Whitewater Kayaking Tohickon Creek - Everything I need to get started

phillychris498

Well-Known Member
There's a whitewater release that happens 20 minutes from where I live in Tohickon creek during the first weekend of November and I endeavor to be fully ready to paddle it by that time. However, I've never owned any of my own kayaking gear, and while I have experience reading light rapids on a paddleboard, that's about the extent of my paddling experience.

I've done some research into whitewater kayaks and am definitely going to buy used (that used market is similar to the used bike market - inundated with supply from COVID). I'm also signing u for a whitewater kayaking instructional weekend here: https://kayakschool.com/

Is anyone an expert and can give a newbie some advice? I already read through this absolute gem of an old thread for instructions on what NOT to do: https://www.mtbnj.com/forum/threads/my-kayaking-failure-in-the-rockaway-river-need-advice.23794/
 
Years back, I was hot on getting into whitewater. I went to a kayaking tradeshow intent on buying one, but decided not to after talking to a bunch of people. The issues that killed it for me were: 1) there are few nearby places in NJ to do it. 2) It's not really conducive to doing solo unless you're content with doing the "park and play" thing. 3) It's hard.

I ended up getting a surf kayak because I lived near the beach. Get your boat ASAP and learn to paddle it on flat water first. Then take it to the ocean and play in some waves. Learn to roll. Wet exits and re-entries suck.
 
There's a whitewater release that happens 20 minutes from where I live in Tohickon creek during the first weekend of November and I endeavor to be fully ready to paddle it by that time. However, I've never owned any of my own kayaking gear, and while I have experience reading light rapids on a paddleboard, that's about the extent of my paddling experience.

I've done some research into whitewater kayaks and am definitely going to buy used (that used market is similar to the used bike market - inundated with supply from COVID). I'm also signing u for a whitewater kayaking instructional weekend here: https://kayakschool.com/

Is anyone an expert and can give a newbie some advice? I already read through this absolute gem of an old thread for instructions on what NOT to do: https://www.mtbnj.com/forum/threads/my-kayaking-failure-in-the-rockaway-river-need-advice.23794/
Welcome to whitewater! The Tohicken is a super fun river but is not a good place to start. Some people who start in the spring and paddle most weekends are ready by the fall release but the Tohicken is a solid III with some large ledge drops and one long rapid (race course) that you do not want to swim in. Plus the water will be cold. I would suggest joining the KCCNY and/or the AMC after you take the instructional. Both clubs have boats to loan/rent so you can try stuff out before you buy. They both also have frequent trips so you can practice and meet other boaters in the area. You want to have a decent roll and to be comfortable paddling the Leigh (II-III) and Mongaup (II-III) before getting on the Tohicken. I also have some older duplicated gear: PFD, spray skirt, helmet that you can borrow if it fits you.

Some good resources:
https://www.americanwhitewater.org/
 
Is the release Sat or Sun of that weekend? I like to do a mtb ride and stop down by the water and watch all the kayakers go by.
 
Is the release Sat or Sun of that weekend? I like to do a mtb ride and stop down by the water and watch all the kayakers go by.
Release is both days. Boaters are usually around from 8-5ish. With most concentrated in the 12-3 hours.
 
Now I will ask, are you sure
Both clubs have boats to loan/rent so you can try stuff out before you buy.
I was going to loop back to suggest a rental/loaner.
White water boats aren't really great on flat water or surf,
a rental would be great while deciding if it was for you.
 
Now I will ask, are you sure

I was going to loop back to suggest a rental/loaner.
White water boats aren't really great on flat water or surf,
a rental would be great while deciding if it was for you.
They do suck on flat water, but it's more about getting accustomed to the actual boat on the easy stuff. Stubby playboats are allegedly fun to surf.
 
Now I will ask, are you sure

I was going to loop back to suggest a rental/loaner.
White water boats aren't really great on flat water or surf,
a rental would be great while deciding if it was for you.
Renting a whitewater kayak seems like an ideal way to start! I'll look into the AMC for finding a boat for a day soon. Ideally would love to get out this weekend.
 
I’ve been wanting to upgrade to real whitewater setup, but like a lot of things, it’s not convenient living where I’m at. I have an inflatable kayak that does pretty well in class 2-3. Lucky if I get a couple of good days after big rainstorms.
 
Back
Top Bottom