitewater, he is rewarded with efficiency, simplicity, control, and speed. Expert kayaker Eric Jackson provides detailed lessons on 16 such strokes, each illustrated in step-by-step photos of EJ in action on flat water and in the rapids. Each section includes advice on the early correction of common paddling mistakes, warm-up and practice drills, as well as how each lesson combines with others to improve technique.About the Author:Eric Jackson has been a member of the U.S. Freestyle Team since 1993 and the U.S. Slalom Team since 1989. He was the top U.S. finisher in the 1992 Summer Olympics, World Freestyle Champion in 1993, and will compete in the 2000 Olympics in Sydney, Australia. Expert instruction in beginning and advanced whitewater strokes Techniques illustrated in on-the-water photographs of a champion paddler ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Great Book
This book places a strong emphasis on technical perfection.Which is rarely found in todays rodeo-centric paddling community.

Eric, for themost part, focuses on pure paddling technique and skips any superfluousinformation.

Using the exercises Eric recommends here will certainlyimprove your river running.

If whitewater kayaking is your interest, this is the book
Eric Jackson has put together the most concise and well thought-out book in modern kayak technique to have come out in years. An experienced class V+ kayaker myself, I found improvements I could apply to my everypaddlestroke from this book. Even expert boaters will benefit on key pointsregarding modern school techniques from catching eddies andsnappingsprayskirts to finding the optimal pressurization for floatbags. A mustread for all serious paddlers.

Next best thing to an EJ clinic
If you can't take an EJ clinic, this is the next best thing.This book discards much of the "old school" of kayaking which was appropriate for older, longer boats, and replaces it with newer, smartertechniques appropriate for today's fast-turning playboats.Eric clearlyunderstands the physics of kayaking, and communicates this to his readersin a concise, easily understandable style.This book is a wealth ofinformation ina small package. ... Read more

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Book Description

Customer Reviews (2)

A classic and still the best
There are a couple of guidebooks that offer more detailed mile-by-mile descriptions of the paddling runs in this book, but none that deliver the feel of what it was like to run them. Lars and Chuck ran first descents on many of these rivers, and they share their stories and the stories of other pioneering paddlers. Their self-deprecating humor keeps the book from turning into a brag-fest. I bought my copy of the 1st edition in 1987 -- now I have copies of the 2nd and 3rd editions as well and can't bring myself to part with any of them!

The Best Whitewater in California;a review
Holbek and Stanley first published their guidebook in 1984.Amazingly, their descriptions have stood the test of time.The format for the guide is pleasantly succinct.More recent guidebooks have used the format provided by Holbek and Stanley (Idaho the WW State, and CO Rivers and Creeks).

The authors get right down to business providing the info necessary to determine flows, arrive at put-in, run shuttle, and proceed down the run.Some might find the info related to running the river a bit sparce.Personally, I appreciate the fact that paddlers are left to figure out a variety of the details related to each run.

In regard to the difficulty ratings for rapids and runs, this is the book that set the standards for contmporary river running in the western states.If Holbek and Stanley give a rapid a V+ rating, hang on!

This guidebook should be placed firmly on the dashboard of every California paddlers beat up truck. ... Read more

Book Description
The bestselling, truth-telling reporter whose old-fashioned muckraking has exposed outrageous government excess in The Government Racket and A Call for Revolution now takes on the scandal engulfing Bill and Hillary Clinton -- Whitewater.
A tale of hubris, greed, and temptation, The Great Whitewater Fiasco is a chronicle of American politics as usual. It illustrates the destructive alliance of money and government that increasingly plagues our democracy.
The Great Whitewater Fiasco traces the exploits of the Clintons from the 1960s through the hearings, and shows how Whitewater extends far beyond a dubious land deal. Finally we can see through the murky waters to the unmistakable truth:
* Campaign contributions and loans paid off with political favors
* Misuse and theft of federally guaranteed funds
* Conflicts of interest galore in legal and banking practices
* Slush funds and other financial shenanigans
* White House cover-ups
With true aim, Gross offers a bold and innovative plan to clean up our system so that we can prevent ourselves from drowning in future Whitewaters. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Explains the Clinton corruption in a simple way
It's too bad this book is out of print. You should try to order it used or see if your library has it. Gross writes with a very no nonsense style. He didn't try to win a writing prize with this book like James Stewart did with his Whitewater book. And, of course, Gross isn't a hard core Clinton apologist/worshipper like Gene Lyons and Joe Conason. This book explains the relationship between the Clintons and the McDougals, goes through the task of explaining the transactions, and by the end of the book leading the reader to conclude that Whitewater, contrary to Clinton supporters, was a scandal that should have dethroned their king. ... Read more

Book Description
Enjoy thrilling days on the water with fewer worries—this comprehensive guide to kayaking shows you how! In describing both whitewater and sea kayaking, this book reveals the secrets to becoming a confident and proficient kayaker.

