HOME > Handbook
Embedded Files
Ready to learn whitewater tripping?Â
Ready to learn whitewater tripping?Â
Whitewater paddling is an adventure, but mastering the art of paddling in whitewater requires hands-on experience and expert guidance from seasoned paddlers. To give you a head start before you dive into the rapids, we've gathered the knowledge you'll need and put it into this online handbook. Our goal is to fast-track your learning of the theory, ensuring you enter the world of whitewater with a clear understanding of what to expect so you're in a position ready to learn when the water turns white.Â
Note: This site alone cannot train you for whitewater. It is just some pre-reading/watching. Whitewater skills are learned on the water with experienced instructors. This site does not replace that.
Browse the digital handbook by using the links below.
Not a real book.
Learn to paddle
Learn to paddle
Here are some videos that will help you learn the concepts before getting in the boat.
A starter on how to read rapids and understanding what they will do to your boat.
What you need to know about rescue situations on the river. This is not at all rescuer training.
There's always some flatwater between rapids. Here are a few ideas we have about that.
Take our whitewater safety quiz!
Take our whitewater safety quiz!
This tests you on some stuff that you really should know before paddling whitewater.
Our sources
Our sources
Here are the resources used in the development of the learning content on this site.
Ferrero, Franco. Whitewater Safety and Rescue: Essential Knowledge for Canoeists, Kayakers, and Raft Guides. Globe Pequot Press, 2009.
Jacobson, Cliff. Expedition Canoeing: A Guide to Canoeing Wild Rivers in North America. Globe Pequot Press, 2001.
Kauffman, Robert B. Swiftwater Rescue Course Manual. Robert B Kauffman, 2018.
Kesselheim, Alan S. The Wilderness Paddler's Handbook. McClelland & Stewart, 2001.
Martin, Alexander, and Zander Martin. NOLS Canoeing. Stackpole Books, 2013.
Mason, Bill. Path of the Paddle. Van Nostrand Reinhold, 1980.
Mason, Paul. The Thrill of the Paddle: An Illustrated Guide to Extreme Canoeing. Cordee, 1999.
Ostis, Nate. NOLS River Rescue Guide. Stackpole Books, 2015.
Pearson, Claudia, editor. Nols Cookery. Stackpole Books, 2017.
Peled, Danny. Whitewater Rescue Field Guide. Boreal River Rescue, 2014.
Phillips, Ken. Swiftwater Rescue Manual. Department of Interior Park Service, 2012.
Rescue 3 International. Water and Flood Rescue Manual. Rescue 3 International, 2018.
Walbridge, Charles, and Wayne A. Sundmacher. Whitewater Rescue Manual: New Techniques for Canoeists, Kayakers, and Rafters. McGraw-Hill Education, 1995.
Wilson, Hap. Rivers of the Upper Ottawa Valley: Myth, Magic and Adventure. Boston Mills Press, 2004.Â
Page updated
Google Sites
Report abuse