"With a naturalist's keen eye and the sense of adventure of an explorer, Doug Alderson reveals a compelling glimpse of Florida. Wild Florida Adventures proves that there's so much more to the Sunshine State than condos and theme parks." Conor Mihel, editor-at-large, Canoe & Kayak Magazine "Only consummate Florida outdoor writer Doug Alderson could have penned such a delightful - and practical - guide to exploring the state's natural wonders." Jennifer Portman, Tallahassee Democrat senior writer. "I've had a great time traipsing around the Florida rivers and trails with Doug Alderson, and as a Florida native, I learn something new every trip. I'm very excited about this book... so I can help unlock the secret places Doug knows about and I haven't been " Bryan Desloge, President, Florida Association of Counties On land or water, Florida is a wild playground because of its incredible beauty, diversity and vast stretches of public lands. In Wild Florida Adventures, author and photographer Doug Alderson will inspire you to pick up a paddle or lace up the hiking boots and start exploring the Sunshine State. From kayaking the length of the Florida Keys to searching for record-sized trees in a huge swamp to meeting the famous naked man of the Santa Fe River, this complementary sequel to Wild Florida Waters takes readers into Florida's unique places. A couple of favorite rivers such as the Suwannee and Wekiva are revisited with a different twist, and land adventures include a journey through the botanical wonderland of Torreya State Park, an exploration of a wild cave near Marianna, and a frigid campout in the Osceola National Forest with former Florida senator and governor Lawton Chiles. One out-of-state adventure-trying to tackle the mighty Mississippi River by canoe-has been added because it reveals the shortcomings of planning a long-distance trip a thousand miles away in Florida. The results are disastrous-and funny. Useful how-to information at the end of each chapter helps people plan their own adventures.

The Runyaker's Journey is a story of two journeys. The first, the Horseshoe-to-Horseshoe Runyaking Expedition, a solo adventure of paddling and running 1400 miles from Oxford, MI to Niagara Falls, ON. The journey took fifty-seven days over four summers, using a 9.5-ft kayak he calls Swiftee. Secondly, it's the vehicle used to tell the Runyaker's life journey, which is that of a true-to-life Forrest Gump-like character, a boy growing up in Little Chicago, a run-down rural area near Clio, MI. Despite having slim chances of succeeding he grows into a man that accomplished many remarkable things.

The importance of delivering the psychological fundamentals to achieve paddling success. What's the connection between what paddlers think and feel and how they perform? How does mental preparation help performance? What do paddlers and their coaches need to do, to ensure paddlers perform at their best when it counts? Former international paddler and now sport psychologist Jonathan Males combines his many years of experience working with successful competitors with recent research in this accessible book, designed to help paddlers and coaches understand the theory behind success and provide practical skills to improve performance. Relevant for competitors in all disciplines as well as for recreational paddlers, In the Flow features chapters on self-confidence, decision-making, teamwork, whitewater paddling, competition and the joys of wilderness paddling.

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

Follow along as two unsuspecting adventurers face deadly rapids, unbearable bugs, polar bears, drunken Indians, inedible food, Arctic tundra, inaccurate route maps, and much more, on their summer vacation in the Canadian Wilderness.

It all begins just north of The Pas in Manitoba, Canada. The plan was to canoe 800 miles over 8 weeks, eventually heading down the Caribou River to Hudson Bay where they were scheduled to be picked up by a boat.

But things didn't go quite as planned.

After learning from Indians living in the area that they would very likely be killed by rapids going down the Caribou River, route changes were made to exit the area via the Seal River where they would only maybe get killed (one big problem... the canoe they rented was made for cruising big lakes with a motor, not negotiating intense rapids ).

Upon reaching Hudson Bay, after nearly being killed-by-rapids on the Seal River, the two canoers realized that their pre-scheduled boat pick up wasn't going to show up.

Instead, they found themselves surrounded by polar bears and faced with canoeing across the freezing-cold Arctic ocean, which is prone to sudden storms and has a tide that goes out as far as 12 miles twice a day.

You'll wonder how they lived to tell the story, but they did, and in this book, they bring you vivid descriptions of nearly canoeing over waterfalls, being covered with clouds of black flies and mosquitoes, getting caught on huge lakes during violent thunder storms, canoeing past dead whales, and coming within inches of being vaporized by rapids.

You'll find out how inaccurate government information led to under-preparation, a near drowning, and the loss of equipment and supplies literally in the "middle of nowhere."

You'll learn how a guitar peg saved their lives, the food that turned out to be indigestible, why they developed the "brute force" paddling technique, the problem with beavers and much more including some things that are probably better kept private, but were left in the story anyway

It's all told with a good sense humor and a "like you were there" writing style. It's an entertaining read for just about everyone, and a "must read" for anyone considering a canoe trip in northern Canada.

