Canoeing »

Laurie Gullion is one of the most knowledgeable canoeing instructors in the country, having worked as a self-employed canoe tour guide since 1980. She leads canoe tours in New England and serves as co-leader for Arctic Barrens Expeditions—an organization that guides paddlers on whitewater canoeing journeys into the Northwest Territories of Canada. She is certified as an instructor trainer and as a whitewater canoeing instructor by the American Canoeing Association (ACA).

Laurie is an outdoor education specialist in the Outdoor Leadership Program at Greenfield Community College in Greenfield, Massachusetts. She has contributed articles to Canoe and Paddler magazines and has written numerous books on the subjects of canoeing and skiing. She is the author of Nordic Skiing: Steps to Success, Ski Games, The Cross-Country Primer and Canoeing and Kayaking Instruction Manual—the national text of the ACA for canoeing and kayaking certification programs. Laurie received her master's degree in sport management from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst, where she now lectures on writing in the sport management program.

In addition to teaching and writing about canoeing, Laurie is an accomplished canoe racer. She was the national champion in the women's tandem and mixed tandem classes of the ACA Whitewater Open Course Championships in 1986 and she finished in 2nd place in 1987. In her free time, Laurie enjoys wildflower photography, mountain biking, and fitness training.

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Join the millions who have already discovered the fun and excitement of canoeing—this complete guide shows you how. From canoeing skills to an entire section on great destinations, Canoeing provides all the information you need to get a lifetime of enjoyment out of this great outdoor activity.

Laurie Gullion, an expert instructor and experienced canoe tour guide, makes it so easy for you to learn the basics that you'll want to start canoeing right away. Using an upbeat and engaging writing style, she discusses:

- choosing the right equipment,
- guidelines for safe canoeing, and
- flexibility and strengthening exercises for canoeists.

Gullion also explains the fundamental strokes and maneuvers that will allow you to paddle flatwater rivers and lakes efficiently and safely. With the help of dozens of full-color photos, you'll learn to execute the draw, pry, forward and reverse sweeps, forward stroke, and J stroke. Plus, you'll learn how to rescue yourself, others, and gear after a capsize.

But Canoeing is much more than a ""how-to"" book that you will use only a few times. It's loaded with reference information that has lasting value for even experienced canoeists. You'll find checklists that will help you organize single and multi-day canoe trips. You'll also find suggestions for trips to some of the best canoeing destinations around the world, including information on:

- prevailing weather conditions,
- sights to see,
- paddling distance and difficulty,
- camping facilities, and
- passport and permit needs.

For those who want to get serious about canoeing, this book shows you how to determine if you're ready to tackle whitewater runs, enter racing competitions, or try alternative forms of paddling such as sea kayaking and river kayaking. You'll also find listings and descriptions of canoeing videotapes and books, information about canoeing periodicals, and addresses for canoeing governing bodies around the world.

This book is part of the Outdoor Pursuits Series from Human Kinetics. Like all the books in the series, Canoeing emphasizes safety, environmental responsibility, and—most of all—the fun of outdoor activity!

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Chapter 1. Going Canoeing
- Types of Canoeing
- What Type of Canoeing Interests You?
- Getting Started
- On Your Way!

Chapter 2. Canoeing Equipment
- What Gear Is Available?
- Choosing the Proper Clothing and Accessories
- Choosing the Right PFD
- Choosing a Paddle
- Choosing a Canoe
- Renting Gear
- Transporting Canoes

Chapter 3. Canoeing Correctly
- Carrying the Canoe
- Stabilizing the Canoe
- Developing Stroke Skills
- Learning the Basic Strokes and Maneuvers
- Paddling a Straight Line
- Developing Rescue Skills

Chapter 4. Canoeing Fitness and Safety
- Step 1: How Ready Is Your Body?
- Step 2: Improving Your Canoeing Fitness
- Basic Guidelines for Safe Touring

Chapter 5. The Best Places to Canoe
- Minimum Impact Canoe Travel
- Traveling With Children
- United States Getaways
- Canoe Canada
- British Waterways
- Europe by Canoe
- Scenic Australia and New Zealand
- Speaking the Language

Chapter 6. Pursuing Canoeing Further
- Getting Serious About Canoeing
- Exploring Other Paddlesports
- A Passion for Canoeing

Appendix. For More Information
- Organizations
- Publications
- Videos
- Specialized Books

Canoeing Lingo