Canoeing, kayaking and other paddle sports Books

Book SynopsisPaddles Up! provides an in-depth look at dragon boating from its beginnings in ancient China to the modern-day prominence of Canadian teams on the international scene, as told in the words of top coaches of men’s and women’s teams, experts and enthusiasts, and sports health professionals across Canada. Contributing writers include Mike Haslam, executive president International Dragon Boat Federation; Matthew Smith, president Dragon Boat Canada; Kamini Jain, Vancouver; Albert MacDonald, Halifax; Jamie Hollins, Pickering; Matt Robert, Montreal; and Jim Farintosh, Toronto. Through legends, history, and traditions, to paddling tips and mental readiness, and from choosing gear to exceptional achievements, a battery of Canadian dragon-boat notables share their considerable knowledge in one authoritative volume.Table of ContentsThe Beginnings; Basic Dragon Boat Paddling Technique; Getting There: Dry Land Training; Drumming & Steering; Dragon Boat Coaching; Teams & Teamwork; Voice of the Beast; The Making of an A-Team; Common Injuries, Prevention & Treatment; Nutrition; The International Standard Dragon Boat: Canadian Content; Dragon Boat Paddles; Dragon Boat Racing: A Guide to Safety on the Water; Riding the Dragon; The Little Team That Grew; Canada & the International Scene; Glossary; Index.

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Book SynopsisDetails day trips and multi-day excursions on the major lakes of Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks, plus trips on the Snake River in Grand Teton. Maps and information on access points, mileages, park regulations, campsites, and more.

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Book SynopsisMichigan offers a bounty of paddling destinations, and this book is the most complete and up-to-date guide available. Paddling Michigan includes more than 70 trips in both the Upper and Lower Peninsulas for beginner and expert paddlers alike. Classic rivers such as the Au Sable, the Manistee, and the Wild and Scenic Jordan River are included, as well as popular sea-kayaking destinations like Isle Royal Nation Park, Grand Island, and the Keweenaw Water Trail. Whether you want whitewater or flatwater, this book has it all. Maps show access points and landmarks, and are complemented by detailed written descriptions. Additional information on fishing, camping and wildlife viewing is also included. Freelance writers and editors Kevin and Laurie Hillstrom have been paddling and adventuting around Michigan for many years. They operate their business, the Northern Lights Writers Group, from their home in Munith, Michigan.

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Book SynopsisSince its establishment as a federally protected wilderness in 1964, the Boundary Waters has become one of our nation’s most valuable—and most frequently visited—natural treasures. When Amy and Dave Freeman learned of toxic mining proposed within the area’s watershed, they decided to take action—by spending a year in the wilderness, and sharing their experience through video, photos, and blogs with an audience of hundreds of thousands of concerned citizens. This book tells the deeper story of their adventure in northern Minnesota: of loons whistling under a moonrise, of ice booming as it forms and cracks, of a moose and her calf swimming across a misty lake. With the magic—and urgent—message that has rallied an international audience to the campaign to save the Boundary Waters, A Year in the Wilderness is a rousing cry of witness activism, and a stunning tribute to this singularly beautiful region.Trade ReviewPraise for A Year in the Wilderness Named One of Twenty Big Indie Books of Fall 2017 by Publishers Weekly Featured in the Wall Street Journal “For 365 days in 2015 and 2016, the Freemans lived in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, paddling a canoe or towing a toboggan from campsite to campsite. They fell through the ice. They were trailed by wolves. They drank from the lakes. Mostly, they bore witness.”―Minneapolis Star Tribune “Gorgeous . . . [the Freemans’] words are complemented by an outstanding selection of photographs that immerse the reader in the watery landscape, making an indelible impact.”―Canoe & Kayak “Through evocative personal narrative and nature photography, the Freemans . . . speak with a single attentive and amiable voice that centers the joys and challenges of navigating the land and water. . . . Gorgeous color photographs focus on the human experience of being in wilderness and augment a novel work that should draw attention to the plight of the Boundary Waters.”―Publishers Weekly “The Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness is among our nation’s great natural treasures. It is also fragile, and increasingly threatened by the prospect of sulfide-ore copper mining. At this moment in our history, when calls are growing to privatize public lands and weaken national parks, adventurers Amy and Dave Freeman spent a year in the Boundary Waters, experiencing its singular beauty and advocating for its preservation. In this extraordinary book, they have done us all an invaluable service, offering a wonderfully compelling testimony for the value of wild places and the creatures who inhabit them. I urge you to read it, and then to join the Freemans in advocating for the preservation of the Boundary Waters.”―Vice President Walter Mondale “Recounting their adventure in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, Amy and Dave Freeman offer a compelling tale about the beauty as well as the brutal challenges of living a year in this northern wilderness―one of our nation’s very first areas protected by the Wilderness Act of 1964. Their first-hand observations about the wild, the land ethic, and threats to this natural heritage build on a long tradition. Exemplifying a new generation of outdoors writer-adventurers, the Freemans infuse excitement and energy into the wilderness canon crafted by Mardy and Olaus Murie, Sigurd Olson, and other champions in earlier generations who have done so much to protect our wild places by describing them with a keen eye and a passionate heart.”―Jamie Williams, President, The Wilderness Society “Here’s the story of a great adventure in one of the planet’s most gorgeous wildernesses―and with high stakes at risk in a fight to stave off a truly gross assault on its integrity. So many reasons to read this book!”―Bill McKibben, author of Wandering Home “Although my adventures have taken me to both ends of the earth, I share with Amy and Dave Freeman the same life-affirming natural centerpoint for physical and spiritual sustenance: Minnesota’s Boundary Waters wilderness. While I occasionally get to taste the wonders of this pristine place, they got to live and breathe it for a full year. The depth of their insights in this remarkable book reflects the intensity of their extraordinary experience and their love for this amazing national treasure.”―Ann Bancroft “All-in-all this is a fantastic narrative, with something for every outdoor-loving reader. The descriptions of the wilderness in four seasons will make nature-lovers happy. Stories of the gear, sled dogs and camping’s constant problem-solving will please experienced trekkers. And there is a note of nostalgia in the effort, proof that a man and a woman can leave the city behind and make a difference in the world. Amy and Dave Freeman understand something very significant―that an iconic object such as a canoe can make a strong political statement, in this case in opposition to sulfide-ore mining in a pristine wilderness―much like an earlier American hero, Woody Guthrie, used his guitar to fight fascism. This land, they all say, is your land.”―Mark Neuzil, coauthor of Canoes: A Natural History in North AmericaTable of ContentsContents Beginning FALL WINTER SPRING SUMMER Onward Acknowledgments

