Kayaking Tips & Resources

There are few things I enjoy more than kayaking in central Pa.  It is gorgeous here.  Kayaking is really, really easy, and a day on the water can be very relaxing.

Maps

My map on googlemaps of access points and lakes we like to use:

http://goo.gl/maps/CSuKM

Pa Fish & Boat Commission Water Trails Map:

http://fishandboat.com/watertrails/trailindex.htm

Water Level Information

I would never kayak a creek around here without knowing the water levels.  The same creek you are experiencing class 3 rapids on one week, you may be carrying your kayak over rocks for miles just a couple of weeks later.  Water levels also make a difference on the river - although not as drastic.  Expect your trips to take longer in lower water.

For all current water levels, go here:

http://waterdata.usgs.gov/pa/nwis/rt 

My favorite book for local kayaking information:

Paddling Pennsylvania: Kayaking and Canoeing the Keystone State's Rivers and Lakes

Tips For Buying Kayaks 

http://fieldsofhether.blogspot.com/2013/04/buying-kayaks.html

See more about our trips, with times & photos, here:

http://susquehannavalley.blogspot.com/p/our-kayak-trips.html

Kayaking Rules - from the PA Fish & Boat Commission

The PA Fish & Boat Commission (PFBC) states the following regulations for kayaks and canoes:

Every person in a kayak or canoe must have a personal floatation device (PFD) readily accessible.
Children under 12 are required to wear their PFDs at all times.
From November 1st to April 30th, anyone in a kayak or canoe must wear a PFD.
Any kayaker or canoers on the water before dawn or after dusk are required to have a hand-held light to signal other boaters in order to avoid collisions.

All non-powered watercraft must have a whistle or other sound-producing device.
Alcohol is prohibited in all PA State Parks or on PFBC property while operating a kayak or canoe.

Any non-powered canoe or kayak on the water prior to legal dawn or after legal dusk

must have on board a hand-held white light, which is to be turned on and held overhead if

approached by another watercraft, in time to avoid a collision. (Motorized canoes must follow motorboat requirements – call the PFBC for details.) When anchored in a non-anchorage area prior to legal dawn or after legal dusk, an all-round (360°) anchor light must be displayed. (See Chapter 4 of the PA Boating Handbook)

Allenwood River Access