No Barriers: A Blind Man's Journey to Kayak the Grand Canyon Hardcover – February 7, 2017

Quite an exciting book. An amazing blind man as well as other blind men. I learned a lot!!!

Erik Weihenmayer has recently released his latest adventure story titled "No Barriers: A Blind Man’s Journey to Kayak the Grand Canyon." I highly recommend it for anyone interested in learning more about themselves, pushing their own boundaries farther in their quest to make an impact, and living a life without barriers. Am I making a difference in the world? Does my work matter? These are just some of the questions the reader is forced to ask themselves as they make their way through Erik's real life journey to explore and extend his own "edge of the envelope."If you are not aware of Erik's background, he is a world class adventurer, having successfully climbed all of the famed Seven Summits around the world; all done completely blind, but never in the dark. Every adventure Erik undertakes is always painstakingly prepared for, meticulously planned and practiced, accomplished with an acutely focused sense of responsibility and dedication, and always done with an intended purpose for a greater cause.Erik is also a tireless advocate for those facing challenges in their lives, and he selflessly provides a powerful voice to this community through his non-profit foundation No Barriers USA, with the singular goal to help people of all ability levels overcome personal, physical, intellectual, and societal barriers to reach farther than ever was thought possible.In this new book, and in his own unique voice, Erik eloquently illuminates how we can all move forward in our lives towards growth and purpose – despite the barriers that get in our way. I promise, it's just as inspiring as his first book, Touch the Top of the World: A Blind Man's Journey to Climb Farther Than The Eye Can See. And in may ways, it's even more captivating.In relating his journey to kayak the entire length of the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon, Erik's singular ability to explain the entire process, from the initial idea all the way through to successful completion, weaving into the story all of the people who helped him along his path, and intricately describing the myriad of obstacles that needed to be overcome, was not only incredibly exciting, but at times, breathtakingly terrifying. He does a fantastic job of building the story of his journey to its ultimate crescendo, across many different story lines. Without a doubt the most suspenseful part for me from the kayaking perspective was his personal battle and ultimate triumph over the aptly named section of the Colorado River called Lava Falls!Beyond the kayaking, the extremely intimate and revealing personal stories are brilliantly told, thought provoking, and at times very raw and emotional; a captivating read for sure. You will not be disappointed!

Erik and Buddy do a great job here describing not only Erik's quest to kayak through the Grand Canyon, but also to explain that the more important message is to empower yourself to overcome barriers in your life - the things that tend to pull you down or act as easy excuses not to accomplish what you might really be capable of. This is really what Erik's life is about now with his nonprofit No Barriers. He has used his experience as a blind man overcoming the naysayers and climbing not only Everest but all the Seven Summits, as well as kayaking the Colorado through Grand Canyon - to motivate and empower others with any perceived barrier in their lives (common barriers are disabilities) to do as much as possible to attain goals. While a common goal can be to summit a mountain or paddle a river like the Colorado, such goals can be less glamorous like just taking the step as a blind man to mow the lawn (as fellow blind paddler Lonnie Bedwell did). We all have such barriers - and we all can benefit from the lessons that Erik and Buddy eloquently describe in this book. I was a part of Erik's development as a paddler, and I saw first-hand the doubts and challenges he faced in his paddling quest. I have respect and admire Erik greatly for seeing his goal through to the end and actually kayaking through the whole Grand Canyon despite so many problems that he faced.

The virtual washing machine that Erik endures throughout this latest chapter in his anthology of breaking barriers is both captivating and dizzying, culminating in a deep sense of accomplishment yet longing to know what may may lie ahead. The foundation of his story is routed in deep love of family and friendships with folks whom Erik has complete and utter trust....major barrier breakers! The cyclical nature of the interweaving odyssey's brings home the message of the No Barriers mantra, akin to the whirlpools and whitewater he had to encounter but overcame by perseverance and suppressing multifaceted fears, with a little help from his loving guide buddies. Erik's meticulous nature needed to brave mountain cliffs and tortuous waters demonstrates a true warrior, in line with his proud veteran father whose aura resonates throughout his journeys. His tales are poignant lessons in 'everyday' life and he is a true leader in getting the most out of other people, as he pushes himself. Thanks for letting us get to really know your family and friends in your personal account of another unbelievable and extraordinary journey through your world of darkness filled with light! Big Love to Erik and all the Weihenmayer family

There are books about inspiration, disability and overcoming then there are books that make you think about life, its purpose, who we are and why we do the things we do, disability or not. This book is the latter. Sure, Erik is blind and the title of this book - A Blind Man's Journey - might make you think is is for a limited audience but it really isn't. It is well written, it moves along, and it takes us along as Erik does things most of us never even dream possible. He introduces us to amazing people and he shows us a side of life most never "see." His adventures are stuff of legend and by the time you finish reading, you'll want to climb, kayak, hike and/or just explore. Great book!

Highly recommend

I have wanted to get this book for awhile. Glad to finally have it.

Very inspiring.

Excellent book