Topline Agencies is distributing a number of kayaking books. Right now we have in stock the new picture book "L'Eau Vive" by Deb Pinniger, a  White Water Safety and Rescue manual from Franco Ferrero, and the latest (3rd), revised edition of the New Zealand river guide book, Graham Charles' "New Zealand Whitewater - 125 Great Kayaking Runs".

 

New Zealand Whitewater - 125 Great Kayaking Runs
 4th Edition December 2006

NZL is a whitewater kayaker's paradise, unequalled in the world for its great variety of challenging wilderness runs, stunning waterfalls, gorges and multiday adventures.
In this fully revised and expanded second edition Graham Charles presents 130 classic New Zeland whitewater kayaking runs, from moderate float trips to full-on technical "hairboating". With each run, information is provided to get you on the river, including grades, flow information, gradients, times, access details, and shuttle distances, while also describing what to expect, without taking away that most important element: adventure!

Author: Graham Charles
Pages: 296; 16 pages of colour photos

RRP: NZ$ 35.00 (Overseas shipment not included)

just arrived!

The Laugh of the Water Nymph
and Other River Stories

From time to time there’s a unique convergence of creativity, experience, and insight that takes place, and something notable results. In “Laugh of the Water Nymph” Doug Ammons has gifted those of us whose lives are inextricably caught up in the swirls and tendrils of the river, a book that captures the experience, magic, and passion that the river evokes; facets of emotion and thought that most of us are intuitively aware of but seldom able to express.

Of course this union has been years in the making. For inspiration Doug draws upon the experience of his many years of paddling the classic creeks and big water runs of the Northern Rockies as well as his participation in several expeditions that took him into Mexico, South America and the Himalayas. And when one also considers his forays into the hinterlands to our USA north, where abide those almost mythical rivers that go by the names of Alsek and Stikine, it could almost be said that Doug has conferred with the River Gods themselves and has returned with stories to share.

This anthology of twenty-two stories spans the spectrum from white knuckle adventure to the metaphorical, when rivers become more than rivers. His poignant tribute to a friend lost on the river is a sensitive, written discourse that anyone who has been involved in river running for any length of time can sadly relate to. The words humor and sheer delight can be used to characterize other stories, as can myth and quest. One of my favorites is “Counting Coup Along the Yellowstone River,” where a bandit run down a closed river results in a chase by the authorities that reaches almost epic proportions of manpower and equipment committed to apprehending the culprits. Doug’s final thoughts in this saga should be read and contemplated by access activist and key-holding bureaucrat alike.

A midsection graced with stunning photographs, many taken by the renowned outdoor photographer Charlie Munsey, rounds out this classic.
(from http://www.americanwhitewater.org/forum/AW/736700)

Author: Doug Ammons
Pages: 239
Specs: 18 x 26 cm; Paperback; 32 pages colour photos, two foldouts.

RRP: NZ$ 65.00

from 1. January 2005

White Water Kayaking by Olli Grau

In this book, Olli Grau, one of today's leading kayaking experts, draws a blueprint for learning kayaking successfully. He includes the latest developments in kayak design and technique, learning style and psychology, and the new scientific approach to kayaking. The book's unconventional structure is orientated at the learning curve of paddlers. Beginners can follow chronologically, experts can jump in directly at their skill level - anybody can immediately find useful and interesting tips for their particular stage of paddling development.

Illustrated with more than 200 pictures and a comprehensive search register this book offers anyone a great manual and textbook for whitewater kayaking tactics and technique.

Author: Olli Grau
Pages: 156
Specs: 28 x 23 cm; Hardcover; More than 200 colour pictures.

RRP: NZ$ 79.95

“The beauty and mystery of the river has quenched people’s thirst for adventure since the dawning of time. From the kayaker that chooses to ride her waters to the artist that paints her, she provides a source of energy that nourishes the soul.”

L’Eau Vive is a photographic journal of waters around the world; it will take you on a pictorial journey through Africa, Europe, Asia and the Americas. The photography and words will resonate deeply within the souls of paddlers and all those who appreciate the grace of the river.

The book contains 53 exquisite full-colour plates interspersed with humorous accounts and poetic writing contributed by friends and fellow kayakers. Deb successfully displays on paper the clear vitality of the world and the uniquely diverse life of a traveller. She presents the kayaking world as both complex and simple; at times it is an epic challenge, at others a sublime jaunt, and always a great adventure.

Join Deb as she travels around the globe with kayak on shoulder and camera in hand. This book is a visual diary of her adventures - of the places she travels to, the people she meets and the friends she makes along the way.

Author: Deb Pinniger
Pages: 106
Specs: 23 x 28 cm; 53 full-colour plates

RRP: NZ$ 55.00

White water safety and rescue for canoeists, kayakers and rafters. A completely revised new edition now in full colour throughout. Clear and illustrated throughout with excellent drawings, diagrams and colour photos, it is a must whether you are a recreational paddler or a professional river guide. At last a book that tells you only what you need to know!

Author: Franco Ferrero,
Pages: 320

RRP: NZ$ 59.95 (overseas shipment not included)