Whitewater Kayaking The Ultimate Guide 2nd Edition (Heliconia Press) Paperback – September 1, 2012

I love this kayak book. Explains nealy all aspects of kayaking in a super easy format with excellent pictures helping you further understand the physical application. Highly suggest. Helps with reading the river, river hazards, safety, paddle strokes, boat design, freestyle tricks, communication, group paddling, etc.

I love the photos and descriptions.

well written by a world champion kayaker, covers everything. Every kayaker should read it. Well worth it, every penny. thanks...........

Overall the book is good and has a lot of helpful information but the chapter on "Tips For Women" is pretty offensive. It talks about the emotional side of kayaking including dealing with fear and intimidation and why it's OK for women to cry on the river. After crying "her head will be clearer and her emotions calmer".

This book is a must read for anyone interested in Whitewater Kayaking. I am a beginner and received training from a very good schools with really dedicated instructors. Still things didn’t click until I read this boo. I strongly recommend it

I did not learn anything that I wouldn't have watching kayak videos on youtube. It's a fun and quick read, but I would not purchase again. The writing is poor and the descriptions are so basic they border common sense. The book has some good information for playboaters or people who have never seen a river or a kayak, but that's about it.

This book does a fairly decent job of introducing the basic concepts, nomenclature, and skills involved with kayaking.*HOWEVER, my students refuse to use it, rightfully so, because of the "Tips for Women" section written (ironically) by Anna Levesque. The section is without question a failed attempt to make women feel included in the sport when in reality it only ostracizes through topics like "looking good", crying, and how to cope with fear and intimidation on the river.This section MIGHT be salvageable for a 3rd edition IF it cuts out the crap and simply recognizes that EVERYONE wants to look good, there are many body types (male included) that might require modified gear, and that EVERYONE might feel some strong emotions on the river due to the intense nature of the activity.Until then, buy another book or use that section of the book as a fire starter.