Product Description

Now in its second edition, Whitewater Kayaking: The Ultimate Guide has become the established, definitive guide on the sport.

Drawing on the combined 30+ years of experience of world-renowned paddlers and instructors Ken Whiting and Kevin Varette, this comprehensive guide 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 ABOUT:

• Choosing the right equipment
• The essential strokes and paddling techniques
• The art of reading whitewater
• River running
• River safety and rescue
• Playboating
• Creek boating
• Paddling in big water
• Surf kayaking
• Squirt boating
• Kayak tripping
• And much more...

Customer Reviews (3)

Good starter book for a beginner.
I read this book while learning to roll.Recently, I just tackled my first to runs of the lower Ocoee in Tennessee.This book was a good guide and supplement to my training.It's pretty comprehensive - great for a beginner.And I still reference it now that I'm working on improving my strokes and water recognition.In all, the book was well worth it.

Must have for any kayaker
I got this book as a gift when I was already a solid Class III-IV kayaker, and I was still able to learn a lot to help me improve my paddling.Ken goes into great detail on everything from river features, to basic strokes, advanced creeking and playboating to multi-day trips. This is the one book that any whitewater kayaker (of any skill level) should own.Also, if you've never been in a kayak in your life, but are interested in getting into the sport...buy this book first.

Improved 2nd edition
The second edition with its colour illustrations and colour coding of the chapters, makes it an invaluable reference for the Whitewater kayaker. ... Read more

Product Description
Danger, destiny, and romance on the river.A wilderness kayak adventure brings together two very different women—Chaz Herrick, a laid-back outdoorswoman, and Megan Maxwell, a workaholic news executive. As they battle the challenges of nature for survival, they discover that true love may be nothing at all like they imagined. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (17)

She makes me like romance novels
Kim Baldwin pulls from personal experience when developing her plot lines and this book is her most personal yet. I generally don't like romance novels and find gay/lesbian fiction to be not well developed. Kim Baldwin changed all that for me. She made me a fan of her, of lesbian fiction and romance novels all in one book.

A Woman More Dangerous Than Whitewater Rapids
START OF BACK COVER TEXT - Megan Maxwell is perfectly content with her life just as it is.As Vice President of World News Central, she has power, prestige, money, connections, and no lack of willing bed partners, so it takes several shots of tequila and a good bit of cajoling to convince her to join her friends on a whitewater kayak trip in northern Alaska.But the grandeur of the Last Great Frontier and the unexpected allure of her tour guide give her a whole new perspective on what is really important.

Biology professor and adventure guide Chaz Herrick believes she can only find happiness in the wilderness of her adopted home state, and she expects that when she finally falls in love, it will be with someone very much like herself.When she finds herself falling hard for a big city workaholic who seems to invite disaster at every turn, it's not just rough water that has her worried. - END OF BACK COVER TEXT

I have always liked Kim Baldwin's writing.She has a way of bringing life to her characters so they leap from the page.Such is the case with Megan Maxwell and Chaz Herrick.Megan is your typical, over-accomplished, executive female who has everything to prove to the world.Of course, like many of those women, Megan is lonely and has nothing more than work to fill her life. Fortunately, she has close friends who look out for her well being and make her take a vacation every once in a while.While drunk, Megan agrees to go on a whitewater rafting trip in the Alaska wilderness.Once she sobers up, she wonders how she ever agreed to such a far fetched idea.This is especially true when she first lays eyes on their guide, Chaz, who looks exactly like Megan's ex-girlfriend - one who badly broke her heart.

Chaz Herrick is in love with the wild.She spends every spare moment either exploring by herself or playing guide to vacationers. The life she leads doesn't give her many chances to meet women, especially those who might be suited to a relationship with Chaz.The second she sees Megan, she feels a connection.However, her initial impression is less than positive. Megan comes across as high maintenance and citified.This is not a good beginning, but as the trip progresses so does their understanding of each other.

Baldwin gives the reader exceptionally three-dimensional characters in this book.Not only do we get to know them as people, they have histories and structure outside the central story.The supporting cast is colorful and adds a lot to the plot.The mishaps and mayhem - mostly initiated by Megan's inattentiveness - adds to the comic relief too.

Bottom Line - As with any Baldwin book, the reader can expect a quality tale from `Whitewater Rendezvous.'This is one that will remain a part of my permanent collection.

