Without a Paddle: Racing Twelve Hundred Miles Around Florida by Sea Kayak Hardcover

So many 5 star reviews? Maybe I just don’t get it. Maybe i need to be in the Water Tribe and they take care of their own. Maybe my standards were set too high as I picked this up after reading Duff’s On Celtic Tides and Heacox’s The Only Kayak. If you are like me and you loved those two books, Meh…is what you will say after schlepping through this one. Honestly, there are only three books I have ever just put down and this is one of them. Ka Ka Ska Ska, by Lewis, another one FYI. In all fairness, I did skip to the middle of the book for a chapter and to the end for a chapter to see if it was just a rough start with the writing but to no success. I actually looked to see if this was self published. That was the case with the third book I never finished. The humor is self absorbed and forced to the point of uncomfortable. The relationship break up could have been a great metaphor and jumping off point but just failed for me. If you think John Gierach is a funny writer or you loved the other two books mentioned above that were great reads (not for humor but for poetic use of our language), then you may want to look elsewhere for your next book. Maybe I do get it. Maybe I am blessed to have great experiences, funny and articulate friends, or just lucky at picking books (for the most part sans three). I don’t regret the purchase because books I do not like help to define the ones that I do. This book also taught me that, if I were to write, have some critical distance, an editor, and make sure I do not sound as if I am Stuart Smalley and think that I can write because “I am good enough and people like me” Sorry but I could not get passed the self congratulatory ala masturbatory memoir-style of it all. Again, I apologize for my frankness but I just came off Ka Ka Ska Ska and am a little frustrated on my book average. O-2

I read this book with deep personal interest because I knew Warren in the late 1970s, back when he was an up-and-coming newspaper reporter in New Jersey. I was keen to see his writing and how the story would unfold -- much less how the race went. As I turned each page, I got more involved with the storytelling, even though I knew part of the ending. He has a very lyrical style, though it was a bit sarcastic or exaggerated in places and I didn't expect this. Still, it was fun to move around the coast of Florida with him and imagine all the raw nature he encountered. Every time he talked about sleeping I was thankful for my soft, warm bed and knew never to complain about the daily luxuries that we take for granted. You really felt him pushed to exhaustion, not to mention pushed to the brink emotionally early on. The book is highly satisfying for its skillful weaving of a physical journey, an emotional journey, and a spiritual journey -- all intense, all coming together at the end.

I wasn't prepared for the journey I would take with Warren in this book, nor what I'd learn about myself, about the human race and the will to survive, keep moving forward and face our fears. Reading this book wasn't just an observation or view of a race as a spectator, it WAS riding in that kayak. I felt I was there with Warren and lived every moment of it. Being a Florida native from the Tampa area myself was the icing on the cake following along as he reaches the finish in the final hours of the race. I even spent much of the book tracing the race on Google Maps as I read. This book is a fine journey through Florida, Human emotion and will. Thanks Sharkchow for the ride, even though I don't feel privileged enough to call you that, and thank you for bearing your soul for the good of us all. Reading this book may change your outlook on the Sunshine State for good or bad, but it will definitely change something inside of you for the better.

This book was great! Probably in a ten way tie for the best book I've ever read. Endurance. Perseverence. And finding what you're about and what you're made of. Then put on a heavy icing of adventure and you have the elements of this story. It is an insight into the Water Tribe and the endurence challange races that the tribe puts on. Just before I read this I joined the Water Tribe, (my Tribe name is ArtIstSailor) and that's where I learned of this book. I've never done a Tribe Challange but reading Mr. Richeys book gives you a very clear picture of life on a challange. Of course every book has an end but I sure didn't want this one to end. I can't say enough good about it! When you can , read this book! You'll be glad you did!

There are many things that go on inside the cockpit during a 1200 mile race, some are race issues (camping, eating, etc) but many are not. The book touches on all the issues- including the myriad of emotions and sometimes truly odd thoughts that go through one's mind. But the book touches on much more than just the Ultimate Florida Challenge.Perhaps the best compliment that I can give the book is that for those who want a good feeling of what it is like to be in a 1200 mile event, "Without a Paddle" captures that and much more.Great read! Thanks for taking the time to write it and share part of your on and off the water experiences.Bill "SnoreBringGator" Herrmann2010 UFC Finisher

Just finished Without a Paddle -- in a day -- could not put it down. My S.E. Fla kayak club has paddled many of the areas mentioned and it's fun seeing them through Warren's eyes. Have not had so many laughs reading a book in a long time. Even though I paddle frequently, there is no way I could possibly do the race. But, by Warren's laying out the different portions of the trip, my friends and I realize that we could do it in bits and pieces. This book allows an avid paddler or armchair-paddler to appreciate all the beautiful sights available from the water.Went to a book review and reading by Warren and he talks just like he writes--very knowledgeable and likeable. Looking forward to another adventure and book.

I loved this book and found it hard to put down. Excellent story about the author's race around Florida. I'm sure he had enough of an adventure to make the book twice as long, but he definitely hits all the important parts. I would highly recommend this book even if you're just a casual paddler.