BEST SAFETY MANUAL: All paddler libraries should include a safety and rescue manual. As the dean of whitewater safety with more than 30 years experience, Charlie's book is top notch.

BEST GUIDEBOOK: This guide set a new standard with full color and plenty of eye candy on every page. Even if you don't get to CO this year you'll love this book.

MY MOST DOG-EARED GUIDE: I'm on my second copy. As the guide that covers my local runs, this is my constant dashboard companion.

MOST AMBITIOUS RIVER ADEVENTURE: It's hard to imagine a trip more epic than this one and Kane tells a great story.

TRAGEDY ON THE RIVER: The story of an attempt on the Tsangpo River, one of whitewater's greatest challenges.

BEST INSTRUCTIONAL, FUNDAMENTALS: Although this book is written from the perspective of a slalom racer, the techniques are applicable to building solid fundamentals for all whitewater kayakers.

BEST INSTRUCTIONAL, PLAYBOATING: Once you're grounded in the fundamentals pick up this book by Whiting to learn the details of the new moves.

YOU'VE GOT TO BE KIDDING ME!: Ever wonder what happened to the great rivers of the American West: a scene that is now being played out across the developing world. Reisner tells the story.

BEST ACCOUNT OF A FIRST DESCENT: The first descent of the Yangtze is an interesting story and this is my favorite of Bangs's books.

BEST TRIP TO READ ABOUT: Few will ever paddle the Tsangpo Gorge but we can all enjoy the story of the first descent.