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Book SynopsisOffering lively currents, big woods, abundant wildlife, and plenty of solitude, the great number and variety of Mississippi's waterways debunk the stereotype of muddy, stagnant sloughs harboring clouds of mosquitoes and swarms of snakes.Outsiders-and even some native Mississippi paddlers-may not be acquainted with the pleasurable surprises of the Delta's lazy, slow-moving rivers or with the sandy streams of southwest Mississippi, the rock-walled creeks in the northeast, the blackwater brooks of the southeast, the gem-clear streams of the Gulf Coast, or central Mississippi's lustrous, meandering Pearl River and its sparkling tributaries and ox-bow lakes.This handy, instructive book showcasing them all is for armchair travelers as well as for paddlers planning an excursion. It includes history, folklore, geology, wildlife, ecology, fishing techniques, plus some rousing adventure stories. Focused on the Mississippi environment, it provides information on boats, paddle strokes, gear, camping, and navigation. Streams are described and charted, and at the end of each description quick references of essential facts are provided for those planning a float. Mississippi boasts well over 2000 miles of waterways, which range from tiny creeks and bayous to the mighty Mississippi River itself, not to mention vast swamps and countless lakes, many of which are profiled in this book.Although these waters are relished by those who bond with the out-of-doors, the ominous problems of erosion, litter, pollution, channelization, crowds, and lawsuits are of great significance. Canoeing Mississippi helps awaken the public to sensible use and preservation of this wonderful natural resource.

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Book SynopsisKnack Kayaking for Everyone is the most visually driven and yet informative guide to every aspect of an aquatic sport whose popularity has skyrocketed in recent years. The first chapters comprise an idea-packed buying guide to kayak design, kayak features, accessories, and gear. The book then presents step-by-step information on transporting, launching and landing, basic and advanced strokes, techniques, navigation, rescues, and expedition planning. In addition, it fully explores recreational (flatwater) kayaking, whitewater kayaking, and sea kayaking, providing instructions for each. Ideas for fun and games and special paddlers (children, the elderly, the handicapped) are also included, as are chapters on weather and first aid.

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Book SynopsisHere is the first full-color, step-by-step book on all aspects of canoeing! With a gear-buying guide and hundreds of color photos, this is the clearest, most accessible instructional guide available—for paddling on ponds, lakes, rivers, or oceans. It covers choosing and transporting a canoe, paddling techniques, accessories, and safety and offers a range of recreational ideas, including day, weekend, and expedition-level trips.

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Book SynopsisThe 740-mile Northern Forest Canoe Trail is the largest inland water trail in the United States. The trail follows the traditional travel routes of Native Americans, including the Wabanaki and Iroquois, as well as their Paleo-Indian ancestors. Beginning in Old Forge, New York, and ending in Fort Kent, Maine, the NFCT encompasses 58 lakes and ponds, 22 rivers and streams, 62 portages totaling more than 55-miles. With just over 347 miles, Maine is home to more of the trail than any other state and it is the wildest, least populated section. The Canoe Trail in Maine includes Umbagog, Moosehead, Rangeley, Flagstaff, Chesuncook, and Chamberlain Lakes, as well as the entire 92-mile Allagash Wilderness Waterway. This is a guide for doers, as well as dreamers. Practical information on paddling, gear, safety, plus maps will help you get started; and the beautiful photography will inspire you to prepare and help you stay motivated until it’s time to head out. A paddle on the Canoe Trail is a trip through time as canoeists and kayakers discover the rich Native American and forestry history of the region, pockets of pristine wilderness, and an abundance of wildlife, including moose, bear, deer, beaver, bald eagles, and loons. It’s the backwoods paddling experience of a lifetime.

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Book SynopsisA paddling guide to the rivers, ponds, and lakes of the Western Maine mountains and foothills by a seasoned Registered Maine Guide. More than twenty outings are included, with full day and overnight trips, as well as short paddles. Also included are practical advice and tips, safety information, maps and put-in and take-out locations, and information on wildlife that can be seen in the area, historic locations, and scenic areas.

