Paddling a classic

Hotshot water enthusiasts have their choice these days of fast, light, enclosed kayaks for supercharged adrenaline runs. But there’s still something to be said for the more leisurely approach of that classic liquid transit system, the open canoe.

Canoe paddling allows you to savor the territory you’re moving through, and there’s plenty of room on board for a traveling companion. If paddling in the arm strokes of river pioneers intrigues you, then this book can help. It covers the fundamentals needed to pilot on both still and moving water. Well-detailed photos show how to paddle, navigate and perform more challenging exercises such as water rescues (including saving yourself), open rolls and basic wave-riding techniques.

Once you’re functional, the book moves on with recommendations about equipment and maintenance and closes with tips on good, old-fashioned canoe camping.

-- Michael Koehn