Did all the books myself as well as a video put out by Hyde drift boats ( I think) before putting my boat in the water. Good info from all but nothing like the real thing. At the last Puyallup show talked with guide Dave Mullins who also offers drift boat handling classes (206-743-7266). If I had to do it over, I might go this route, probably a little quicker learning curve. Be careful, be safe. Good luck.