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Book SynopsisSouth-central Wisconsin provides an impressive array of opportunities for all types of paddling, including some of the very best day trips in the entire state and even Upper Midwest. Paddling South Central Wisconsin, by experienced paddler and author Timothy Bauer, guides all types of paddlers, whether veteran or novice, through whitewater adrenaline or flatwater calm routes near Madison, Rockford, Janesville, Waukesha, and Milwaukee. This paddling guide is the perfect companion for those seeking "the rowed less taken." It describes the best times to paddle 60 diverse routes, alerts readers to each paddle's difficulty level and estimated length, and suggests side trips, optional trip extensions, and alternate routes to paddle, depending on weather conditions. Easy-to-follow maps, complete with GPS coordinates and driving directions, add to this book's high value. In addition, the author provides contact information on local paddling clubs, outfitters, and Internet links.Table of ContentsTrip List Northeast of Madison Beaver Dam River: Beaver Dam to County Road J Crawfish River A: Columbus to Astico Park Crawfish River B: County Road I to County Road G Duck Creek: Wyocena to Duck Creek Road Fox River A: Indian Hills Campground to Portage Canal Fox River B: Portage to Buffalo in Columbia and Marquette Counties Horicon Marsh: Greenhead Landing to Bowling Green Park Maunesha River: Marshall to Waterloo Mecan River: 11th Road to Dixie Avenue Montello River: County Road J to Montello Lake Boat Landing Oconomowoc River: Loew Lake Puchyan River: Green Lake Dam to County Road J Rock River: Harnischfeger Park to Kanow Park Rocky Run Creek and Wisconsin River: US 51 to County Road V Token Creek: Portage Road to Cherokee Marsh White River (Green Lake County): Neshkoro Dam to White River Road Yahara River A: DeForest to Windsor Southeast of Madison Badfish Creek: Old Stage Road to Casey Road Bark River A: Nemahbin Lake to Atkins-Olson Memorial Park Bark River B: Rome Dam to Hebron Bark River C: Koch Road to Burnt Village Park Illinois Fox River: County Road H to County Road ES Koshkonong Creek: Cambridge to Hoopen Road Mukwonago River: County Road LO to County Road I Pewaukee River and Illinois Fox River: Pewaukee to Waukesha Red Cedar Lake State Natural Area: Cambridge in Jefferson County Sugar River C: Avon Bottoms to Yale Bridge Road in Illinois Turtle Creek A: Fairfield Area in Walworth and Rock Counties Turtle Creek B: South O’Riley Road to Sweet-Allyn Park Turtle Creek C: Sweet-Allyn Park to Dickop Street in Illinois White River (Walworth County): Sheridan Springs Road to Burlington Yahara River B: Dunkirk Dam to Rock River Southwest of Madison Governor Dodge State Park: Cox Hollow and Twin Valley Lakes Little Platte River: Quarry Road to County Road O Little Sugar River: Schneeberger Road to Albany Pecatonica River A: County Road O to Darlington Pecatonica River B: Roller Coaster Road to Walnut Road Pecatonica River East Branch A: Hollandale to Blanchardville Pecatonica River East Branch B: Blanchardville to Argyle Pecatonica River East Branch C: Argyle to Blackhawk Memorial Park Platte River: Platte Road to Big Platte Road Sugar River A: Verona to Paoli in Dane County Sugar River B: Brodhead Dam to Avon Bottoms Baraboo River A: Wonewoc to La Valle Baraboo River B: La Valle to Lake Redstone Baraboo River C: Rock Springs to North Freedom Baraboo River D: Baraboo Rapids Black Earth Creek: Olson Road to Lions Park Dell Creek and Mirror Lake: Dellwood and Lake Delton in Sauk County Devil’s Lake State Park: Baraboo in Sauk County Lemonweir River: Mauston Dam to Two Rivers Boat Landing Neenah Creek A: Chauncey Street to County Road A Neenah Creek B: County Road P to Muskrat Road Neenah Creek C: Muskrat Road to County Road CX Pine River A: Pier Natural Bridge Park to County Road AA Pine River B: County Road AA to Bohmann Drive Pine River C: Twin Bluffs Drive to Wisconsin River Wisconsin River A: Upper and Lower Dells Wisconsin River B: Prairie du Sac Dam to Spring Green Wisconsin River C: Lone Rock to Blue River

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Book SynopsisExplore Hidden Kentucky in Your Kayak or Canoe Wet your paddle—and whet your paddling appetite—with the authoritative guide to the waterways of Kentucky. From the eastern coalfields to the Mighty Mississippi along the western border, this is your updated resource for paddling the creeks, rivers, and waterways of the Bluegrass State. Canoeing & Kayaking Kentucky covers thousands of miles of paddling, including almost all of the state’s paddleable waterways, in 77 river profiles that range in difficulty from scenic floats down the Green to whitewater runs on the Russell Fork. Authors Bob Sehlinger and Johnny Molloy combine the latest technology with good old-fashioned paddling trips to make your paddling adventures even easier to execute with completely revised and improved maps, access points, river gauges, and mileages, as well as updated contact information and GPS coordinates for every put-in and takeout. Between them, Bob and Johnny have paddled thousands of miles. This combined experience makes Canoeing & Kayaking Kentucky useful for paddlers of all types. Paddling has never been better in Kentucky!Table of ContentsTable of Contents Overview Map Acknowledgments Preface Introduction Streams of the Eastern Coal Fields The Licking River and Its Tributaries The Kentucky River and Its Tributaries Creek Drainages Of Madison County The Cumberland River and Its Tributaries The Salt River System of the Western Bluegrass Headwaters of the Green River Streams of the Western Coal Fields Streams of Land Between the Lakes Streams of the Jackson Purchase Waters of Special Mention Appendixes Index About the Authors

