Canoeing

This truly is the best how-to book on modern canoeing available. Many colored photos illustrate strokes and maneuvers are combined with a terse text which make it a must for serious paddlers.The author has taught canoeing in Britain for years, been decorated by the British government for his efforts, and has produced numerous videos many of which are available on YouTube.

Many years ago when I started paddling I bought Bill Mason's "Path of the Paddle" to learn what I was doing wrong. If I was an aspiring paddler today I would start with Ray Goodwin's book. Bill Mason's book was good but "Canoeing" addresses the same topics with more up-to-date techniques and copious illustrations. In addition to the basics of controlling the boat and reading the river Ray addresses the important topics of how to stay out of trouble and what to do if and when it arrives (aka Swims and Rescues). He even devotes a chapter to the arcane art of Poling but I do not think that is something I will ever get good at!

A great reference for beginners and experienced paddlers. I'm getting back into paddling after a 15 year hiatus and learned a lot of new techniques and learned to refine many of my previous skills. The photos are excellent at showing the whats described in the text.

A very comprehensive guide, beautifully illustrated, from a leading authority.

Usually, I don't like surprises but this was an exception. First, the seller, Book Depository, got my two copies to me much quicker than expected. Second, the size of the book was much larger than expected and the paper quality outstanding; I'd neglected to read the weight and dimensions. Last, I'm amazed at the number of color photographs detailing what I need to know for success on an upcoming canoeing adventure. Kudos to the author and everyone associated with this outstanding book. One copy is going on my coffee table; yes, it's that good.

This is a lovely book, well produced, and with loads of useful and interesting stuff. A small gripe - as an actual beginner, I find the techniques section illustrations far from clear. Photographs of a man in a canoe, at four different stages of doing a particular stroke, with no close-ups to show (for instance) hand position, no arrows to show movement and no way of seeing under the waterline to understand paddle angles - it would all be so much more useful with the addition of a few simple diagrams. I suspect that most of the other reviewers are already experienced paddlers and so can look at these sequences or read the descriptive text and know what they are getting at. I know there is no substitute for learning in person, but a good book is very useful for consolidation, I find, and the addition of simple diagrams would make this one perfect! It’s still a great book, though, and I would recommend it.

What is there left unsaid about canoeing? Why this book? In his own words Ray Goodwin says this book was written "standing on the shoulders of giants". This is a very practical book written with the experience and wisdom of an expert practitioner - but the real value of this book is not it's technical accuracy - after all, there are only so many ways of using a paddle! The real value is the way the author allows his personality to come through. Rather than a manual you feel like you have a coach by your side, which is refreshing!The book covers a broad range of topics covering canoe anatomy, history, techniques, tripping & safety and plenty more besides, accompanied by crisp, sequenced photos that clearly illustrate the point in question.Anecdotes and personal experience are shared throughout the book that really help to bring it to life. The experience, passion and enthusiasm of the author is infectious and, ironically, inspires you to put the book down and pick your paddle up!

Lots of relevant information, Ray clearly knows what he's doing in canoes, we get ot that he's the expert.Hence it's VERY frustrating for a newbie to find the basic strokes & paddling techniques so confusingly presented, across different chapters, with near identical illustrating images (and no diagrams at all), describing strokes/movements in terms of other badly-explained strokes/movements.Yes, the author is the expert in the room, and it seems that it's going to stay that way 🙄

This book tells me everything I need to know.Great presentation. Loads of pictures.

This book is a definitive work on the traditional open canoe, from a true master of the sport. Anyone considering this genre of paddling would be well advised to get a copy. It has clear helpful explanations and beautiful photographic illustration. This book truly exudes friendliness, just as Ray does himself. All I can finish with its well worth buying and reading!