Predictable Romance.
If you're expecting a fast paced adventure novel like "Hunter's Pursuit," you won't find it in "Whitewater Rendezvous," Kim Baldwin's third novel.Although it's set against the background of an Alaskian kayaking vacation, the journey is not as thrilling as I expected considering the rapid speed excitement of Ms. Baldwin's first novel.

The story centers around Megan, a workaholic lesbian from New York who has to be convinced to take a vacation with her friends to Alaska, where she meets Chaz, a lesbian biology professor and one of the guides who leads the group on a whitewater kayak trip.Chaz is the spitting image of Megan's ex who left her for another woman, and so Megan immediately despises Chaz and gives her the cold shoulder.Chaz is so easy going and laid back I kept wondering when she was going to grow a back bone.Of course, these two will eventually get together in the end, there's no surprise there.I was hoping there would be some twists and turns along the way that would make their impending romance fun to watch unfold, but the rush of the whitewater was more of a trickle.

Kim Baldwin is an excellent writer.However, she should leave the romance novels to all the other lesbian novelists out there and do what she does best -- the action adventure with a bit of mystery thrown in.It's not that she can't write romance, just that there are few who can write the lesbian adventure novel like Ms. Baldwin that it's a waste for her not to go against the norm.

Originally, I gave this three stars because her third book did not measure up to the first.However, after reading a different author's work I realized just how good a writer Kim Baldwin actually is.So, I'm upgrading this to four stars because it's well written.But, it still loses a stars because it could have been so much better.

The Question of Personal Sacrifice
Opposites attract in this thrilling story, in which two women must discover if it's worth it to change their lives to be with each other.

Exciting Story about Choices
Whitewater Rendezvous is a good book. It tells the story of Chaz Herrick of Alaska, a Biology Professor and dedicated environmentalist, and Megan Maxwell of Chicago, an executive in the entertainment industry with a six-figure income. Other reviewers have laid out the plot, so I'll skip that part and go directly to my thoughts about the subject matter and how it's handled.

Because of their widely divergent value systems, the two protagonists could not possibly be any different.But when they meet, their mutual fascination is compelling.Eventually, as much as they struggle against the inevitable, fascination becomes enchantment and they fall in love.Although at first neither is ready to deal with the consequences of what has happened or to face the possibility of quantum shifts in their chosen lifestyles, they are finally forced to face a tough situation and tough choices.

A basic question both women must deal with (and one that many of us have struggled with at one time or another) is whether their love for one another justifies compromising the lives that they have built for themselves at great personal sacrifice.Can a person give up so much of herself and find happiness?It's a difficult situation to be in and a difficult situation to write about.Kudos to Ms. Baldwin for her thorough and insightful writing, as well as a wonderful love story. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

Time for a new edition
This book has been very helpful over the years. We've had it since 1995 and it's the best, most comprehensive book on whitewater in the west. We have been looking for an up-dated version as some of the phone #'s and contacts are no longer accurate but apparently there is no such thing. We just got back from a vacation and we were planning on an extended trip on the Klamath river in Northern California. Unfortunately we got there and the river has changed to the point that it's no longer as the book describes. Due to the algae and a weird, white-yellow foam we decided against putting our raft in.
Bottom line, don't be afraid to use this book but track down CURRENT phone #'s and contacts for ferrying and river information. Although a bit of the information is outdated, it is still the best book we've found on the subject.

Now All The Great Rivers Of The West Are In A Single Book!
"NOW ALL THE GREAT RIVERS OF THE WEST ARE IN A SINGLE BOOK!
Western Whitewater tells experts,
novices,
and armchair adventures alike what they want to know about 160 rivers from the Rocky Mountains to the Pacific Coast.
They're all here:
long wilderness rivers like the Middle Fork of the Salmon and the Grand Canyon of the Colorado;
popular advanced and intermediate runs ranging from one day to more than a week;
difficult,
little-known streams for experts only;
and easy flatwater floats suitable for novice boaters.

Includes mile-by-mile guides,
maps, photos, and much more."
[from the back cover]

Wonderful guide to all rivers in the Western US, but doesn't stand alone
This is a big book, 590 pages, that is just packed with useful information.Most of the book is devoted to matter-of-fact information that one would expect, such as how to get to the put-in, and what the notable rapids in that section of river are rated.It also has a running commentary on river use controversies, from the conservationists' point of view naturally, that I found fascinating.

