Introduction to Paddling: Canoeing Basics for Lakes and Rivers

by American Canoe Association

Written by the American canoe Association and the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Introduction to Paddling is an easy-to-understand guide to flatwater and river paddling. Based on an earlier work by the Ohio DNR, Flat-water Paddler, this amply illustrated book tells beginning paddlers everything they need to know, from appropriate clothing to the parts of the boat, from correct strokes to proper safety concerns. Good for instructors and those who like to teach themselves, this book is an important resource for those who like to paddle or want to start.

32 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 1996

Reviews

[Raymond Goss · Rating 3 out of 5]

I bought this book for our guests at our Airbnb on a lake in the Adirondacks to read. We provide both a canoe and a kayak for the guests to use, but many are intimidated about how to use and paddle the canoe on our lake.

This book is short and very basic. It fulfills the need that I had intended it to cover. In the chapters, it names the parts of the boat and discusses basic maneuvers and covers a not so experienced version of what to do if the boat tips over or gets swamped.

What I hoped for the book was to be on par with a Boy Scout canoeing merit badge. I remember learning feather strokes, J-strokes, how to handle emergency situations, such as an overturned boat, and life preservers. This book falls short of my expectations.

[Andrei · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short booklet. Canoe basics. Good info about river paddling. Read before heading to a river.

[Mike W · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great matter-of-fact practical knowledge for anyone interested in padding. Terminology, paddling concepts, equipment, strokes, safety, running rapids--it's all there. Always great to review this each season before paddling.

[Matt · Rating 3 out of 5]

After reading this I started jumping into raging rivers rescuing people, their boats and paddles, and generally having a great time.