Reddit mentions: The best canoeing books

I can't comment on any local things for Killarney since I haven't been there yet (it's high on my list!) but I'll have a go at some of these other questions...

Gear
You mention that your gear is not that lightweight. The benefit of canoe camping is that it isn't too big a deal if your stuff is a bit bulky or heavy because you can plan your first trip with short portages and spend this time really getting to know what you need and don't need - everyone develops their own style. I say this because I find ~$600-800 on gear for a 4 day trip to be a bit steep, if I assume you already have some equipment from previous trips.

I checked out that list and I think it's a great one to use even for your own packing! It is complete and seems like a great and simple solution to just get out there. But I am not sure if you need to spend all that money on the rental. I think you might already own some equipment from your previous camping trips that could be useful:

• sleeping bags
  
• cooking equipment (pots/dishes/utensils)
  
• tarp
  
• ropes
  
• big backpacks
  
• first aid kit
  
  From this I can come up with some things you would want to add to your gear collection or upgrade from what you may already have:
  
  
• $300 lighter tent. My only advice for purchasing a tent is that 4 season tents just don't exist, nothing will do a great job all year. Pick your season.
  
• $150 stove/accessories
  
• $90 water filter
  
• $60 some dry bags
  
• $20 rope and carabiner for a bear hang for your food (if you dont want to do barrel)
  (I got these prices just looking things up on mec's website)
  
  Plus some things I think you can easily rent:
  
  
• canoe & safety kit, paddles, PFD (though having your own PFD is nice)
  
• bear barrel for food
  
  
  You would need to buy your own food this way, prices will vary if you buy packaged food vs preparing your own things ahead of time.
  
  I think the gear choice comes down to how much camping you expect to do in the future. By investing in camping rather than canoeing gear with this money, you can continue to use it for many trips even when you aren't able to get out on the water. If you aren't sure you want to do more wilderness trips so backcountry great won't be necessary, then the rental package does look complete and simple.
  
  Trip Planning
  Yes - there are good and detailled resources out there for planning a trip to Killarney. Kevin Callan has a book about canoe routes in Killarney. If you are looking for a place to start planning, I'd start there. He'll provide all the details such as where to camp each night and where to park your car.
  
  
  Don't get too overwhelmed! Expect your first trip to be a learning experience. You might pack too much or too little. You will pack and unpack your boat 5 different ways before you like one. It's all part of the journey and it's so great to see someone getting ready to head out!
  

I grew up paddling around this area, and this sounds like a great weekend trip. 18 miles downstream should definitely be doable in two days. I see you’ve gotten a lot of good advice already, so the only thing I really have to add is make sure you know what to expect.

This is my favorite guidebook for this area: http://www.amazon.com/Paddling-Eastern-North-Carolina-Ferguson/dp/0972026819 I’d definitely get it and read about the sections you’ll be paddling. Literally includes everything you need to know, plus general tips for padding rivers, river camping, etc.

I’d definitely check this site out as well: http://tarpamlicowatertrail.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=25&Itemid=299 Lots of great info about camping in this area, including platform camping.

Lastly, if anyone is looking for a nice day paddle along the Tar-Pamlico, I love the area around Washington. Usually I eat an early-ish lunch at Backwater Jack’s Tiki Bar, and then put in at the boat ramp right there or head over to Goose Creek State Park.

Any of the rivers in N. FL. Suwanne(and feeding creeks)(best site is overlooking the big shoals), Okefenokee(all are good), Cumberland(brickhill Bluff), St. marys(at the horseshoe) can be fun in high water. PM if you want any more details. I realize this is 2 months late.

Edit: I spent 3 years in N.FL paddling every weekend. It has some of the best flat water spots. I STRONGLY recommend this book. It doesn't have everything but its a great jumping off point and will ensure that you get the right spots for what you want. WELL WORTH THE MONEY.

http://www.amazon.com/Canoeing-Kayaking-Florida-Canoe-Kayak/dp/0897329554/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1458152013&sr=1-1&keywords=paddling+florida

Autogenerated.

I'm a vagabond, author and "modern-day Huck Finn" who solo canoed the Mississippi River -- AMA!

