Question 1

What kind of gear do I need?

Accepted Answer

Required gear and reliable brands
PFD - NRS, Stohlquist, Astral, Kokatat
Helmet - NRS, Shred Ready, Sweet Protection, WRSI
Paddle - Werner or Adventure Technology
Skirt - Immersion Research, Snap Dragon, Seals
Boat - Dagger, Liquid Logic, Pyrahna, Jackson
 
The most important aspect is that the gear fits you, PFD or helmets with bad fit will put your safety at risk. Paddles, skirts, and boats that don't fit will make learning difficult.
 
A Note on Cold Weather Paddling:
People in the club paddle all four seasons but make sure you have the appropriate gear for the weather: Drysuit, Drytop, Wetsuit, etc.

Question 2

Where do I get my gear?

Accepted Answer

Check out our community page with a list of retailers in SW PA that carry whitewater gear.  If you aren't ready to buy some of these retailers will rent gear if you inquire.
 
Used gear can be found on West Pennsylginia Whitewater Gear Swap group on Facebook.

Question 3

How do I learn paddling skills I need for whitewater?

Accepted Answer

Depending on the time of year we have different opportunities for learning. In the winter pool sessions happen all around the area and allow people to learn and work on their kayak roll. As we move into the late spring and summer we have beginner trips and clinics. Beginner Slip trips happen every Tuesday after work beginning in May at Slippery Rock Creek in McConnell Mill State park until the creek runs out of water. Our first clinic of the year is also in this area. Slip Clinic happens the first weekend of June every year, its a weekend of camping, camaraderie, and learning. Our Second Clinic, Turkey Bash, happens the first weekend of August down near Ohiopyle, Pa near the Youghiogheny(Yock) River.
 
See our Events page or our Facebook group for more information about these events.

Question 4

How do I find people to paddle with?

Accepted Answer

So you've got the gear and you are developing your paddling skills, but how does one find other boaters to paddle with? For planned upcoming trips keep an eye out on our newsletter and event calendar. In addition to scheduled trips people are planning impromptu river runs all the time on our facebook group.

Question 5

Where do I find information about rivers to run?

Accepted Answer

American Whitewater has extensive details on river difficulty, access points and water levels for:
PA - https://www.americanwhitewater.org/content/River/state-summary/?state=PA
WV - https://www.americanwhitewater.org/content/River/state-summary/?state=WV
MD - https://www.americanwhitewater.org/content/River/state-summary/?state=MD
OH - https://www.americanwhitewater.org/content/River/state-summary/?state=OH

Getting Started

Frequently asked questions

What kind of gear do I need?

Where do I get my gear?

How do I learn paddling skills I need for whitewater?

How do I find people to paddle with?

Where do I find information about rivers to run?