The strength of this book is that every notable recreational river west of the Mississippi is inside; given the amount of space available to describe each river, the coverage is excellent.

The weakness of this book is mainly that it is not the definitive guide to any river.It doesn't try to be; that wouldn't be practical.It does point out the books that are definitive (as of 1994).The book dates to 1994, and I certainly hope that another edition is in the works.Other than sixteen gorgeous pages of color plates in the center of the book, the book is black and white.I wished in particular that the river diagrams were in color, as they seem a bit lacking.

Anyone who wonders how the rivers he or she knows personally compare to any other river worth paddling in the Western US will find this book indispensable.

A Must Have!
Definitely a must-have for anyone who runs rivers in the western US, regardless of conveyance.This is a comprehensive listing of major (and not-so-major) runs giving mile-by-mile descriptions of the rivers, their rapids, and points of interest.While the fact that it's out of print may lead to some errors that develop over time (the take-out on the Klamath River isn't as described any longer), the sheer volume of information in this book is too great to ignore.

The definitive guide
I can't believe that this would go out of print due to unpopularity. This guide is too good and too popular among river rats I know. I suspect liability issues, though I really hope it is coming out again, new and improved

This definitive guide of runnable rivers in the West features detailed directions to put-ins, take-outs, mile-by-mile guides to the rivers (including descriptions and suggestions of routes and scouting points in major rapids).

I love this book so much and regard it as so valuable that I'm almost tempted to pay the astronomical and ridiculous fee of $75 to once again own a copy. But I probably won't. ... 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

Customer Reviews (3)

Put Your Helmet On
I'm a West Coast paddler, but I sneak over to the region covered by this book occasionally, and I decided to burn cash for a copy sight unseen. So let me give you an idea what's inside.

In some ways, Whitewater of the Southern Rockies isn't like other paddle guides I have. For one thing it's the most ambitious in scope. I count 636 pages covering 332 different river sections and play spots. The obligatory disclaimer states "This book is intended as a reference tool for experienced paddlers", and with about half the runs ranking Class IV or higher, including plenty of V's and extreme stuff, there is certainly a lot of hairy whitewater to be found in this volume.

With so much territory to survey, Stafford and McCutchen do not attempt to write the entire book in their own words. Instead, they act more as compilers of material from dozens of credited contributors, providing readers with a local insider's perspective from river to river. I especially appreciate the beta box entries for Character, Remoteness, and Hitchability, which can be really helpful for adventurous paddlers making travel plans and logistical decisions.

With its glossy paper, graphic design, spectacular color photography, and advertisements for various sponsors, WSR reads rather like a series of magazine articles in condensed digest format. I just wonder how well the text and graphics will reproduce when I want to Xerox one or two pages and take them to the river. At almost 4 pounds, the book itself is quite a load to haul around.

Authors frequently address the river access problems faced by boaters in the Great Divide region of the US, which are considerably worse than those in the West, where more rivers pass through public land. In the Rockies one can wind up on the wrong end of a shotgun barrel, so best to heed any advice and know where not to be. I had personally mixed reactions to the Glossary in the back; I'm not sure it's a good idea to call my Shuttle driver a Bunny and I can be grateful that Bootie Beers have never caught on with the paddlers I hang with. So far anyway. Perhaps the 2nd edition will include a definitive entry for Safety Talk and all its ritual manifestations.

Except those dedicated to Arizona and New Mexico, chapters are organized by watershed or mountain range. For us river rats who like to map our destinations that way, this book can be a valuable travel asset and a pleasure to browse through at home during the off-season. Thanks to all involved for a fine publication which sets a high standard for guide books to come.

A top notch guide for kayakers, rafters, and arm chair dreamers
This book is commonly referred to as the "New Testament" of whitewater in Colorado.'Colorado Rivers & Creeks' is the "Old Testament" of whitewater in Colorado.The new book covers runs in Colorado, New Mexico, Arizona, Utah and Wyoming - many of which weren't in 'Colorado Rivers and Creeks' which only covered Colorado and some runs in Northern New Mexico.Whitewater of the Southern Rockies has good information, great photos, and includes many runs that were previously unknown to most of the boating community.The ratings for each run are detailed and include info on seasonality, water levels, difficulty, length, put-ins and take-outs, and a subjective rating on the quality of the run itself.If you live in the areas this book covers it is an indispensable resource.