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Book SynopsisTrue Stories of Outdoor Adventure and Inspiration All fans of whitewater sports have been impacted by the Nantahala Outdoor Center (NOC) in one way or another. In 1972, the NOC was the outgrowth of an idea that friends working together to pursue their outdoor passions could change lives for the better. Today, the center is a seminal Southeastern paddling hub. Compiled by Payson Kennedy and edited by Greg Hlavaty, NOC Stories is a collection of 62 entertaining stories by NOC staff veterans—memories that describe the center’s first 25 years. It approaches the story of the NOC’s inception, a time of exponential growth in whitewater sports and instruction, a time when the NOC’s contribution to paddling technique and instruction reverberated around the world. It is both a history of NOC’s leading role in the evolution of commercial river running and an overview of when kayaking, as a sport, exploded in the United States. The remembrances presented here blend history with adventure as they document the NOC’s singular vision.Table of ContentsFOREWORD by Clay Courts INTRODUCTION TO THE NOC LEGACY: Changing Lives Since 1972 by John Burton HOW THIS BOOK CAME ABOUT by Payson Kennedy SECTION I: Life on the River In Service by Gordon Grant March 1979: First Day on the Job by Dave Perrin Running Down the Upper Nantahala by John Burton The Early Years at the Chattooga Outpost by Les Bechdel A Yankee Paddler Goes South: A Summer with Donnie Dunton by Charlie Walbridge Walkabout Beginning by Herbert B. Barks Donnie Dunton, An NOC Legend: The Other Side of the Man by Cathy Kennedy Dodging a Bullet at the Five Falls by Bob Tolford A Quiet Fighter by Greg Hlavaty Staring into the Eye of God by Eric Nies Apple-Eating Eddy by Joe Huggins Chattooga: Racing Down Section IV by Kent Ford NOC Pride by Dave Perrin Adventure Is Made of Adversity by Kevin “Taz” Riggs Project RAFT and Nantahala ’90 by Bunny Johns Rocked by the Cheoah by Ken Kastorff SECTION II: History of a Southeastern Paddling Culture A Brief History of the Nantahala Outdoor Center: The Growth of a Southeastern Paddling Hub by Payson Kennedy The Business of Whitewater Rafting: Growth and Concerns by Payson Kennedy A Legacy of Groundbreaking Paddling Instruction by Kent Ford and Bunny Johns SECTION III: Life Beyond the River Wild in Winter Wood by Cathy Kennedy Welcoming: Two Sisters Remember the Local Community by Florrie Funk and Allie Funk (Jones) Guests in the Old Days by Allie Funk (Jones) and Bunny Johns Snapshots from River’s End Restaurant by Florrie Funk Maintenance by Sue Firmstone Goddard The Old Store by John Barbour NOC Store Talk by John Lane Scenes from Wesser Creek by Allie Funk (Jones) Above Bone Ring Lake: For John Dolbeare (1957–1989) by John Lane Authentic Leadership by Betsey Lewis Upchurch Office Space by Susan Bechdel “Hello, Jerome” by Susan Hester with Ray McLeod The Lodestone by Heather McLeod Wall SECTION IV: Adventure Travel An Introduction to Adventure Travel at the NOC by Payson Kennedy A Thanksgiving Dayyenu by Dan Adams Americans Sneak into Mexico on Rafts! by Tom Gonzalez When Travel Was an Adventure by Villa Brewer Adventures with Christine by Bill Hester Mistaken Identity by Susan Bechdel Kind of like the Nantahala by Villa Brewer Río Upano Staff Trip: Adventure of the Millennium! by Leigh Boike Origins of Clinic Nepal by Payson Kennedy SECTION V: Life Changes at the NOC Never, Never Give Up by Tommy Yon From the Mouths of the Converted: Letters from NOC Guests and Staff from Barbara Holliday-Evans, Dick Graham, and Gordon Grant More than Paddling Instruction by John Lane The Lift by Joe Jacobi Transitions by Michael Inman Upper Nantahala, 1974 by Florrie Funk Learning to Leap by Arlene Burns A Son’s Tribute to Horace Holden by Howard Holden On the Eddy Line by Greg Hlavaty Relocation by Maggie Parkes My Accidental Community by Janet Smith Luck by Florrie Funk Memories by John and Margie Zubizarreta Family Matters by Heather McLeod Wall and Michael McLeod, Betsey Lewis Upchurch, and Jennifer Holcombe SECTION VI: Early Leaders of the NOC Horace Holden: An Appreciation by John Burton Payson Kennedy: An Appreciation by John Burton Aurelia Kennedy: An Appreciation by John Burton John Burton: An Appreciation by Gordon Grant The Other Side of the River: An Interview with Whitewater Pioneer Bunny Johns by Gerald Thurmond SECTION VII: Zen and the Art of Running a Rafting Company A Chautauqua on NOC Philosophy and Practices by Payson Kennedy Good Things Never End: A Poem for Payson’s 70th Birthday by Gordon Grant EPILOGUE APPENDIX: Chronology of Events: 1971–1997

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Book SynopsisBest Hikes of the Appalachian Trail: South details 45 hikes along the AT from the trail's southern terminus atop Georgia's Springer Mountain north through North Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia. These superlative treks visit overlooks, waterfalls, rivers, lakes, and wildernesses, as well as scenic, cultural, and historical sites -- even trail towns. This selection of hikes reflects the great variety of features the southern AT provides, and the guide is authored by the Southeast's most experienced outdoor writer, Johnny Molloy.

