Lower Yough Kayaking ...

Your author at Ohiopyle Falls on the Youghiogheny River in Pennsylvania.

 

I've struggled for weeks to try and write this trip report from the Lower Yough, when I hit it at release level (about 1.82 feet) with some friends on a beautiful June weekend.

We spent two incredible days on the river that included a full-length trip from put-in to takeout and two loop runs the next day.

My first run on Cucumber Rapid.

This trip was the culmination of two years of paddling preparation. Every eddy turn, peel out, ferry and boof I practiced over and over on familiar rivers prepared me for the paddling time of my life--so far. I had never experienced a river so wide with such velocity and so many options for lines. It was an unbelievable playground for someone just coming into their paddling skills.

The trip had everything. Thunder, lighting and torrential down pours. Blinding mist. Warm sunshine, bright blue skies and cool, clear water.

It was an unbelievable trip, and I can't wait to go back.

I think I've struggled to write about it because it was so full of fun and joy that, for me, there are few words to describe the experience. Rather, I'll leave it to you to experience for yourself--when you're ready to tackle the challenges that the Yough poses.