Illustrated with 133 photos and illustrations, this book also includes interesting tidbits about the land, plants, animals, and the people who live and canoe in Canada's Land of Little Sticks. It's not only a fun read, its educational... enjoy

In Sea Kayaking, comprehensive guide for those who travel the open waters in the Southern Hemisphere, Philip Woodhouse, Australian paddler and Royal Australian Air Force veteran, shares his years of experience, technical training, and military teaching skills.

What began as a personal reference was soon developed as a training manual, recommended by the Victorian Sea Kayak Club to its membersand East Coast Kayaking to their patrons and Australian Canoeing students.

Sea Kayaking covers boat design, kit requirements, paddling skills, health and well-being, meteorology, the ocean environment, navigation, communications, conservation andminimal-impact camping, conservation, seamanship, electrical bilge pumps, solar panels, light sources, boat repairs, leadership, risk management, basic safety and survival strategies, as well as a brief overview about the history and various types of canoeing.. There is also a comprehensive glossary to assist the reader in understanding the terms and concepts discussed in the main text.

Woodhouse's work differs from most manuals about sea kayaking in that it is written from the perspective of someone who paddles the Southern Hemisphere. As such, the major differences between the two hemispheres-weather patterns, navigation, laws, and terminology-are discussed, as well as compared to their Northern Hemisphere counterparts.

In the end, paddling skills are paddling skills, hypothermia is hypothermia, and twenty-five-knot winds are twenty-five-knot winds. A three-metre tidal range can still produce a long haul across mud flats when the tide is out-and landing through two-metre surf is still scary (though a lot of fun), no matter where you paddle.

Canoeing the Mountain transports the reader, bringing them along on a life-changing wilderness canoeing adventure on the wild and beautiful Mountain River in Canada's Northwest Territories. Only a few days into the 18 day trip, close calls and serious challenges begin for eight friends when one of their four canoes wraps around a rock. This true adventure campfire tale shares the many joys and trials of an unforgettable trip, while celebrating whitewater canoeing, the wonders of nature, and the paddler's inner journey.

This is a guidebook for whitewater paddlers from metropolitan Washington DC, Baltimore and surrounding areas. It includes the very small creeks that are not in existing guidebooks, as well as larger rivers like the Potomac and Shenandoah. The coverage includes most of Maryland, northern Virginia and nearby parts of Pennsylvania and West Virginia. In addition to maps that help readers locate the streams, GPS coordinates are given for all of the put ins and take outs. Historical and geographic snippets are included in boxes.

The second edition of Fuselage Frame Boats is now available, titled More Fuselage Frame Boats. In it I will show you how to build light weight boats at a very low cost. While my new book covers some of the same material as the first book, it also has some new techniques and of course new boats. One new item is how to build a Fuselage Frame boat with a varnished wood transom. Included are offsets for four of my boat designs. Flyfisher, a small rowing boat. Matilda, a performance rowing boat with a wine glasses shaped varnished wood transom. The Mess-About 12' recreational kayak along with a kids kayak, Tadpole. Also there is Crawfish, a two person Pirogue. All offsets are listed in Metric and English. The Fuselage Frame style was very popular in the 1950's and 1960's and many boat plans appeared in magazines such as Popular Mechanics and Popular Science. Even though it is no longer fashionable in the magazines, the fuselage style of construction is still probably the most cost effective way to build a small boat. Recently I have seen a renewed interest in this type of boat construction. People are rediscovering the advantages of Fuselage style Skin Boats. Fuselage frame boats cost very little to build. A sheet of marine plywood, a lightweight wood such as cedar for the stringers, a few yards of a synthetic fabric for the skin and something to waterproof the skin. Materials cost are typically around $300. Nice wood for varnished seats and trim will add to your bill. This book will walk you through the process of building your own boat. I start by addressing the space needed to build a boat as well as tools needed. There is a detailed section on laying out the frames from a table of offsets. Progressing to how to assemble the frame, skinning the boat and through all the steps to preparing your boat for launching.

"Ka-Ka-Ska-Ska" ("Headwaters to the Gulf" - in a kayak) is a very entertaining story of four friends' adventure down the Mississippi River. The expedition was not a scheme to fulfill a lifelong fantasy of man against nature or even an attempt to satisfy an unruly midlife itch, but simply the result of an impulsive decision over a cup of coffee. With little thought to detailed planning, the foursome strikes out to conquer the third largest river in the world in kayaks. The chronological travelogue covers the highlights as they paddle through uninhabited wilderness and along the banks of river towns. This is not another boring guide book on how to paddle or where to paddle nor is it just a narrative of a sole expedition. Instead, the reader discovers a blend of colorful accounts of other paddling trips and a bit of history - all seasoned with humor. Anyone interested in the outdoors and/or travel who enjoys the lighthearted approach will love this book.