Very extensive guide with great photos
This book covers six states and offers good descriptions of the massive amount of whitewater available in the southern rockies. Many of the rivers have previously been undocumented, so it is a very valuable resource for adventurers in search of new frontiers. This is the first guidebook to document "The Clark's Fork of the Yellowstone" which is my favorite run in North America. The photos are astounding, and are worth buying the book for. Dancing on the Edge of an Endangered Planet ... Read more

Product 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 EssentialSea Kayaker. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Super buy
Fantastic learning tool.One of the few book you can read and put into action on your own,even though you should NOT paddle alone.
The best book under $10 you can buy.

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
For years William Nealy has been delighting whitewater paddlers with his informative and hilarious cartoon maps of popular canoeing and kayaking steams. Practically collectors' items, these maps are sought by paddlers all over the United States for their accuracy, relevance, and wild insider's perspective on those strange creatures who inhabit the exotic sport of whitewater paddling. Now, for the first time, Nealy has coupled his most celebrated Southeastern U.S. river maps with an anthology of cartoons, paddling homilies, and unsolicited advice. The result is a crazed but incredible book titled Whitewater Home Companion, Southeastern Rivers, Volume I. Through his distinctive drawing and wholly peculiar river-submarine terminology, Nealy successfully reveals rivers and boaters alike as never before. Contained within the covers of this book is a wealth of information and humor good for many hours of pleasure both on and off the river. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Whitewater Comics
If you are planning to kayak (or even raft)any of the Southeastern Rivers, you will want to have this hilarious handwrittenNealy guide.(For those not familiar with Nealy, this book is not meant to be a technicalriver guide).Although some of the rapids he highlights have been significantly altered by mother nature over the last 20 years, the reader still gets ahumorous look at the"hydro-namics" of the various rapids on the rivers he describes.In addition to his commentary on the rapids of each river, Nealy also includes his trademark comical sketches which have helped make his books so popular.

Like his other classic kayaking books, this is a comic book river guide for the Southeast Rivers. (Rivers included are the Cheat, Chatahoochee, Chatooga, French Broad, Gauley, Haw, Hiawasee, Locust Fork, Nantahala, New River Gorge, Nolichucky, Savage and Youghiogheny.)Paddlers will appreciate the descriptions of the rivers, some b/w photos and the comical sketches of the major rapids of each river.In addition he also includes a funny glossary section ofriver and paddling terminology with his highly opinionated sociocultural paddling commentaryoffered throughout.

As paddlesports are becoming increasingly popular and thus "more commercially marketable" in the US, Nealy's books and commentary are becoming even more funny, more meaningful and somewhat prophetic. ... Read more

Product Description
If you've ever dreamed of paddling in Chile, you've found the book that can make your dream as real as it gets. Includes a blow-by-blow account of each river, with precise directions, detailed descriptions, difficulty ratings, water levels, useful contacts and points of interest. Whitewater Chile also features valuable historical, traveling and safety information and includes enough fantastic full color photography to excite the most obsessed whitewater paddler. Whether you're planning a trip to Chile or just dreaming of one day doing so, Whitewater Chile is an absolute must-have guidebook. Includes detailed descriptions of more than 60 rivers recently paddled by the team of authors. GPS coordinates and careful directions to the put-in and take-out. Details about camping areas, lodges and restaurants. Valuable information about traveling in Chile, and much more... ... Read more

Product 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 (4)

Whitewater Rescue
Charlie Walbridge is probably the foremost whitewater rescue expert in the country.This book, although a little outdated, is still the best one written on the subject.It is easy to understand and easy to remember the techniques at the critical time.It is a must for all serious canoers and kayakers.

Great Resource for Any Paddler
This book is a must have for serious paddlers. It is well written and organized and covers techniques that should be part of any paddlers toolbox. While nothing can take the place of rescue training (and practice), the book is a good reference resource and can be used to broaden technical knowhow and refresh rusty memories BEFORE going back on the water.

Great book
Great book that anyone who plans on kayaking, rafting, or anything on the river, should own. There's the important and simple things that every one should know about what to do in possibly dangerous river situations. There is also a good amount of advanced rescue techniques involving many ropes, pulleys, carabiners, and people so if that's what you're looking for this has it.