Kent Ford, highly acclaimed kayaking instructor and 2-time world-champion paddler, gives you a solid foundation on which to build your kayaking skills. He discusses choosing the proper equipment and clothing, fundamental strokes and maneuvers, and guidelines for safe kayaking. The book also provides descriptions of 64 of the world's best kayaking destinations and 9 of the author's favorite rivers.

Like all the books in the Outdoor Pursuits Series, Kayaking emphasizes safety, environmental responsibility, and—most of all—the fun of outdoor activity! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

A solid start that doesn't oversimplify the sport.
Actually, it's two sports -- depending on who you ask.Ford does a great job of acknowledging and exploring the similarities and common concerns of sea and whitewater kayaking.The simple and straightforward advice on instruction and gear selection makes this a great book to read before you ever get in a kayak.It provides you with the knowledge to ask good questions and make reasonable decisions when you go to purchase gear.The book splits later into sea and whitewater sections, so if you are already sold on one and don't want to know about the other, you might shy away from this title -- don't.Expert paddlers agree that all types of paddling have something to teach all types of paddlers.Taking a few minutes to become more familiar with the other side of kayaking will benefit you, and the getting started angle of this book is too good to miss.For the undecided, or for future whitewater paddlers, this is an easy to read overview of strokes, river reading, vocabulary,and other concerns with good photos to help explain major points.Simple advice on rolling, manuvering, playing, and safety will give you plenty of things to learn as you begin to explore the awesome fun of kayaking., ... Read more

Book Description
Whitewater Classics features top whitewater destinations from the jungles of Mexico to the tundra of Alaska. The continent's most notable rivers and most influential paddlers are chronicled in this instant classic of river literature.

Part guide book, part history book, and part story book, Whitewater Classics is a must for any whitewater enthusiast. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Great Whitewater Read
I have really enjoyed this book which features 50 Classic Whitewater runs across North America. Inspired by the book Fifty Classic Climbs, this is not a book of the "best" runs, the most challenging runs, or even the most popular runs, although any given river often fits into one of these categories. The common thread among all these rivers is the fact that they each have their own colorful and unique personality and history, and even if you haven't been there anyone who has spent time around the sport has heard of these runs--they are the true Classics.

In selecting the rivers for this book Tyler enlisted the assistance of leaders in the sport. Some were pioneers while others have just emerged as the sports newest ambassadors. He includes those who represent different styles of paddling including play boaters, expedition paddlers, racers as well as those who use different types of boats including kayaks, open boats, and C-1s.

The format of the book includes a profile of each of the 50 paddlers and then a description of the run they have selected. Here Tyler has made the effort to dig a little deeper than most and you can tell he put some serious effort into his interviews as he traveled around the country talking to boaters; you'll find some history and stories that have not been published before.

The layout of this book is excellent with full-page color photos illustrating each run. Maps help orient the reader to the location of each river. While the descriptions themselves are fairly comprehensive, Tyler concentrates on telling the story of the river and why it's a whitewater classic; his ability to do this is what really makes this such a wonderful book. This is not a guidebook but references are included to help one find more detailed run descriptions.

This book is a labor of love and I highly recommend it as a fun title well deserving of a place on the shelf of every whitewater boater's library. I doubt many have run all the rivers in this book, but that sure would be a fun, and challenging, project. ... Read more

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Customer Reviews (2)

I never met Jim Rada, but I wish I had.
Several of the stories in this book had a heart touching feel to them.The tale of his death was expecially moving.A must for any whitewater enthusiast.Great pictures and stories of this wild land.

James

Wilderness & Whitewater
The author's love of wildwater boating and his love for the scenic rivers described in this book gushes out of each page.The reader can vicariously descend these rivers and enjoy the rapids and falls seen through the eyes and spirit of Minnesota's premier kayaker --- The Commodore.For those lucky to have the time and talent to paddle wild rivers this book will excite and inspire a Spring paddle down the Brule, the Baptism and the Presque Isle. ... Read more

Product Description
The most comprehensive and valuable book on the sport. Includes detailed illustrations, stunning photos and literary contributions from the world's most notable paddlers.Drawing on the combined 30 years experience of world-renowned paddlers and instructors, Ken Whiting and Kevin Varette, this manual covers everything from the most basic skills and concepts to the most advanced, cutting edge paddling techniques. Whatever you need, you'll find it in this essential whitewater kayaking reference. YOU'LL LEARN:To choose the right equipmentThe essential strokes and paddling techniquesThe art of reading whitewaterRiver running techniquesRiver safety and rescuePlayboating techniquesCreek boating skillsBig water skillsSurf kayaking techniqueSquirtboating, slalom and much more ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

comprehensive introduction
I found this to be a good all-around introduction to the sport of WW kayaking, the most comprehensive I have found that actually deals with real world situations.