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Book SynopsisExplore Hidden Kentucky in Your Kayak or Canoe Wet your paddle—and whet your paddling appetite—with the authoritative guide to the waterways of Kentucky. From the eastern coalfields to the Mighty Mississippi along the western border, this is your updated resource for paddling the creeks, rivers, and waterways of the Bluegrass State. Canoeing & Kayaking Kentucky covers thousands of miles of paddling, including almost all of the state’s paddleable waterways, in 77 river profiles that range in difficulty from scenic floats down the Green to whitewater runs on the Russell Fork. Authors Bob Sehlinger and Johnny Molloy combine the latest technology with good old-fashioned paddling trips to make your paddling adventures even easier to execute with completely revised and improved maps, access points, river gauges, and mileages, as well as updated contact information and GPS coordinates for every put-in and takeout. Between them, Bob and Johnny have paddled thousands of miles. This combined experience makes Canoeing & Kayaking Kentucky useful for paddlers of all types. Paddling has never been better in Kentucky!

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Book SynopsisSouth-central Wisconsin provides an impressive array of opportunities for all types of paddling, including some of the very best day trips in the entire state and even Upper Midwest. Paddling South Central Wisconsin, by experienced paddler and author Timothy Bauer, guides all types of paddlers, whether veteran or novice, through whitewater adrenaline or flatwater calm routes near Madison, Rockford, Janesville, Waukesha, and Milwaukee. This paddling guide is the perfect companion for those seeking “the rowed less taken.” It describes the best times to paddle 60 diverse routes, alerts readers to each paddle’s difficulty level and estimated length, and suggests side trips, optional trip extensions, and alternate routes to paddle, depending on weather conditions. Easy-to-follow maps, complete with GPS coordinates and driving directions, add to this book’s high value. In addition, the author provides contact information on local paddling clubs, outfitters, and Internet links.

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Book SynopsisNOC Stories describes the Nantahala Outdoor Center’s first 25 years, a time of explosive growth in whitewater sports and instruction. NOC Stories by Payson Kennedy and Greg Hlavaty presents a history of the Nantahala Outdoor Center as seen through the eyes of early leaders and some of its dedicated staff. This history spans the years 1972-1997 and approaches the story of the NOC’s inception and growth in conjunction with the explosive growth of paddlesports and paddle instruction; in a very real sense, the great strides in paddle instruction and the growth of whitewater sports parallels the growth of the NOC. Many people today see the Nantahala Outdoor Center (NOC) for what it has become: a seminal Southeastern paddling hub and profitable business. What they don’t know is that the NOC started with a semi-utopian vision, the idea that friends could work together at pursuits they were passionate about, and that this endeavor would not only be profitable for the company, but also life-changing for the individual. That’s not something many businesses can say, but in the case of NOC, it’s turned out to be true. If you asked current culture-makers and business owners in the whitewater industry about their formative years, you’d find many were previous staff members, clinic participants, and visitors at the NOC. You’d likely also hear that the NOC was instrumental in refining their skillset and in inspiring them to become pioneers in their field. From rafting to river rescue, paddling instruction to Olympic competition, the one thing this diverse group has in common is the NOC. These people are the stories that have become the NOC’s legacy, and this book is an attempt to collect and make sense of them. But the book also features a very human element, a tinge of adventure that sets it apart from your standard history text. The stories in this book, in addition to their historical value, offer a testament to the experiential aspect of working at the NOC, that ineffable change that has affected so many staff and that forms the basis for outdoor adventure programs. The NOC was, and is, a dream; these are the stories of its dreamers.Table of ContentsTable of Contents Foreword Introduction to the NOC Legacy: 45 Years of Changing Lives Section I: Life on the River Section II: History of a Southeastern Paddling Culture Section III: Life beyond the River Section IV: Adventure Travel Section V: Life Changes at the NOC Section VI: Early Leaders of the NOC Section VII: Zen and the Art of Running a Rafting Company: A Chautauqua on NOC Philosophy and Practices Coda: Good Things Never End Appendix A: Chronology of Events and Epilogue Appendix B: How This Book Came About Appendix C: Statement of Purposes Index

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Book SynopsisGet the authoritative guide to the waterways of West Virginia, featuring almost all of the state’s paddleable waterways in more than 200 trips. West Virginia’s paddling routes are legendary: Gauley River, North Branch of the Potomac, New River, Cheat River, Tygart River, Waites Run, Red Run, Roaring Creek, and Keeney Creek—just to name a few! The best way to experience the Mountain State is by paddle. Canoeing & Kayaking West Virginia is the most comprehensive guide to the best of West Virginia’s unique streams, creeks, and rivers. It provides engaging and concise information, while offering carefully selected details vital to a successful paddling adventure. Since 1965—when this guidebook was called Wildwater West Virginia, a collective effort by members of the West Virginia Wildwater Association—Canoeing & Kayaking West Virginia has been a trusted source for paddlers. This updated edition leads paddlers of all abilities to over 120 of West Virginia’s waterways. The result of combined knowledge of hundreds of paddlers, this guidebook gives paddlers all the information they need to traverse rivers safely and confidently. Book Features Details on over 200 top paddling trips New river profiles and updated maps and contact information Ratings for solitude and scenery At-a-glance data including river class, length, time, and more Canoeing & Kayaking West Virginia is simply the best and most informative West Virginia paddling guide available. Wet your paddle and whet your taste for outdoor adventure.