This comprehensive manual will show you more than 50 exercises to help you be a stronger, lighter, and more confident paddler. Whether you are new to the sport or a seasoned veteran, Power to the Paddle will take you to the next level. Learn exercises to develop core stability and strength Develop a personal fitness program Maintain better posture in your boat Gain endurance to handle long days in the boat Reduce tension in your shoulders and low back Protect your body against common paddling injuries Improve your balance and agility Praise for Power to the Paddle: With a minimum of equipment, Power to the Paddle provides a total body workout with clear and concise instructions on how to develop the flexibility, strength and endurance for paddlers. - John Browning-ACA Level 4 Open Water Coastal Kayak Instructor Trainer As a popular speaker at Canoecopia, John always packs the room with folks wanting to learn more about how to get and stay fit for their next on-water adventure. This book is sure to be a great help to paddlers of any experience level. - Nancy Saulsbury, Rutabaga Paddlesports The best way to get in shape for paddling is to paddle." Reality, or an excuse to neglect off-water training? In "Power to Paddle: Exercises to Improve your Canoe and Kayak Paddling" John presents a solid case for off-water training for everyone from the casual paddler to professionals. Not only is the case convincing, but John gives you the tools to improve your fitness for paddling and overall fitness. Solid step-by-step exercises will help develop flexibility, endurance and strength. I will be taking this book with me to the gym and in my kayak on expeditions. - Ryan Rushton, Owner, Geneva Kayak Center and ACA Level 5 Advanced Open Water Instructor Trainer

Tactics for Long Distance Sea Kayaking is designed to provide mid to advanced level paddlers with proven techniques on how to plan and successfully execute a long distance sea kayaking trip. Topics covered include: How to research destinations and plan long distance trips Techniques for traveling solo and in groups Equipment and clothing checklist and evaluations Communications Weather Dangers and cautions Charts and navigation Camping and life on shore Food and water Wildlife encounters

A Guide to Wilderness Canoe Fishing is an informative how-to book about fishing from a canoe. It is written from the perspective of canoe camping in the wilderness. However, the tips and techniques apply to fishing from a canoe on any lake or river. Frank R. Richards brings more than thirty years of hands-on experience to the table with his first book, a detailed, introductory guide to anyone who may be interested in fishing and canoeing, whether they are beginners or seasoned veterans. This book is more than an instructional manual. It contains interesting anecdotes to elaborate on practical points, with beautiful photographs to illustrate. A Guide to Wilderness Canoe Fishing provides information about identifying fish holding areas, selecting appropriate lures, targeting the right depth of water, and packing fishing gear for wilderness travel. The book also talks about the psychological and spiritual aspects of fishing in remote areas. The author wrote this book to share the system of fishing tips and techniques that he has developed over three decades of canoe trips into the bush. It is informative to anyone interested in fishing and canoeing. It was written with the hope of helping to speed up the learning curve for anyone just getting started with this fascinating activity.

Let the names of Florida's rivers and coastal waters roll off your tongue: Ocklawaha, Chassahowitzka, Suwannee, Waccasassa, Aucilla, Wacissa, Sopchoppy, Withlachoochee, Loxahatchee, Homosassa, Pithlachascotee, Econfina, Kissimmee... If you've paddled these waters in a canoe or kayak, the Native American place names evoke winding streams and shaded hammocks, shimmering coastal waters and wild tree islands. Florida is made for paddling. "Wild Florida Waters" places Florida's unsurpassed beauty and abundant wildlife in the forefront, from the mangrove labyrinth of the Ten Thousand Islands to the springfed Ichetucknee River. It also includes an exciting dose of paddling adventures, whether it's tipping over in the Suwannee River's Big Shoals rapids, surfing wind-generated waves while paddling the remote Apalachee Bay, or meeting up with a different form of "wild life" on a scenic waterway. Through all of the adrenalin, a strong conservation message permeates the volume, and useful how-to information is included at the end of each chapter. "A celebration of a part of Florida most visitors-and many residents-never see, a celebration of what old-timers call the real Florida." --Warren Richey, author of "Without a Paddle: Racing Twelve Hundred Miles Around Florida by Sea Kayak" "It is past time somebody wrote a book of this caliber. A treasure trove of information for nature enthusiasts." --Bill Richards, Executive Director, Paddle Florida "His blend of history and personal anecdotes is both entertaining and enlightening." --Tom McLaulin, president, Florida Paddling Trails Association