Most books on this subject fall into two categories:
How-To's and Grand Expeditions.
Paddle Adventuring happily fills some of the inviting spaces in-between.

This tribute ranges from the joy and zen of paddling to the zany, from novice to skilled tripping and family cruising. It reflects useful lessons learned and possibilities that beckon - from local to favored waters like Ontario lakes country, Chesapeake and Florida rivers, New England, the British Columbia coast, Alaska, coastal and interior Belize.

Millions of us are beneficiaries of a vast array of new outdoor and on-the-water possibilities, offering more than a lifetime of easily pursued adventure from mild to wild, from global in scope to after work, and right around home. Paddling is a universal activity unrestricted by age or sex that almost anyone can do, a recreational style that is simple, versatile, hip, wholesome, ecologically friendly, affordable, a door to freedom, connecting with nature and providing easy access to varieties of joyous adventuring.

Increasingly we need outlets which offer diversion and simplicity in the face of daily complexity. Recent announcements touting hundreds of planned, "You Can Paddle" events in the United States put it this way: "Paddling brings sanity to an insane world. It quiets society's noise and reconnects us to something vital and real. Paddling can change your life if you let it." ...Chevy Trucks. James Raffan, author of "Bark, Skin and Cedar," has written "To paddle a canoe is to embark on a luminal journey that can sweep a willing heart across thresholds of new worlds."

TABLE OF CONTENTS includes:
The Paddle Thing
Paddle Adventuring
"Taste Life"
Heritage
Canoes Schmooze, Kayakety-Yak
"Canoe"bial Bliss
Nuts & Heroes
Canoe Views
Gunkholing
Whitewater
Paddling with Kids
Tripping and Cruising
Portaging
Mug & Grub
Fishin' & Wishin'
The Wild Side
Stump Sermons
Staying Topside
Out & Beyond
U 2 Can Canoe - and Kayak Too

Paddle Adventuring is opti-centric; lots of photos, saving, in theory at least, thousands of words. As for the "kaleidoscopic" mix, the versifications might sometimes conjure faint company with Rap or Cowboy Poetry, but inspired this time by the rhythm of paddle strokes, the gentle rise and fall of the oceans swells, and the windy-day lapping of waves. It is an appreciation of useful shared experience, a window on a segment of the paddling world. Old timers may nod and chuckle; newcomers might be encouraged to just get out there, and go.

There are references to much that is happening in the paddling universe-motherships, urban paddling, canoe design, canoe trails, kayak trends, paddling seniors, remedial paddling, safety, conservation, saving and restoring rivers- and some how-to's via the not-how-to's. The paddle offers a return to a conscious sense of body and self. From imagining to doing. Grabbing hold, a handle on your world, "paddling you own canoe..". or kayak... instantly and tangibly responsive, buoyant. Real, Exciting. Revitalizing.

Making a Bent Shaft Laminated Canoe Paddle is all about the very enjoyable process of making your own paddle. Laminating is all about using epoxy to join weak wood strips into amazingly strong paddle shafts and blades. This book walks the reader through the setup, materials, tools, and the workflow to turn out your own wood canoe paddles. Hand tools, especially a spokeshave, but also a block plane and scrapers allow for even the beginning woodworker to turn out a beautiful paddle that is every bit as functional as it is art worthy. The setup portion includes a plan and materials list for a paddle form that simplifies adding the bend to the shaft and aligning the shaft pieces. The materials portion includes discussions of shaft, handle and blade as well as epoxy for shaft and blade and fiberglass for the blade. The tool segment discusses how spokeshave, block plane, scraper and an assortment of sandpaper are frequently used, as well as other optional tools like a Japanese pull saw, an Xacto knife, and other sanding tools. The workflow of paddle making is basically the whole book. Broadly speaking there is an assembly portion of a paddle project and a shaping portion. But in the garage during the reality of making a paddle both assembly and shaping are mixed together. Sometimes it is easier to do shaping prior to assembling something else. Sometimes it is easier to skip part of the shaping bit and go e.g., use the paddle to get a better sense of length and then come back to the shop and complete the shaft and the handle. Many options exist within the workflow of paddle making. It can be a flexible process. It's a great feeling to go paddling. It's even better when you are using one of your very own hand made paddles

The most comprehensive canoeing techniques book ever is now available for the first time in paperback.

Illustrated with 600 full-color photographs, this wide-ranging book is designed with both beginner and seasoned canoeists in mind. Gary & Joanie McGuffin, North America's most celebrated canoeing couple, discuss issues rarely covered in other how-to guides, such as developing fitness and balance.

The book offers first-hand, experience-based instruction on outfitting, reading the river, paddling strokes for all flatwater and whitewater conditions, advanced turns and maneuvers, portaging, safety and rescue techniques - even how to tie a canoe on your vehicle.

Recommended by both the American Canoe Association and the Canadian Recreational Canoeing Association, Paddle Your Own Canoe features: Canoeist's vocabulary Selecting the right canoe Selecting the right paddle Portaging techniques Self-rescue techniques Solo whitewater spins Complete flatwater techniques Complete whitewater techniques