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Book SynopsisIn the heartland of America rise the Ozark Mountains, teeming with cascading, free-flowing streams. Situated astride the Missouri/Arkansas border, the Ozarks represent a canoeing and kayaking wonderland. Still a comprehensive, accurate and readable guide, but now with a new design and format, A Canoeing & Kayaking Guide to the Ozarks (formerly Ozark Whitewater) catalogs the varied rivers of the region. Inside are updated descriptions of all the classic rivers, including the Buffalo National and Little Missouri, as well as exciting new reports of today’s steep creek runs: Bryant, Turkey, and many others. This guide is the definitive sourcebook for Ozark river sport.

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Book SynopsisGet the authoritative guide to the rivers of New York, featuring 50 of the state’s best paddling trips. From the slow tidal rivers of Long Island to the swift whitewater in the Adirondack Mountains, the best way to experience nature in the Empire State is by paddle! Canoeing & Kayaking New York is a comprehensive guide to New York’s creeks and rivers. Written by expert paddler and New York native Kevin Stiegelmaier, the guidebook provides engaging and concise information, while offering carefully selected details vital to successful trips for beginners and experienced paddlers alike. For more than a decade, Canoeing & Kayaking New York has been a trusted source for paddlers. This popular guidebook presents paddling routes like the majestic Hudson River as is heads to the urban waterways of New York City, the incomparable scenery along the Marion River, the peaceful solitude offered by the Sangerfield River, and the Old Erie Canal—perfect for families with children. Inside you’ll find: Details on 50 of the best trips along New York’s premier rivers for paddling River profiles with maps and GPS coordinates Recommended runs for waterfalls, wildlife viewing, trips with children, and more At-a-glance data including river class, length, and time Canoeing & Kayaking New York is simply the best and most informative New York paddling guide. Wet your paddle and whet your taste for outdoor adventure!

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Book SynopsisThe ultimate guide to paddling whitewater in the western Carolinas, Carolina Whitewater has guided boaters to the best water in the Tar Heel and Palmetto states for almost 30 years. This latest edition includes expanded and updated information for the classic rivers, like the Chattooga, French Broad, and Nantahala, in addition to many new steep creeks including Cove, Rockhouse, and Hurricane. New to this edition is a section on flatwater that is suitable for canoe camping and can be handled by beginner and novice paddlers. Profiled runs are from the Broad River and two of its tributaries, the Enoree and the Tyger. The convenient at-a-glance format for each river section makes it easy to find critical details such as difficulty, length, paddling time, gradient, and more. River descriptions, shuttle and gauge information, and topographic-based maps complete the useful information needed to help boaters pick rivers to match their ability. With over 80 detailed profiles and more than 60 maps of the best canoeing and kayaking waterways in the Carolinas, this guide is indispensable. From quiet float trips on the French Broad to exciting runs on the fast-flowing Nolichucky, Carolina Whitewater details the best paddling experiences in both states.

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Book SynopsisLaugh and learn kayaking skills, from basic to advanced, through detailed text and more than 400 humorous illustrations! If you want to learn how to paddle—and laugh out loud while doing so—William Nealy’s classic illustrated kayaking-skills manual remains dead-on hilarious. Kayak demonstrates important paddling techniques through humorous illustrations, along with detailed explanations from the renowned kayaker. This book is perfect for beginners and more experienced paddlers, from hardcore hippy hairboaters who used to catch air in their block-long Dancers to insane youngsters clattering tiny plastic boats down steep creeks with more rocks than water. You’ll get to know everything from kayak and rapids anatomy to paddling techniques to river rescue methods. Inside you’ll find Over 400 illustrations that break down even the most complex kayaking skills Carefully crafted information to reflect the latest in paddling technology How-to descriptions that make even difficult whitewater techniques understandable William Nealy is back and more useful and entertaining than ever. You may break a rib laughing, but with him holding your hand, you’ll be less likely to break a bone while boofing an insane rapid or even an entire waterfall!

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Book SynopsisGet the authoritative guide to the waterways of Georgia, offering thousands of miles of paddling. Wet your paddle—and whet your paddling appetite—with Canoeing & Kayaking Georgia, the definitive guide to whitewater, smoothwater, and everything in between. From the Chattahoochee River Watershed in the west to the Savannah River Basin along the eastern border, this is your complete resource for paddling the creeks and rivers of the Peach State. Canoeing & Kayaking Georgia covers 3,700 miles of paddling in more than 80 profiles of rivers and creeks. They range in difficulty from pleasant and uncomplicated runs for beginners, such as the Chattooga River Section II, to whitewater runs in the Tallulah Gorge. Expert paddlers Suzanne Welander and Bob Sehlinger utilize the latest technology, along with good old-fashioned experience, to make your canoe and kayak adventures easy to enjoy. The book has been revised and updated, with maps and important details like access points, river gauges, mileages, contact information, and GPS coordinates for every put-in and takeout. Canoeing & Kayaking Georgia is useful for paddlers of all skill levels. It is the resource you need to find where to float, no matter what type of boat you paddle. Inside you’ll find New maps plus GPS coordinates More than 80 river and creek profiles, divided into 8 sections Waterway recommendations for beginners, families, campers, and more Easy-to-reference descriptions of Georgia’s developed Water Trails Table of ContentsRiver-Locator Map Map Legend Using the River-Locator Map Acknowledgments Recommended Runs Introduction Part One: The Savannah River Watershed Part Two: The Tennessee Watershed Part Three: The Coosa River Watershed Part Four: The Chattahoochee River Watershed Part Five: The Flint River Watershed Part Six: The Altamaha River Watershed Part Seven: Other Streams to the Atlantic Ocean Part Eight: Other Streams to the Gulf of Mexico Appendix A: Paddling Organizations Appendix B: River Outfitters Safety Code of American Whitewater Glossary Index About the Author

