Beyond the Paddle

Louise E. Allin, a poet and short-story writer, is also an English instructor at Cambrian College.

Conover, who runs a guiding company in Maine, has written what he terms
a handbook for introducing efficiency and economy of means to those
whose explorations will frequently rely on the nonpaddle aspects of
canoe travel. He has kept his promise. The expedition skills of poling,
lining, portaging, and maneuvering through ice are covered in detail
with considerable writing skill and a welcome humor. Conover does
assume, it must be cautioned, that the reader has basic paddling and
wilderness skills; there are no recipes for bannock or directions for
the J-stroke. Accompanying his very thorough and well-documented
chapters are black-and-white pictures and simple drawings in series to
illustrate techniques such as poling through rapids or designing and
constructing the pole itself. Safety is always paramount. Conover
demonstrates his expertise as well in the history and construction of
all types of canoes and sledges for ice travel. His scientific study of
the effectiveness of tumplines will overturn any modern naysayer’s
mockery of this extremely ergonomic invention. Handy wide margins
provide ample room for notes. While the Spartan black-and-white format
might dissuade some buyers, Conover’s book is not meant for the coffee
table. It is a solid manual for the field.