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

Product Description

Customer Reviews (5)

Carolina Whitewater, 9th (Canoeing & Kayaking Guides)
Received book in a timely manner and in excellant condition.It was purchased as a gift so I cannot vouch for its content.

Great resource
Very descriptive & helpful resource for finding the kind of paddling water you are looking for in the Carolinas. So glad I bought this book!

Badly in need of updating
I've only paddled a few of the runs described in the book but have found a lot of information that needs updating. Apparently the authors are unaware that Al Gore invented the internet a generation ago and that there are online gages for many (?most?) of the runs described. (e.g. French Broad) but few are mentioned in the book. The description is usually along the lines of drive there and inspect onsite. You could waste a lot of time and gas if you don't consult the USGS gages first. Another example the put-in location described for French Broad section 6, is fenced off with a chain link fence topped with barbed wire. Given the rusty nature of this fence, it has been there a long time, well before the 2005 date of the latest "revision".

A Word of Warning
This is indeed THE guide to paddling in the western Carolinas, but it contains one extremely important error:the put-in listed for the Upper Green (class III) is actually the put-infor the Narrows (class V).

Thetrue put-in for the Upper Green is just below the Tuxedo power plant; thetake-out is what Benner mistakenly describes as the put-in.

This is THE book
on North Carolina white water.There are a number of regional white waterguide books, and while they can be more helpful in some ways, they are notnearly so comprehensive.Benner has got it all.If it's in NC or SC andit's whitewater, then it's in there.The Caveat:Bob Benner is the oldschool author of most of the book.His son, David, is from the more elitehair-head generation.This means that the rivers rated by David are on adifferent scale from those rated by Bob.The good news: careful readingwill reveal the difference between Bob's description's and David's. ... Read more

Product Description

Customer Reviews (5)

Good for right-brainers
I am (extremely) Left-Brained and found this hard to follow. However, Right-Brainers should find this book helpful.I preferred the book by Eric Jackson.

Wow, this book really makes sense
I just started whitewater kayaking with a class late last autumn and began paddling outside 2 1/2 months ago.So far I've put in about 90 hours boating in that time and the concepts in this book finally feel like they're starting to sink in.

The explanations are really clear.The illustrations are (of course) fantastic.And humorous, which helps keep the topics interesting, for those of us who would prefer to be actually ON the water, rather than reading about it!

Sometimes it really helps to experience physical visuals, too.Nealy describes eddy fences and boils in a way that really makes them seem like 3-D features.Which they are.But until I paddled the Ottawa River, the ones I encountered were so subtle that their shape wasn't clear.While there on the Ottawa, I really *saw* and *felt* them, and had my "Aha!This is what he means!" moment.

I've read the book once, and I think it's time to read it again.I imagine I'll be reading it over and over as I progress, picking up different useful things at each stage of my development.

Happily written animated journey
Rolling On the Floor Laughing (aka: ROFL)
This is a suprisingly well written and illustrated book that should be sold along with a new white water kayak!
It was lent to me by another kayaker, and I amazoned my Item that very evening.
I Loved the book so much I googled William Nealy and bought another three books, one about kayaking hazards and two about my other hobby: Mountainbiking.

Good advice disguised as fun
Love it. Adds to his previous book to give detailed explanations, diagrams and a 'sensory' picture of trouble, how to spot it, how to avoid it and what happens if you don't - all while maintaining a sense of humour. Great fun as well as informative for GradeIII+ paddling.

Funny
What a great book, the drawings are wonderful to see what to do when kayaking. ... Read more

Product 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.

There is also sound advice on selecting the best boats and safety equipment for the journey, along with instructions for handling a paddle in the most adverse and demanding conditions, tips and tricks for successfully avoiding overturning a canoe, and instructions on recovery. The many checklists help readers carefully plan their trip. In fact, this book is an adventure itself, and not to be missed.

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

Product Description
As scandals increasingly dominate the political agenda, Benjamin Ginsberg and Martin Shefter argue in this illuminating book, the United States is entering an era of post-electoral politics, with media revelations, congressional investigations, and judicial proceedings replacing elections as the primary tools of political competition. In a far-reaching shift of the political landscape, contenders now seek to discredit or take hostage their opponents rather than to expand the electorate or otherwise compete for votes.

