Basic River Canoeing

Book excerpt: From its beginnings, river canoeing in the United States has grown enormously. New equipment, materials, and techniques have advanced the capabilities of boaters. This handbook explains the techniques of whitewater canoeing, with concise instructions and clear illustrations, for a safe introduction to the sport. Oriented to the open two-person canoe, the material presented in this book also is applicable to solo paddling and closed canoes. The chapter on equipment and clothing contains information on the latest types of canoes available and discusses the advantages and problems of each in whitewater canoeing. Different shapes for canoes are reviewed along with their implications for recreational and whitewater canoeing. Information is given for lifevests and helmets, knee straps, painters, and bailers. Floatation devices are covered, along with splash covers and carrying yokes. Other chapters cover effective paddle strokes, reading fast water, river maneuvering, rescue techniques, strategies, canoe slaloming, and wilderness whitewater canoeing. A special chapter on becoming a whitewater instructor is included. Appendices illustrate how to reinforce paddle blades; making a throw-line rescue bag; universal river signals; the English Gate; use of a flannel board for training; and the difficulty classifications of rivers. (ALL)