Intermediate-Advanced White Water Kayaking – the Lower Yough

OVERVIEW

The annual Over the Falls Festival in Ohiopyle, PA is this Saturday, 8/18. This is something I’ve wanted to check out for years and finally have the time. It consists of practice runs down Ohiopyle Falls (class IV) followed by a race and free style event over the falls. I’m not interested in racing but want to run the falls and maybe help out with the event. For more info about the event, check out: http://www.fallsrace.com/
There is a $15 registration fee for the event. I plan to register to run the falls but you do not have to register if you only plan to run the LY. For registration forms and waiver you can go to the webpage above and scroll down to find the proper links.

MY PLANS:
Depart C’ville at 8-9am on Friday to get to Ohiopyle by mid afternoon to run some laps on the lower Youghiogheny (LY). Camp Friday night at Peter L.’s (~50 miles from the falls). Run the falls as early as possible on Saturday, possibly volunteer as safety then continue down the LY to Bruner Run, or get on the UY or something else as opportunities present themselves. On Sunday I plan to find some local trails to ride then head for home. Bring a bike if you care to join me.

RIVER BETA:
Ohiopyle Falls (class IV): http://www.americanwhitewater.org/content/River/detail/id/3192/

Lower Youghiogheny (LY) (Class III): http://www.americanwhitewater.org/content/River/detail/id/1687

The LY launch permit is not necessary if you put in after 3 PM or before 7:45 AM. Permits costs $3.00. In addition, those who take out at Bruner Run on weekends must buy a bus token for $4.00. The bus token will get you to the top of the hill, but not back to Ohiopyle. (In other words, you still have to run shuttle.)

Upper Yough (UY) (Class IV-V): http://www.americanwhitewater.org/content/River/detail/id/753/

DISCLAIMER:
I am NOT “leading” on any of these rivers, I am only coordinating some logistics and transportation to the rivers, you are responsible for your own safety and the activities you choose to participate in while on this trip, and you agree to have read and will abide by the American Whitewater Safety Code http://www.americanwhitewater.org/content/Wiki/safety:start?
Those with the appropriate skills may join as “Common Adventurers”

REQUIRED SKILLS:
Everyone gets waitlisted till I screen your skills, which should include: Plenty of experience through class 3 rapids, reliable combat roll and/or stellar bracing/leaning skills such that you don’t have to roll.

FOOD:
I’m not currently planning to do any group food shopping or cooking and will probably eat out several meals, however the club can still reimburse up to $4/person/day for camp food, so if you feel so compelled to shop for yourself, by all means do so – and save your receipts. If you want me to bring my grill or other appliances – ask!

CAMPING:
I’m planning to crash at Peter Leavesley’s place. There are plenty of campground options in the region. Drop me a line if you’d like directions to Peter’s and/or info about campgrounds.

FEES:
I’ve put $45 as the fee – This is an estimate which should cover excess camping fees, LY river permits (launch permits are required on weekends and holidays – $3.00 per person; see above for more info), bus tokens ($4.00), and registration for the festival ($15; you do not have to be participate in the festival; see above for more info). Bring additional $ if you plan to eat out.

THE CLUB PROVIDES: Boats & Gear if you need them, ga$ ($150/car), boat/gear transportation if you need it, camping gear, partial camping fee ($5/person/night), some money for food ($4/person/day)

YOU PROVIDE: Your paddling and camping gear, money (camping, food, gas, etc.; see above), bike and biking gear if you want to mnt. bike on Sunday