Cowanshannock Creek is a small, seldom-run stream that falls vigorously from the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains before emptying into the Allegheny River. It’s known more for trout fishing and summertime swimming than it is for paddling. With the right amount of rain, however, it transforms into a playground for whitewater disciples. For advanced standup paddlers in particular, the stream’s twisting rapids and constricted chutes reveal a divine architecture for those willing to endure the shallow and swift pace of its freestone waters.
Last week, a deluge of powder snow coated the mountain laurel and hemlocks and encapsulated the stream in blinding brilliance. I hiked from near the confluence of the Allegheny, pulling my board like a sled behind me. I skulked through tangles of mountain laurel and eventually made my way to creek. With heavy rain prior to the snow, the stream was the color of milky coffee and at the perfect level for a descent on my paddleboard. I set off through the first rapid and crouched under the branches draping overhead. The weight of the snow had bent them into arches like a wedding arbor guiding my way downstream through a winter SUP paradise.
While winter SUP might seem like a novel idea, it is actually pretty easy to stay safe and warm. Here’s a list of the gear I used on this run to stay warm and dry. For advice on where to go and how to paddle safely in the winter, you can always reach out to us! As a reminder, it is the law in Pennsylvania to paddle with a coast-guard approved PFD from November 1 to April 30. We, of course, advise that you ALWAYS wear it.
Dry Suit: NRS Crux https://www.nrs.com/product/22533.03/nrs-mens-crux-drysuit*
*If you don’t have a dry suit in the budget, a quality 4/3 or 5/4 wetsuit works just as well for considerably less.
Layering: NRS Expedition Weight Union Suit https://www.nrs.com/product/10132.04/nrs-mens-expedition-weight-union-suit
Footwear: Solite 8mm Fire Booties
Gloves: NRS Maxim https://www.nrs.com/product/25039.03/nrs-maxim-gloves
Headgear: Helmet with NRS .5mm Liner https://www.nrs.com/product/15045.01/nrs-hydroskin-05-helmet-liner