The Complete Wilderness Paddler

The authors had to portage around thirty-two sets of rapids (not easy with a canoe balanced on your head) on their trip down the entire length of Labrador's Moisie River. They include invaluable information on trail-finding (if there is a trail) and bushwack portages, accomplished with "compass, map, and horse-sense." (Nowadays, one might also use a GPS device). One of the suggestions if you happen to be looking for the next lake across the watershed, is to head for the point on the horizon where the trees dip the lowest, "but not if the topo shows it to be the Dismal Swamp."

Just remember that you may be bushwacking the next body of paddleable water with the center thwart of a canoe across your shoulders. You won't have a lot of energy for sight-seeing.

If you are going to traverse a well-known river, you might not have to read the chapters on "Scouting" and "Lining." However, it might still be a good idea to know the information they contain, just in case your 'well-known' river is running high or very low.

Jim, Rug, Joe, and Peach (the 'wilderness paddlers') also spend a great deal of time demonstrating via diagrams and text, the tactics and strokes for handling all conditions of still and wild water--the Moise River had them all--not to mention ice, haystacks, eddy lines, souse holes, curlers, and roosters.

There is also advice on bailing techniques, and how to recover when your canoe capsizes.

This book is 'the' classic for anyone who wants to take off into the Wilderness and do some heavy-duty paddling. It's authoritative, extremely detailed, and also enormously fun to read.


The foundation for your paddling library   March 7, 2003
 1 out of 1 found this review helpful

I first read this book over 15 years ago and the wisdom it contains is as timely as ever. Not only is the book a thorough education in wilderness exploration and paddling, it provides entertaining look into the distinct personalities of two enthusiasts. If you like to laugh while you learn, this book is for you.

I gave a copy to my fiance before we went on our first river adventure last year and would reccomend it to anyone who is trying to prepare for a canoe trip. The book coverse everything from basic wilderness orientation and safety to paddling techniques and scouting. While the equipment available to canoeists has dramatically improved in the 30 (?) years since this book was written, the techniques and advice they provide are timeless. Even the experienced paddler will enjoy this quick and entertaining read.


Been there.   August 8, 2000
 8 out of 8 found this review helpful

A wonderful story. The title is wrong; this is not an instruction manual. This is a true story of four young men who find the headwaters of the Moisie River and then canoe its entire length. But it is a story written with wit and sensitivity, from the finding of the Coke bottle in the wilderness of Labrador to the final shoot to the St. Lawrence. Get it. Don't hesitate. you'll love it.