Ray Goodwin
Ray has paddled extensively in Europe and his British canoe trips include the Circumnavigation of Wales and the Irish Sea Crossing. In North America he has canoed the Rio Grande in the South and done trips as far north as the Arctic Circle, as well as doing two kayak descents of the Grand Canyon of the Colorado.
In addition to being a British Canoe Union Level 5 Coach in Canoe, Inland Kayak, and Sea, he holds a Mountain Instructor’s Certificate and has led ice climbs on Kilimanjaro, Mount Kenya and in the Atlas Mountains.
He runs his own coaching and guiding business, working at all levels from novice to the top BCU leadership and coaching qualifications courses.
www.raygoodwin.com
Mark Rainsley –
I knew nothing about canoeing, and (having purchased an open canoe) consulted a range of books – this was hands-down the most accessible, clear and up to date. The second edition is equally excellent, with some added depth of information as a bonus.
ipetestarr –
What is there left unsaid about canoeing? Why this book? In his own words Ray Goodwin says this book was written “standing on the shoulders of giants”. This is a very practical book written with the experience and wisdom of an expert practitioner – but the real value of this book is not it’s technical accuracy – after all, there are only so many ways of using a paddle! The real value is the way the author allows his personality to come through. Rather than a manual you feel like you have a coach by your side, which is refreshing!
The book covers a broad range of topics covering canoe anatomy, history, techniques, tripping & safety and plenty more besides, accompanied by crisp, sequenced photos that clearly illustrate the point in question.
Anecdotes and personal experience are shared throughout the book that really help to bring it to life. The experience, passion and enthusiasm of the author is infectious and, ironically, inspires you to put the book down and pick your paddle up!