The River Chasers: A History of American Whitewater Paddling

by Susan L Taft

The River Chasers is a narrative history of American whitewater canoeing and kayaking. The book traces the evolution of paddling through the people, places, and events over the last sixty years. The culmination of five years of research and 130 interviews, The River Chasers covers whitewater paddling from wood/canvas canoes and folding kayaks to modern day composite and plastic; from recreational whitewater to slalom, squirt and freestyle; from clubs to the leading whitewater manufacturers. In recognition of its treatment of the history of whitewater, The River Chasers was accepted for inclusion into the Library of Congress in 2002, a major accomplishment for the sport of whitewater in preserving its history while also telling the story of the sport to future generations. The book has also been recognized for telling the history of commercialization of user innovations, a process outside the traditional market system of business economics.

384 pages, Paperback

Published September 4, 2001