The Essential Whitewater Kayaker

"A complete course in the dynamic sport of river running, this easy-to-follow manual guides you step-by-step from basic skills to advanced technqiues. Packed with detailed information and resources, this book covers equipment selection ; paddling technqiues ; river reading ; safety and rescue ; playboating ; surf kayaking ; steep creeking ; camping ; exploratory paddling ; racing ; and much more." - back cover.

This definitive guide to the sport of whitewater kayaking draws on the combined 30+ years of experience of world-renowned paddlers and instructors Ken Whiting and Kevin Varette. Covers everything from the most basic skills and concepts to the most advanced, cutting-edge paddling techniques.

Make it easy to get started in the exciting and demanding sport of kayaking. Introduce yourself, your family and your friends to a sport that allows you to test your full physical potential. Teach others proper kayak technique. Know the sophisticated technical terms of the sport before you begin lessons. Know what to expect from whitewater instruction schools. Eliminate bad paddling habits while kayaking in rough waters. Choose the latest equipment necessary for a safe whitewater experience.

2005 National Outdoor Book Award Winner. A fully illustrated introduction to river kayaking with a full-color gear guide plus chapters on river safety and reading the water. Step-by-step instruction on essential techniques, including all major strokes and rolls.

How the experts do it.

An authoritative introduction to the sport of whitewater kayaking, covering equipment, the full range of whitewater strokes, self-rescue and assisted-rescue techniques, and maneuvers in current.

A GUIDE TO THE SPORT OF SURF KAYAKING FOR ALL ABILITIES OF PADDLER AND THOSE THINKING OF TAKING UP THE SPORT

The official word on kayaking basics from the American Canoe Association, the nation's most respected authority on paddling, Essentials of Kayak Touring and Essentials of River Kayaking provide beginning paddlers with everything they need to enjoy a safe kayak outing. Beginning with instructions on how to be safe in the water, including proper use of equipment, preparing for cold, wind, and waves, and learning basic skills such as how to maintain their balance, these texts provide thorough information for those just starting to paddle. Find out how to select a kayak, proper lifting and carrying techniques, and how to launch it into the water. With well-written text and illustrations, learn all the basic strokes and maneuvers and important rescue techniques. Appendices include a glossary of kayaking terms and a list of resource organizations. Paddling safely requires, above all, the exercise of good judgment. And part of developing good judgment is understanding the challenges and hazards inherent in any situation and one's own ability to meet them.