Books

[SimonMW]

With the caveat that there is no better substitute than having direct coaching, I was wondering what everything thought the best technique based kayaking books were?

I'd like some reading/reference stuff, but I've always found instructional books, no matter what the hobby/subject to be a very mixed bag. So wondering where the good stuff can be found?

[Onecar]

Kayak by Nealy.
Essential reading.
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Kayak-Frontier- ... 943&sr=8-1
The only book you need.

[SimonMW]

Thanks. Already got that one, and it is pretty good.

[David Fairweather]

There aren't loads of great coaching books for whitewater paddling, but there are a few useful ones.

Every Crushing Stroke by Scott Shiply is a great account of slalom technique and training. A recommended read for any whitewater paddler.

Whitewater Kayaking by Ollie Grau is a nicely presented book with some nice explanations of moves. I wouldn't take it as gospel, but it should provide a good starting point for thinking about how things work.

[SimonMW]

Thanks Dave, great suggestions. As I was browsing Amazon I came across the Ollie Grau book and ummed and ahhed, which was what lead me to post this topic. I'll have a look at it now.

The Scott Shipley book "Every Crushing Stroke" appears to be a collectors item. Cheapest I can find it from places that have it in stock is an eye watering £55. Will have to see if Waterstones have some methods up their sleeves!

What do people make of Eric Jackson's Strokes and Concepts book?

[TheKrikkitWars]

If you look on Davey Hearn's website you'll find a lot of digitised copies of books by Bill Endicott, "To Win The Worlds" and "The Danger Zone" are both excellent, having been compiled through lots of primary research and discussion with the dominant athletes of the time, "The Danger Zone" is still considered an important reference work for anyone interested in WildWater.

[scottdog007]

I have to say books don't substitue a good coach.

[SimonMW]

I have to say books don't substitue a good coach.

I already said that in my opening post. But a coach isn't there as a constant reference to refer back to, and I'd like something to read :-)

[Tom_Laws]

Simon Westcountrygarth has posted most of "Genes" on the YouBook now which is a handy starting point for somethings.

[Adrian Cooper]

Thrill of the Paddle by Paul Mason

[TheKrikkitWars]

Thrill of the Paddle by Paul Mason

Yes! I lent my copy out and never got it back (which speaks for itself), but it's an excellent book.

[Mark R]

This still stands up remarkably well, for all WW paddlers...

http://www.amazon.co.uk/The-Art-Freesty ... 192&sr=8-4

I also believe that more folk should read this - just ignore the dull title, it's a good breakdown of how to learn...

http://www.pesdapress.com/product_info. ... anner_id=9

[TechnoEngineer]

The 4 that I recommend:

"Kayak" (Nealy) - 2nd Ed

"The Bombproof Roll and Beyond"

"White Water Safety and Rescue"

"The BCU Coaching Handbook"

Eric Jackson's Strokes and Concepts book?

I have a copy, it's not well laid out. (Somewhere) I have the DVD by the same name, which has a very good section on spin momentum and S-turns.