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Book SynopsisGet the authoritative guide to the waterways of Florida, featuring almost all of the state’s paddleable waterways in 73 river profiles. From the exciting and beautiful runs of the Panhandle’s Econfina Creek to slower floats through wildlife-rich Everglades National Park, the best way to experience the Sunshine State is by paddle! Canoeing & Kayaking Florida is the most comprehensive guide to the best of Florida’s unique streams, springs, creeks, rivers, and coastal waterways. Written by acclaimed author and adventurer Johnny Molloy, the guidebook provides engaging and concise information, while offering carefully selected details vital to a successful paddling trip. For more than 35 years, Canoeing & Kayaking Florida has been a trusted source for paddlers. This updated edition presents paddling destinations like Seven Runs, a secluded tributary of the Choctawhatchee River; quiet, coastal Shell Creek; and the mighty Apalachicola River, with big sandbars, big hills, and a fast current. Those looking for still-water locales will enjoy secluded places such as Stagger Mud Lake. Inside you’ll find: Details on 73 top paddling trips River profiles with maps and contact information Recommended runs for novice paddlers, trips with children, overnight trips, and more At-a-glance data including river class, length, and time GPS coordinates for all river put-ins and takeouts Canoeing & Kayaking Florida is simply the best and most informative Florida paddling guide. Wet your paddle and whet your taste for outdoor adventure!Table of ContentsDedication Acknowledgments Preface Overview Map River-Locator Map Key Introduction Part One: The Western Panhandle Perdido River Coldwater Creek Sweetwater Creek and Juniper Creek Blackwater River Yellow River Shoal River Seven Runs Choctawhatchee River Holmes Creek Econfina Creek of Washington and Bay Counties Chipola River Part Two: The Central Panhandle Apalachicola River Ochlockonee River Sopchoppy River Graham Creek and East River Doyle Creek Owl Creek River Styx New River Lost Creek Part Three: The Big Bend Wakulla River St. Marks River Wacissa River Aucilla River Econfina River of Taylor County Steinhatchee River Part Four: The Northern Peninsula Withlacoochee River (North) Suwannee River Santa Fe River Ichetucknee River St. Marys River Black Creek North Fork Black Creek Part Five: The Central Peninsula Withlacoochee River (South) Rainbow River Silver River Ocklawaha River Alexander Springs and Alexander Springs Creek Juniper Springs and Juniper Creek Salt Springs and Salt Springs Run Blue Creek Stagger Mud Lake St. Johns River and St. Francis Dead River Part Six: The Central Highlands Wekiva River and Rock Springs Run Black Water Creek and Lake Norris Econlockhatchee River Shingle Creek Arbuckle Creek Peace River Fisheating Creek Part Seven: The Atlantic Coast Pellicer Creek Bulow Creek Tomoka River Spruce Creek Turkey Creek South Prong of the St. Sebastian River South Fork of the St. Lucie River Loxahatchee River Part Eight: The Southwest Gulf Coast Weeki Wachee River Hillsborough River Alafia River Little Manatee River Manatee River Myakka River Prairie Creek Shell Creek Caloosahatchee River and Hickey Creek Estero River Part Nine: The Everglades Blackwater River at Collier-Seminole State Park Everglades National Park and the Wilderness Waterway Turner River Canoe Trail Nine-Mile Pond Canoe Trail Noble Hammock Canoe Trail Part Ten: Appendixes Appendix A: Outfitters Appendix B: Safety Code of American Whitewater Glossary Index About the Author

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Book SynopsisLaugh out loud with this hilarious look at the trials and tribulations of paddling, as seen through the eyes of renowned cartoonist William Nealy. A celebrated author and cartoonist, William Nealy gained cult-hero status in the outdoor-sports community by blending his passion for the outdoors with his unique style of caricatures. He had a knack for learning—not by doing but by crashing and burning! The works of this American treasure were almost lost forever, but Menasha Ridge Press is proud to help bring back William’s irreverent illustrations. Kayaks to Hell is a riot of a book that accurately depicts the monomania, elusive machismo, and marathon-dance mentality of whitewater paddling. With a unique blend of satire and cartoon art, the best-selling author opens up about the sport—and its disciples. Topics include: Boat racks Canoeing businessmen Paddling trips Water rescues Much, much more! William’s zany illustrations have been bound and bandaged together in a monumental new collection of books that include cartoons long out of print. Kayaks to Hell is a wonderful part of The William Nealy Collection, ideal for anyone who loves to laugh and enjoys the great outdoors.