​Hi, my name is Neal, I'm a long-distance paddler, storyteller, and author who crossed the nation Huckleberry Finn-style by canoeing the length of the Mississippi River, camping on islands, meeting up with characters of all stripes, and sharing their stories - which CNN was kind enough to broadcast - and the folks at the Mark Twain Museum were generous enough to publish

My proof: https://imgur.com/a/b1lpE

I'm about to launch out onto a new cross-country canoe adventure - to include traversing 22 rivers, 22 states, 100 towns and 7,500 miles across America (by canoe). And this time around - from the Pacific to the Continental Divide to the Big Easy to the Great Lakes to the Statue of Liberty - I'd love to invite you along for the ride @ http://www.alittlewake.com

Ask me anything!



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Comment 1 of 1
Updated at 2018-02-21 17:06:54.069947

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14 miles seems about right. (Edit2: Are you solo canoeing? Kayaking?) It really depends on flow, gradient, obstructions, fuck off time etc. The Choctawhatchee River is a sizable river so you shouldn't have to worry about many obstructions and I don't think there are any rapids or anything like that in that area (only substantial ones I can think of are on the Aucilla and Suwannee). There's a great book called Canoeing and Kayaking Florida that I would recommend you check out. I would also point you to FDEP's paddling guide for the river. You can check out all the paddling guides for other rivers here.

I've never paddled the Choctawhatchee but it looks like on google earth that sand banks are abundant, as a solo I would target these towards the end of your day as camp sites if the water level is right. It is legal to camp on floodplain (which beaches would be in) but don't argue if someone comes up and asks why you're on their land just tell them you will be on your way. (This has never once happened to me in my many years of paddling Florida's rivers.)

I will also say, while I haven't paddled this river, I have been to Morrison Spring. You are not going to want to miss that if that's part of your paddle. Make sure you allocate some time to hang there.

I can talk all day about paddling in Florida so if you have any more questions I'd be happy to help.

Edit to add "See this trail" link from FDEP: http://fdep.maps.arcgis.com/apps/MapTour/index.html?appid=d1b432eb3ecf4c9f81c0e7a3e3f8c307

I am on the river often around the St Joseph to Kansas City area. I live in Leavenworth and serve as a river angel here. The absolute best advice I can give you is to join the Missouri River Paddlers Facebook page and start reading. I believe almost everyone who has paddled from the source (Browers Spring in Montana) to the Mississippi is on that page. After joining the page you can set up an itinerary and the veterans and River Angels will pretty much talk you through planning and executing your trip.
I have hosted probably a dozen long distance paddlers as they pass through here. All have been organized through the page. River Angels take people in, feed them, do their laundry, etc. all in exchange for stories and kinship of like minded people.
Also, highly recommend the book by Dave Miller.
https://www.amazon.com/Complete-Paddler-Guidebook-Paddling-Headwaters/dp/1560373253

If you want to get in touch with people that have paddled the entire river, and don't use Facebook, let me know. I can get you in touch with some wonderful people who would share advice.

I paddle a good bit. I'd strongly recommend buying the book in the link below. It's $13 but is an excellent jumping off point and well worth the money at twice the price. There's also the state paddling trails but I refer to the book more often than I do that website. You'll exponentially enjoy your time on the water if you set up shuttles for rivers(i.e. a friend).

http://www.dep.state.fl.us/gwt/guide/paddle.htm

https://www.amazon.com/Canoeing-Kayaking-Florida-Canoe-Kayak/dp/0897329554/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_product_top?ie=UTF8

I highly recommend reading A Trailside's Guide to Kayaking. I'm also more of a calm water, lake/river kayaker and this book gives great insight into the world of kayaking. The author has a great narrative and the book is color with images and anecdotes to help understand certain concepts.

