The Thrill of the Paddle: An Illustrated Guide to Extreme Canoeing

"Thrill of the Paddle" is the ultimate guide to the white-knuckle, adrenaline-pumping and increasingly popular brand of extreme canoeing where paddlers "shoot" rapids and other fast water. Paul Mason's eagerly awaited new guide now completes the trilogy with "Path of the Paddle" and "Song of the Paddle" by his father - the late Bill Mason, one of North America's most respected canoeists.

In each chapter of "Thrill of the Paddle" are numerous photographs, diagrams and illustrations, showing some of the greatest challenges in canoeing. "Thrill of the Paddle" provides detailed instructions on maneuvering a canoe through fast-running Class 3 and 4 water conditions. The International Scale of River Difficulty is the U.S. version of an international rating system used to compare river difficulty throughout the world.

CLASS 3: INTERMEDIATE * Rapids with moderate, irregular waves that may be difficult to avoid and that can swamp an open canoe. * Complex maneuvers in fast current and good boat control in tight passages or around ledges are often required. * Large waves or strainers may be present but are easily avoided. * Strong eddies and powerful current effects can be found, particularly on large-volume rivers.

CLASS 4: ADVANCED * Intense, powerful but predictable rapids requiring precise boat handling in turbulent water. * Depending on the character of the river, there may be large, unavoidable waves and holes or constricted passages demanding fast maneuvers under pressure. There is also sound advice on selecting the best boats and safety equipment for the journey, along with instructions for handling a paddle in the most adverse and demanding conditions, tips and tricks for successfully avoiding overturning a canoe, and instructions on recovery.

The many checklists help readers carefully plan their trip. In fact, this book is an adventure itself, and not to be missed. Paul Mason appeared as a teenager in the acclaimed "Path of the Paddle," a series of canoe instruction films and a book. He is a professional guide and whitewater instructor. Mark Scriver teaches whitewater training courses for the Ontario Recreational Canoe Association, and is also an instructor of flatwater and canoe tripping.