About the Book:
The River Chasers is a narrative history of American whitewater canoeing and kayaking. Written by Susan Taft,
the book traces the evolution of paddling through the people, places, and events over the last sixty years. The culmination
of five years of research and 130 interviews, The River Chasers covers whitewater paddling from wood/canvas canoes and folding
kayaks to modern day composite and plastic; from recreational whitewater to slalom, squirt and freestyle; from clubs to the leading
whitewater manufacturers.
In recognition of its treatment of the history of whitewater, The River Chasers was accepted
for inclusion into the Library of Congress in 2002, a major accomplishment for the sport of whitewater in preserving its history
while
also telling the story of the sport to future generations. The book has also been recogninzed for telling the history of commercialization
of user innovations, a process outside the traditional market system of business economics.
The book is 384 pages in length with
sixty-five photos and includes a complete list of references and listings of American champions and medalists for slalom and
wildwater. The table of contents includes a chapter by chapter breakdown of sub-headings within each chapter.
Reviews:
Risa Shimoda- Owner, The Shimoda Group
Sue's passion for this sport and deep interest in memorializing what might otherwise
become "anecdotal sidebar" has been fabulous to witness as an interviewee and exciting to experience as a reader. I admire her
having applied tremendous focus to the project, and am appreciative that her love for paddling has so created this inspired reference
that offers readers an eclectic, colorful backdrop on entrepreneurship, adventure, athleticism, and resouce stewardship that the sport
has deserved for decades.
Flowing Water Press Corporation
PO Box 709
Geneva, OH 44041-0709
USA