You're blessed with one of the largest and most active whitewater clubs around: Coastal Canoeists (www.coastals.org). Though mostly based in Richmond, They are all over Virginia. Carolina Canoe Club (www.carolinacanoeclub.org) also paddles Virginia a lot. Look either of them up on Facebook as well. All of the great West Virginia paddling around Fayetteville and Summersville are within your reach too. There's a HUGE retailer not too far you, Appomattox River Company (www.paddleva.com), that may likely also have used/demo boats at a good price. Hopefully you already know about the informational resources of American Whitewater (VA listings here: http://www.americanwhitewater.org/content/River/state-summary/state/VA/). A now aged, but still useful guidebook for VA is http://www.amazon.com/Virginia-whitewater-paddlers-guide-rivers/dp/B00071FAOI

It's cold and the weather can change in a heart beat. I live in the south end and work near owen sound and the best literature on the place I've find is this book. If you've got the skills and gear for a trip go for it! Mink and McCoy islands are amazing!


https://www.amazon.ca/Paddling-Hiking-Georgian-Bay-Coast/dp/1550464779

The way I'd been told it as a kid growing up, the Tongans were the boatbuilders, with Samoans teaching navigation, and with the help of resources provided by Fijian chiefs (read large trees provided from Fiji's then pristine primary forests). That the halfway point here for this tripartite meeting were the Lauan islands where the people there today continue to reflect their mixed inheritances from culturally (the people can speak both Fijian and Tongan and their house construction mirrors the Samoan styled fale than the bure.
The numbers of 500 and 600 might be an exaggeration by European sailors of the time, Cook observes numbers of 200+, his surprise being more that these larger Vaka were agile and able to match speed with his ship than the passenger numbers.
My laugh about the numbers bit is that for those 600 islanders back in the day, that would probably be the equivalent of maybe 50 regular Samoan bros today 😂 (it's ok I'm Samoan myself).
Tom Davis' book Vaka (https://www.amazon.com/Vaka-Polynesian-Thomas-R-Davis/dp/9820101204) refers to the use of large double hulled boats as being the ferries of the day, transporting people and goods across islands and countries of the day. Their sailing schedules would of course be mapped to a seasonal calendar to when winds changed to prevail in one direction over another.

Check out Laurel Archer's books. Tonnes of great stuff in there.

The Stikine or Gataca/Kechika are amazing trips I can personally attest to if you have the time. The Kootenay is nicknamed the "weekend Nahanni" for good reason. I have not done any trips around Vancouver or in the interior really though.

Yea as others have mentioned I run the Kayak Shack at Canalside and do tours so can give you some suggestions.

Buffalo River - Lots of put-ins along the way, starting from West Seneca there is the DEC Launch on Harlem near Mineral Springs, Seneca Bluffs, Foot of Bailey, Red Jacket park, Riverfront Mutual park, Riverfest Park

On the Lake you can use the old sea plane launch near Lasalle park, which i don't think is an official launch but I know people that do use it.

Gallagher Beach is another decent place within city limits to launch from, as well as a few new launches on the Outer harbor that are being constructed as we speak so I can give more details.

Going South you have assorted Beaches to launch from for Lake paddling

North has more choices like Beaver Island on Grand Island and you can paddle to Strawberry island if you aren't weak, no offense but this area has more current than most, this feeds the Niagara falls so..be careful!

I know some go on Scajaquada Creek but I hear it smells bad and not sure where to launch from.

Still more North you have Ellicott Creek and Tonawanda Creek, this was used as the Erie Canal so can take you to Albany if you have time.

Beyond that i would check out this Local paddle Book for more info as I usually focus on the Buffalo River, or paddle in other States all together.

added - BTW We rent kayaks and SUP boards under the Skyway at Canalside 9-6 everyday and we offer tours through the Grain Elevators and the 11:30 we walk around Silo City and I give a personal hike/tour/sneak peak of the Rock Gym.

It is a yearly thing. If you're thinking about trying I would recommend "Missouri River 340: First Time Finisher" https://www.amazon.com/Missouri-River-First-Time-Finisher-ebook/dp/B00DKALJXO . I'm considering doing it next year and am reading the book now. It's a good read about a guy and his 3 daughters that do it. Lots of great info.

