Kayak Combat (Lorimer Sports Stories)

Twelve-year-old Cody Flynn has always been the best bantam paddler at his kayak club. But when Tanner Blake blows in from Toronto with a boatload of attitude, he makes waves for Cody and his teammates. The bigger and stronger Tanner constantly bullies Cody, which his coach and friends seem to ignore. Cody feels alone except for the new skater girl who mysteriously arrives at the same time as Tanner. The two boys
battle each other on and off the water until a thunderous storm forces Cody to make a life and death decision. Does he try and save Tanner lost on the lake, or eliminate his competition?

This story pleasantly surprised me. So often you see a coming-of-age story that is no fun to read. Not only does the author keep the action going, but he keeps the sport of kayaking accurate and helps to introduce safety information. This book probably is more fun of a read for boys, but could be equally enjoyable by girls.