Richly illustrated and information-packed tools for the novice or handy reference for the veteran, BASIC ILLUSTRATED books distill years of knowledge into affordable and visual guides. Whether you're planning a trip or thumbing for facts in the field, the BASIC ILLUSTRATED series shows you what you need to know. Discover how to: Choose a tandem or solo canoe that s right for you Select canoe accessories, including paddles, PFDs, and portage yokes Customize your canoe for greater comfort and safety Lift, portage, and transport your canoe with ease Master basic paddling strokes Rescue yourself or a friend after capsizing Choose a safe course through whitewater and currents Today's best canoes are faster, sleeker, lighter and stronger than anything the native Americans ever built! Family sized tandem canoes that weigh under 45 pounds - and solo canoes that weigh less than 30 pounds! - are a reality. Despite continuing innovation, the basics of how to paddle, pack, and portage canoes has not changed. Canoeists must still be able to paddle a straight course, turn sharply, brace in currents, and execute a host of other maneuvers. And every paddler must know how to avoid rocks, waterfalls, dams, and other dangers. This book is unique because of the huge amount of cutting edge information. No other book this size (perhaps of any size) provides as much in-depth information about modern canoe design and construction methods. The manuscript was carefully reviewed by the staff of Bell Canoe Works and We-no-nah Canoes-the two most prestigious canoe companies in North America. Even those who know canoeing will find plenty of new stuff to keep the pages turning. Full color throughout, richly illustrated with the most contemporary, up-to-date photographs Highly authoritative author