In this new edition, which includes a full chapter on the politics of Bush v. Gore, the authors discuss the long-term significance of the decline of electoral competition: voters are increasingly alienated, the government's effectiveness is weakened, and the democratic process is threatened. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Politics by Other Means

This book is very provocative, insightful, and even rather disheartening. It does a great job breaking down the ways that political parties and the branches of the American government function and interact. The authors make a very bold claim that America has descended into a state of "pseudo-" or "semi-democracy," and they substantiate this claim with very pertinent and convincing evidence. Much of the political literature I've experience has been bogged down with political biases of the respective authors; but this book fortunately supersedes political ideology and simply tells it like it is. In my opinion, this should be read by every American.

Not Bad
This book is a good explanation of political battle without the electorate being involved.It reveals some of the more tragic but interesting and lesser known political methods in use today.It is informative but not uplifting.

The Gilded Age, Part Two
Benjamin Ginsberg and Martin Shefter have written a thorough recounting of the last thirty years in American political life. The authors' views are interesting as well as provocative. Most notably, their thesis that the United States has entered a postelectoral era where the importance of elections is eclipsed by instruments of political combat. And the practitioners of this combat while perfecting these weapons have failed to mobilize voters, which has had a deleterious effect on party organizations, and has lead to deadlock in government.

There are points that the authors could pursue that would strengthen this work. It would be worthwhile to note that low voter turnout, particularly in the case of primary elections, works to create nominees of the more extreme wings of the parties. If more voters than just the party faithful were to show up perhaps deadlock and institutional combat would be precluded. But the authors seem to blame the failure of voter mobilization on the leaders rather than on the disinterested electorate.

Another notion that could be suggested is that the United States has entered another "Gilded Age" where there are no over-arching issues around which consensus can be reached. Isn't it possible that this combat may be a result of the end of the Cold War? Didn't a new power structure need to be created in that vacuum?

Additionally, the authors write of the media and its rise to power but fail to fully explore the increased capacity, or presence, of the current wall-to-wall coverage.

the political shift
This was an excellent book.The authors took an extensive look at the shift in the approach to politics today and examined how the shift stems out of history; including references to political parties and the media.The book explains, in an insightful way, how the current focus on prosecution of political figures has contributed to electoral decay.This book includes fascinating insight into the current political situation and how we have arrived at this point. I highly recommend it to anyone who is interested in why our politics seems to have decayed to the negative state it is at now. ... Read more

Product Description
Whether you're up for the most challenging runs in the remotest places on earth, or are just looking for a lovely flatwater float, you will find them all here. World Whiteware is the only complete international guide to the legendary rivers of the world. It gives you all theinformation you need to plan your expedition. Wherever you picture yourself, World Whitewater can get you there. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Lots of rivers but only general info
Don't buy this book thinking you won't need another resource to run a particular river. It offers only a taste into each of these rivers.

An Inspired Book
This is a surprizingly good book.It not only renders a service to river runners but more im portantly it is an inspired attempt to be of service to the rivers themselves. Besides the useful technical imformation on the howand where of kayaking and boating it is full of interesting and poeticdetails about the character of the regions through which the rivers flow. I have used it in teaching geography to children and adults.As an activeConservationist and teacher I believe this book deserves a spot on many areference shelf in many a library and bookcase. ... Read more

Product Description
85 color photos, 6 x 9
Expert instruction in beginning and advanced whitewater strokes
Techniques illustrated in on-the-water photographs of a champion paddler

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. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Great book with practice exercises
I am very left-brained and this book is very easy to follow and he includes good color pictures and step-by-step directions and he includes exercises to reinforce the methods.

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

Product 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!. Amazon.com Review
As its title suggests, this useful guide offers about asexhaustive a course in river running as you can expect to get on dryland.Author Jeff Bennett outlines a simple approach that will takeyou from the showroom of your local paddling outfitter to the rapidsof your favorite river. You'll learn about rafting history, equipment,safety, and rescue, and explore the dynamic forces at play in therivers themselves.From underwater currents, surface hydraulics, andrapids classifications to water and wave patterns known as haystacksand pillows, The Complete Whitewater Rafter examines all facetsof river running. Bennett also covers the planning procedures forfull-scale river expeditions and the advanced maneuvers essential forClass V rivers. --Lance Judd ... 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

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

Customer Reviews (1)

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

Product Description
Texas and whitewater. Who knew?