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Book SynopsisLaugh out loud with this hilarious look at the trials and tribulations of paddling, as seen through the eyes of renowned cartoonist William Nealy. A celebrated author and cartoonist, William Nealy gained cult-hero status in the outdoor-sports community by blending his passion for the outdoors with his unique style of caricatures. He had a knack for learning—not by doing but by crashing and burning! The works of this American treasure were almost lost forever, but Menasha Ridge Press is proud to help bring back William’s irreverent illustrations. A follow-up to William’s best-selling Kayaks to Hell, Whitewater Tales of Terror is an outrageous collection of cartoons, featuring epic adventures, unusual new outdoor products, whitewater songs, and unsolicited advice. This is William at his finest, turning the sport of whitewater paddling inside out and demonstrating in the process the insight and humor that made him one of America’s most acclaimed sports satirists. Topics include: Campsites Colorful river expressions Paddling manners Kayak shopping Much, much more! William’s zany illustrations have been bound and bandaged together in a monumental new collection of books that include cartoons long out of print. Whitewater Tales of Terror is a wonderful part of The William Nealy Collection, ideal for anyone who loves to laugh and enjoys the great outdoors.

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Book SynopsisLaugh out loud with this hilarious collection of William Nealy’s beloved river maps, together in book form for easy reading! A celebrated author and cartoonist, William Nealy gained cult-hero status in the outdoor-sports community by blending his passion for the outdoors with his unique style of caricatures. He had a knack for learning—not by doing but by crashing and burning! For years his informative and hilarious cartoon maps of popular canoeing and kayaking streams have delighted whitewater paddlers. Practically collectors’ items, these maps are sought by paddlers all over the United States for their relevance and wild insider’s perspective. In Whitewater Home Companion: Southeastern Rivers, Volume I, William coupled his most celebrated Southeastern US river maps with an anthology of cartoons, paddling homilies, and unsolicited advice. Artistically bizarre, totally irreverent, and laced with lethal doses of macho-deflating, highly barbed wit, this masterpiece helped establish William as the Kliban of outdoor literature. Through his distinctive drawing and wholly peculiar river-submarine terminology, William successfully portrays rivers and boaters as never before. Featured Rivers: Chattahoochee Chattooga, Sections III & IV Cheat Canyon French Broad/Big Laurel Creek Gauley Haw Hiwassee Locust Fork of the Warrior River Nantahala New River Gorge Nolichucky Ocoee Savage Youghiogheny William’s zany illustrations have been bound and bandaged together in a monumental new collection of books that include cartoons long out of print. Whitewater Home Companion is a wonderful part of The William Nealy Collection, ideal for anyone who loves to laugh and enjoys the great outdoors.Trade Review“William Nealy’s hilarious and helpful river maps... contain valuable and accurate information. William is a confirmed whitewater freak and has extensively paddled every river he has mapped. Read them.” —Nantahala Outdoor Center News “He’s adept with pen and paddle... William Nealy, a cartoonist and avid kayaker, has combined his skills into something unique.” —Birmingham NewsTable of ContentsIntroduction River Trip Glossary Hole Escape Techniques Legend The Rivers Chattahoochee Chattooga, Sections III & IV Cheat Canyon French Broad/Big Laurel Creek Gauley Haw Hiwassee Locust Fork of the Warrior River Nantahala New River Gorge Nolichucky Ocoee Savage Youghiogheny

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Book SynopsisLaugh out loud with this hilarious collection of William Nealy’s beloved river maps, together in book form for easy reading! A celebrated author and cartoonist, William Nealy gained cult-hero status in the outdoor-sports community by blending his passion for the outdoors with his unique style of caricatures. He had a knack for learning—not by doing but by crashing and burning! For years his informative and hilarious cartoon maps of popular canoeing and kayaking streams have delighted whitewater paddlers. Practically collectors’ items, these maps are sought by paddlers all over the United States for their relevance and wild insider’s perspective. A brilliant and uproarious follow-up to Whitewater Home Companion: Southeastern Rivers, Volume I, this second volume is a special guidebook to 11 celebrated Southeastern streams in six states. It’s special because it provides, in map format, a wealth of information on each of the rivers described—and additionally special because it is embellished throughout with William’s nationally renowned art and humor. William was a phenomenon, unilaterally deciding that whitewater paddlers should have a sense of humor. Now, largely because of him, most of them do. If you have any doubts concerning your own sense of humor, you should read this book just to be on the safe side. Featured Rivers: Appalachia Chattahoochee, Atlanta Cumberland, “Below the Falls” Cumberland, “Big South Fork Gorge” James River at Richmond Maury River, Goshen Pass New River Gorge, Revisited New River, South Fork Potomac River, Lower Shenandoah River Wilson Creek Gorge William’s zany illustrations have been bound and bandaged together in a monumental new collection of books that include cartoons long out of print. Whitewater Home Companion is a wonderful part of The William Nealy Collection, ideal for anyone who loves to laugh and enjoys the great outdoors.Table of ContentsRiver Trip Survival Tips Brace Debate The Rivers Appalachia Chattahoochee, Atlanta Cumberland, “Below the Falls” Cumberland, “Big South Fork Gorge” James River at Richmond Maury River, Goshen Pass New River Gorge, Revisited New River, South Fork Potomac River, Lower Shenandoah River Wilson Creek Gorge Riverese Glossary

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