The Playboater's Handbook

Rating:
Summary: A Whitewater Gem
Review: Having read many whitewater boating books, this one is likely the best written description of a sport that is impossible to put into words. It is an instructional guide to most of the latest moves that are now possible in today's playboat designs. Not as much fun as actually kayaking but is a definite must for those of us who already know how to surf and roll and ready to start doing the moves that the big dogs do. Get it and start practicing.

Rating:
Summary: A Whitewater Gem
Review: Having read many whitewater boating books, this one is likely the best written description of a sport that is impossible to put into words. It is an instructional guide to most of the latest moves that are now possible in today's playboat designs. Not as much fun as actually kayaking but is a definite must for those of us who already know how to surf and roll and ready to start doing the moves that the big dogs do. Get it and start practicing.

Rating:
Summary: An excellent introduction to rodeo
Review: Like most people, I first started learning about rodeo moves on the river. I began with the basics (stern squirts, popups), but rapidly wanted to move on to flat spins and cartwheels.

Rodeo moves are tought to learn. There are many subtle aspects to the moves which are hard to see on the river. The Playboater's Handbook does an excellent job of breaking down moves into step by step instructions (complete with pictures), and higlighting critical aspects of each move. It's a comprehensive book that belongs on any playboaters bookshelf.

The only drawback with the book is that it's a book. You can't see the moves in full motion, and while the pictures are great, they don't do the moves justice. If you buy this book, also pick up an instructional rodeo video (something like play daze) to compliment it. The combination should prove to be a powerful tool.