FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT RAFTING/CANOEING/KAYAKING

Q: When is the best time to paddle Pine Creek?

 

Your best chance for high water is right after the ice melts (usually in early-mid March) and before the end of May.  Plant life is in full bloom by the middle of May (sometimes earlier), so water levels will decline and be slower to recover unless there is regular rainfall.  Water levels are more predictable in the spring because there is more water (melting snow & spring rainfall) and leaves are not out to remove groundwater and transpire it into the atmosphere. 

 

Q: Isn’t it cold in March and April?

 

If you wear a wetsuit, there is little difference between spring months because water temperatures are almost always cold (even in late spring) and weather is such an unpredictable factor.  Each year is different.  Sometimes March can be quite warm and sometimes it snows in May.  Don’t be afraid to go early.  Wearing a wetsuit makes all the difference. 

 

Q: What if the weather is bad?

 

Any boy scout will tell you: “There is no such thing as bad weather, just the wrong outfit.”  Wearing a wetsuit makes bad weather just another part of the adventure.  We go rain or shine.  We cancel only for low water, and rarely for extreme weather conditions.  Pine Creek Outfitters will try to contact you with as much advance notice as possible in these events. 

 

Q: Doesn’t the water ever come up in the summer or fall?

 

Yes, sometimes it does, but you cannot predict when or for how long.  This makes it difficult to plan in advance.  We are open for rentals any time of the year.  Best advice is to plan for other activities (i.e., biking and hiking) in the summer and fall, and maybe paddling will be an option if there is enough rainfall.  Guided trips and rentals may run past May and into June or beyond, but after Memorial Day you should only make reservations once a weekly weather report is available.  Please wait and call us 2 to 4 days ahead to make summer/fall reservations and check river conditions.  Check the River Level! 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Q: Should I go on a guided trip or rent?

 

A guided trip includes lunch, return shuttle, a lot of entertaining stories, an encyclopedia of information about our area and its natural history, and lowers your personal liability if you are bringing a group.  There are also discounts for Boy Scout and Youth groups on guided trips.  If you have paddled down Pine Creek several times at different water levels, are a seasoned paddler, or are going overnight and camping, then a rental is a viable alternative.  Intermediate proficiency is highly recommended if you are canoeing or kayaking the Canyon.

 

Q: How safe are the guided trips?

 

Nobody has guided more trips through the Canyon than Pine Creek Outfitters.  Pine Creek is considered easy to moderate whitewater (depending on water level) so it is ideal for novices and first-time boaters.  While rafting and canoeing are not everyday activities for many people, statistics indicate that they are far safer than other activities you encounter on a normal day (driving for instance).  Safety is not something that comes with a guarantee, but we do our very best to promote it. 

 

 

Q: Do I need a reservation?

 

For Rentals: Reservations are highly recommended.  All rentals should be reserved but we accept walk-ins as well.  Reservations guarantee you get what you need (and when you need it) and it helps us plan and staff accordingly.  We have lots of equipment, but our staff is not unlimited and neither is the equipment.  Weekdays are no exception.  Sometimes it can be busier on a weekday than on the weekend.  Please call us at (570)-724-3003 or e-mail info@pinecrk.com to make a reservation.  

 

For Guided Trips: All guided trips require a reservation.  We can still add people to a guided trip up to the day before, but we need enough time to organize your lunches for the trip on the following day. 

Please call us at (570)-724-3003 or e-mail info@pinecrk.com to make a reservation.  

Q: Is wearing a rainsuit just as good as a wetsuit?

 

No.  The most understated but significant danger to you on Pine Creek is hypothermia—a combination of cool air and water, for an extended period of time (10 to 30 minutes) that can cause your body to shut down.  If you fall in, there is no substitute for a wetsuit, which will virtually eliminate the danger of hypothermia.  We highly recommend a wetsuit for your comfort, and it is very inexpensive life insurance. 

 

Q: What do I wear with a wetsuit?

 

Wetsuits are not water repellent.  Wetsuits are designed for you to get wet, but you retain your body heat (as opposed to most other types of clothing which allow evaporation and, therefore, rapid cooling).  They work by insulating the body, allowing the body to warm a thin layer of water between the suit and your skin. 

 

Underneath a wetsuit you should wear only thin, non-cotton clothing, such as a bathing suit, polypropylene or other synthetic long underwear.  Over a wetsuit it is best to dress for the weather.  A wool or fleece sweater plus a windbreaker or jacket is ideal.  We also rent paddling jackets as an additional layer to the wetsuit.  Over your feet you should wear wetsuit socks—in place of regular socks.  A non-cotton, thin sock liner can be worn underneath.  Old sneakers or boots should be worn over the wetsuit socks.  We also have NRS water shoes for sale (a good purchase if you like to get your feet wet!).  A hat for your head and a pair of wool or Gor-Tex gloves work well to cover the rest of you.  Also, we do have wetsuit mittens for rent and wetsuit gloves for sale (good for all other water activities too, including fishing).

 

AVOID THE FOLLOWING: Hipboots & chest waders, cotton materials, and denim jeans (you will become heavy and cold when wet).

 

Q: What is your cancellation policy?

 

For Rentals:  $15 per canoe or kayak and $25 per raft deposit (or a credit card number in lieu of a deposit) is required for a reservation.  Deposits are refundable only if you cancel or reduce the number of boats reserved at least 2 weeks prior to trip date (or if we cancel our guided trip due to water conditions).  Your deposit guarantees availability of equipment for you, which means that equipment is not available for anyone else to rent.  If you reserve equipment and then cancel at the last minute for any reason, you forfeit your deposit.

 

For Guided Trips:  $10 per person deposit is required.  Due to costs incurred in making trip preparations, your deposit will be forfeited if you cancel less than 2 weeks prior to the date of your trip or if you fail to show or arrive late for your trip.  There is no refund of your deposit if, in our opinion, you arrive for your trip intoxicated or are otherwise unable to make your trip safely.  We reserve the right to shorten trips without refund or additional discount due to weather or water conditions and to cancel trips with a full refund of your deposit.  We do not cancel trips due to rain or inclement weather. 

Click HERE for more Frequently Asked Questions (shuttles, etc.)

 

Pine Creek Outfitters is located 11 miles west of Wellsboro on US Route 6 along Pine Creek at the entrance to the PA Grand Canyon, 1 mile from the Rail Trail and the north end of the WRT. Our base has on-site launching of boats and is conveniently located for nearby access to hiking trails.  We sell hiking maps and trail-guides and our staff is very knowledgeable about the area.  We are 3/4 mile west of the Ansonia bridge .  Look for our red canoes and rough-cut building.