According to Texas Whitewater, by veteran paddler Steve Daniel, one doesn't have to be an outdoors expert to find whitewater fun and adventure in the Lone Star State. Sometimes all that's needed is a little rain and perseverance and this handy guide to more than seventy Texas rivers and creeks with the greatest prospects for whitewater.

"Making the best of it is what this book is all about," Daniel writes. "It is about beautiful scenery, long-lasting friendships, and challenges to one's physical and mental abilities."

Texas Whitewater is arranged according to river drainages: Trinity, Brazos, Colorado, Guadalupe-San Antonio-Nueces, and the Rio Grande. Each description includes a map and an overview of the location, gradient, drainage, and difficulty of the run. Daniel draws on his own and other whitewater enthusiasts' experiences to describe the runs. Many chapters conclude with "Lagniappe," a section detailing the best restaurant or tourist attraction to be found in the area.Eye-catching photographs highlight whitewater features and showcase some of the state's best boaters at play. Daniel also provides information on access and safety issues. He offers tips on obtaining information on water levels and stream flow data locations via the Internet. Also included is an updated legal summary on the navigability of state waterways, prepared by Texas Assistant Attorney General Joe Riddell. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

I love it
Being an avid paddler, I was initially dissappointed to move from Georgia to Texas and leave behind the whitewahter rivers of the southeast.I was happy to find that there are some credible paddle spots in the Lone Star state and this book helped me to find them.It is well organized and easy to read and the information provided is very thorough.

The best resource for paddling whitewater in Texas.
This book has identified all the information you need to locate true whitewater in the state of Texas.

One of a kind
If you like Texas Whitewater, this book is a must ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Comprehensive Review!
Great book for those looking to break into the sport, and keep themselves safe by not taking on rivers they can't yet handle!

ATTN Rafting River Runners
I have found this book a valuable resource for anyone planning to run rivers in CA.Although I am focusing on the Upper/Lower Kern River...the book provides specifics of different water-craft running sections of rivers, logistics, and most importantly...details on the section run.It outlines most of the major rapids and what to look for (keepers, boulders, other fun objects).However, it does NOT subsititue for scouting the rapids!!Additionally, although I truly love the format, detailed information, and humerous descriptions of trips, some rapids are left out and are not even shown on the maps...so know the rivers in addition to reading this great resource!

Not as detailed as I expected.
I was rather disappointed with the book. I had expectedmore details on each river's rapids.I first flipped to the section on Cache Creek, a river I had been on, and found only a couple of rapids mentioned.Nor were there any tips on how to run the couple that were mentioned.Same thing with the section on the Trinity River.I had hoped to find a book that would guide me through each rapid and this book didn't deliver.If I had bought this book in a book store I probably would have returned it but since I bought it online the initial postage coupled with the return postage wasn't worth it.When we buy on the internet there is always a chance that you won't get what you expected and this was a perfect example.

I will say that the info that was included in the book was very good and the book was arragned nicely.It does give a fairly good overall view of each river, just not enough detailed info.

The essential guide book for California whitewater boaters
Whatever your ability or source of flotation, this guide book will enhance your river running experience.Each river stretch is rated for difficulty, suitability to different kinds of boats, recommended water levels, permitsrequired, managing agencies, scenery, solitude, camp sites, etc., and themile-by-mile guide rates the difficulty of each major rapid including noteson how to run them and when to portage, river access, etc.The book isvery well indexed, including a special index of easy whitewater to helpnewcomers find forgiving waterways on which to practice their boatingskills. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

A great guide !!!
A comprehensive guide to 175 rivers, creeks and runs in Virginia.Includes gradient, difficulty, distance, hazards, water conditions, time, width, scenery rating and map showing access points as well as written descriptions describing the trip. Invaluable! ... Read more

Product Description
Skye is dead, victim to a raging river. In the year since his violent death, Aileen has made peace with what she had a hand in and is moving on. But forces from deep underground have taken control of Skye-s spirit and turned him into a wolf-a predator who remembers little except lust and need. He stalks Aileen in the wilderness, coming closer, driving her to the ground. She will submit. And when the claiming is complete, he-ll force her to tell him how and why he died. ... Read more