Best WhiteWater instructional book
Great Book.Highly recommend.This book is like the bible for beginner paddlers looking to master whitewater.Ken Whiting is an amazing teacher. Easy to read and the pics are great. ... Read more

Book Description

Thrill of the Paddle is the ultimate guide to the white-knuckle, adrenaline-pumping and increasingly popular brand of extreme canoeing where paddlers "shoot" rapids and other fast water. Paul Mason's eagerly awaited new guide now completes the trilogy with Path of the Paddle and Song of the Paddle by his father - the late Bill Mason, one of North America's most respected canoeists.

In each chapter of Thrill of the Paddle are numerous photographs, diagrams and illustrations, showing some of the greatest challenges in canoeing.

Thrill of the Paddle provides detailed instructions on maneuvering a canoe through fast-running Class 3 and 4 water conditions. The International Scale of River Difficulty is the U.S. version of an international rating system used to compare river difficulty throughout the world.

CLASS 3: INTERMEDIATE

• Rapids with moderate, irregular waves that may be difficult to avoid and that can swamp an open canoe.
• Complex maneuvers in fast current and good boat control in tight passages or around ledges are often required.
• Large waves or strainers may be present but are easily avoided.
• Strong eddies and powerful current effects can be found, particularly on large-volume rivers.

CLASS 4: ADVANCED

• Intense, powerful but predictable rapids requiring precise boat handling in turbulent water.
• Depending on the character of the river, there may be large, unavoidable waves and holes or constricted passages demanding fast maneuvers under pressure.

Customer Reviews (1)

This book is superb.A must for any white water open boater
The illustrations and photographs are great, the tips, hints and tricks are very helpful.If you want to develop your paddling skills, this book will certainly enthuse towards a higher skill level. If nothing else you can look at the pictures ! An absolute must for any keen boater ! ... Read more

Book Description
A guidebook to whitewater and rivers in Mexico for kayakers, rafters and canoists.There are 56 detailed river run decriptions on 37 different rivers.There are 24 detailed maps and 32 color photographs.The book is updated and expanded from the 1992 edition. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

The only game in town, but still borderline not worth it.
I just got back from a week in Mexico accompanied by this book, and, honestly, it's terrible. I will forgive the limited number of runs included, as new runs are constantly opening up down there, but the information provided on the runs included is unforgivably bad. There are entire runs where the rating (i.e., class 1-6) is never stated. Driving directions are poor and confusing, geology discussions frequently are longer than discriptions of whitewater, and perhaps most inexcusably of all, the organizational structure is so poor and inconsistent that finding the information you're looking for within a given run's description generally requires re-reading the entire thing. While this book is the only game in town (though this may soon change), it is still borderline not worth it. A little internet research and hooking up with a knowledgeable shuttle driver will take you much further.

Gringo's Guide
A useful book you must have if you're going paddling in Mexico.That being said, take everything you read worth grain of salt and scout anywhere you can't see the next safe eddy. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Great Overview of Paddle Opportunities
I have used this guide since published and it is an accurate overview of the many paddling opportunities in the Inland Northwest - Eastern Washington, North Idaho, Western Montana and even Canada. I had already tried many of the lakes and rivers but more were identified including some that I had never even considered in my 25 years in Spokane. Most of the paddles are appropriate for families. Put-ins and take-outs are well described. Great value that will save you time and money - even for the experienced paddler.

Sets the standard for Canoe guide books.
This was a refreshing change from the majority of canoe guide books. No class V in this one, just fun floats for everyone, and all close to Spokane.Kudos to the Authors. ... Read more

Product Description
Tiny drops of water melt from snow in the 14,000-foot peaks of the Rocky Mountains. Each drop gathers with another, and another, and eventually those drops reach salt water in one of four places, thousands of miles away from their origin. This book covers the hundreds of rivers and creeks that form in the mountains and flow through the hills and deserts of Colorado, New Mexico, Arizona, Utah, and Wyoming. The most comprehensive catalog of class II - V+ kayaking and rafting sections ever compiled, and lit up with over 300 full-page color photos that say more than words can. A clear design, succinct river descriptions, and precise beta boxes make this the whitewater guidebook of choice. ... Read more