Paddling

Canoeing, white-water rafting, kayaking

Selected Books

Brown, David G
The Pontoon and Deckboat Handbook: how to buy, maintain, operate, and enjoy the ultimate family boats
This is the only book that covers all the ins and outs of these popular craft. Its many photographs serve as a virtual gallery of the most popular models.
GV836.15.B76 2008

Jacobson, Cliff
Canoeing & Camping : beyond the basics
A thoroughly modern, ultra complete book for those who love canoes and the magic of wild places. Begins with the basics and progresses through expedition techniques that only experts know-and which you won't find in other books.
GV790.J33 2007

Mattos, Bill
The Practical Guide to Kayaking, Canoeing & Sailing
Includes expert advice, guidelines and information covering every aspect of each sport, with over 1500 images including step-by-step practical instructions.
GV783.M354 2007x

Westwood, Andrew
Canoeing : the essential skills and safety
A clear course of basic instruction in flatwater canoeing techniques. Includes portaging, maneuvering tandem and solo canoes, capsize recoveries, camping.
GV783.W425 2007x

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Web Sites

• American Canoe Association
  Conservation (ACA is a strong advocate for clean water) news, programs and special events, and paddle sport information. Offers courses in basic paddle sports and instructor level courses.
• American Whitewater
  A national nonprofit organization of almost 4,000 individual whitewater boating enthusiasts and more than 100 local paddling club affiliates. Includes a river guide to whitewater around the nation.
• Northeast Paddlers Message Board
  Share experiences with other paddlers in the Northeastern United States. Their articles section includes ones on the Clarion, Delaware, Susquehanna, and Lehigh.
• Paddler Magazine Online
  Selected articles of issues online. Includes environmental news, skill tips for paddlers.
• USA Canoe & Kayak
  U.S.A. Canoe and Kayak (USACK) was established to recruit, train and support athletes to compete in the Olympic Games in flatwater sprint and whitewater slalom canoe/kayak racing. USACK is now the National Governing Body for all canoe/kayak racing in the U.S.

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Pittsburgh Region

• Beaver County Rowing Association
  Beaver County Rowing Association supports rowing, kayaking and canoeing on the Beaver River, north of Pittsburgh.
• Ohiopyle Falls Race
  An annual whitewater event at the end of September in Ohiopyle on the Youghiogheny River southeast of Pittsburgh.
• Outside Adventures Learning of Western Pennsylvania
  Outside Adventures Learning of Western Pennsylvania is a non-profit outdoor recreation educational organization which sponsors an active sea kayaking program and other outdoor activities.
• Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
  
  • Enjoy nature, camaraderie with sojourns on the river
    This is a May 4, 2003 article about the various river sojourns taking place in the Pittsburgh area and Pennsylvania. The 2003 French Creek River Sojourn is highlighted
  • Pittsburgh Post-Gazette: "Sojourn on the Yough" (YOCK)
    Reporter Bob Batz Jr. and photographer Annie O'Neill used canoes, rafts and bikes to cover the 74 miles along the Youghiogheny River from Confluence to McKeesport over six days, in celebration of the Youghiogheny being named 1998 River of the Year by the state.
• Three Rivers Paddling Club
  A Pittsburgh-region club consisting of over 400 (mostly whitewater) paddlers from Western Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Ohio, the Maryland panhandle and beyond.
• Three Rivers Rowing Association (TRRA)
  The Three Rivers Rowing Association offers weekly urban kayak tours in the heart of Pittsburgh.
• US Army Corps of Engineers, Pittsburgh District Water Management
  Check here for current river conditions on the Youghiogheny and Cheat Rivers.

Pittsburgh Region - Outfitters

• Laurel Highlands River Tours
  A family owned and operated company in Ohiopyle, Fayette County, that offers river rafting on the Youghiogheny River.
• Ohiopyle Trading Post
  Guided or Guide-escorted Ohiopyle rafting trips for all ages. Rental Bikes and Boats.
• White Water Adventures
  A white water rafting outfitter for the Youghiogheny and Cheat Rivers. Based in Ohiopyle, PA. Also offers lodging at the Yough Plaza Motel in Ohiopyle.
• Wilderness Voyageurs
  The original Youghiogheny Outfitter; more trips, since 1964, than any other Ohiopyle Rafting company.

Pennsylvania

• Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay: Bay and River Sojourns
  Information on river sojourns in the Chesapeake Bay watershed, including the Susquehanna River.
• American Whitewater: Pennsylvania Rivers
  Information on whitewater with alerts, maps, and local clubs for each.
• Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission: Water Trails
  Offers trail guides and maps for some rivers.
• Pennsylvania Watersheds: Sojourns
  The Pennsylvania Organization for Watersheds & Rivers has put together this information on River Sojourns in Pennsylvania, most of which take place in June during "Rivers Month" in Pennsylvania. River Sojourns are educational, multi-day canoeing and float trips organized by organizations. You can also download a 50 page booklet for organizers: River Sojourn Organizer's Guide: Pennsylvania's Experience.

Nearby States

• American Whitewater River Guide
  Information on whitewater with alerts, maps, and local clubs for each.
  • West Virginia Rivers
    Ohio Rivers