Glad to hear you made it in one piece. I have been reading this book every so often which recounts the stories of some lucky and not so lucky kayakers put in choppy conditions. It's the decisions taken on land that save you at sea. https://www.amazon.com/Sea-Kayakers-Deep-Trouble-Magazine/dp/0070084998

Here are all the local Amazon links I could find:


amazon.co.uk

amazon.ca

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amazon.es

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amazon.nl

amazon.co.jp

Beep bloop. I'm a bot to convert Amazon ebook links to local Amazon sites.
I currently look here: amazon.com, amazon.co.uk, amazon.ca, amazon.com.au, amazon.in, amazon.com.mx, amazon.de, amazon.it, amazon.es, amazon.com.br, amazon.nl, amazon.co.jp, if you would like your local version of Amazon adding please contact my creator.

Some text resources they might be a little dated but they're still great:

Colorado Rivers and Creeks:
https://www.amazon.com/Colorado-Rivers-Creeks-Gordon-Banks/dp/0964539950

Whitewater of the Southern Rockies:

https://www.amazon.com/Whitewater-Southern-Rockies-Stafford-McCutchen/dp/0979264405/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1494345565&sr=1-1&keywords=evan+stafford

Don't know what your timing is but this book and similar have been great resources for ever. https://www.amazon.com/Paddling-Northern-Wisconsin-Great-Trails/dp/1931599866

​

I'd look at the Black River near Lake Arbutus near Neillsville and Hatfield

Deep Trouble by Matt Broze and George Gronseth
I learned so much from reading this book! It's more a collection of cautionary tales than an adventure book - but it could potentially save your life.

Great book, btw.

If you can get a copy of this book- http://www.amazon.ca/Canoe-Trips-British-Columbia-Intermediate/dp/1896217001 there are some routes in here that match what you're looking for. The book is a perhaps a little dated but the rivers haven't changed much. I'd also recommend these folks - http://www.westerncanoekayak.com/ if you need to acquire any gear while your out this way. Happy paddling!

I recommend picking up a used copy of Rivers and Rapids the 2000 edition by Ben Nolen or Paddling Texas. I haven't kayaked the DFW area, mainly central Texas.

A friend and I looked into doing this a few years ago, but I can't remember how long we estimated it would take. Seem to remember it being more than a day trip though. He has this book, which might provide some insight for you.
https://www.amazon.com/Canoeing-Kayaking-Guide-Kentucky-Canoe/dp/0897325656

Here's a few books to get you started exploring some out of the way places.

• Coastal NC birding
  
  
• Coastal NC fishing
  
  
• Hiking NC
  
  
• paddling Eastern NC
  
  
  
  

Having done some of my kayaking instruction, particularly self-rescue training up in those waters, I don't know if I'd want to paddle there without some sort of immersion gear. At least a farmer john. Matt Broze's book is full of strong people that died in those waters due to hypothermia.

I don't own Oliver's book, but he may have been talking about a large proa, not a catamaran. This is a pretty good book about a very large proa, written as a sort of historical novel.

Big proas don't experience the same stresses as big catamarans do, so they can be much wider, and thus quite fast. The boat in Vaka could probably do 20 knots under sail.

>What was the point of these canoes? Why have them instead of fleets of smaller canoes? Wouldn't the loss of one in a cyclone a terrible calamity compared to the loss of two, three, or even four little canoes?

All else being equal, longer boats are faster, roughly in proportion to the square root of the waterline length. A 100' proa would be about twice as fast as a 25' proa. This is an enormous advantage in a sailing conflict, of course.

Vaka goes into quite a bit of the tradeoffs of such a large boat.

I thought that was what would happen when that post was read; I think that was the effect I was aiming for. I suspect there are a lot of people who think that way.

I was doing some technical SCUBA diving, diving requiring decompression stops, and the idea of the normalization of deviance pops up many times when there are fatalities and a subsequent analysis of what has gone wrong occurs.

Avoiding safety measures due to the low probability of an event does not mitigate the dangers should an event happen.

This video is one of the better ones I have seen on this topic:

Situational Awareness: A Metacognitive Approach to Personal & Team Safety

https://youtu.be/-pw7YY7VOlc

I read this book:

https://www.amazon.com/Sea-Kayakers-Deep-Trouble-Magazine/dp/0070084998

And it seems many scenarios there are also made worse by the the normalization of deviance.