Trip, West Brandywine, Class 1 Rapids

This trip, originally scheduled for December 16 is moved to the 15th because it is a better weather day.  Rainfall forecast for Monday should raise water levels and open an opportunity to paddle the West Brandywine.  Paddle through an orderly, peaceful, rolling and rural landscape that is graced with some beautiful homes.  The water moves along nicely with lots of riffles along the way.  The creek has gentle rock gardens and some playful wave trains.  The time on the water for this 8-mile paddle is approximately 4 hours.  We will take a break and eat lunch along the way.  The West Brandywine is approximately 65 minutes from the Philadelphia Canoe Club.

To Go On This Trip: Click "REGISTER" and complete the Registration Information.

Participants must be American Canoe Association (ACA) members and complete an online waiver.  Uncertain if you have a waiver?  Log into the ACA Website, click “My Profile” and “Date Annual Waiver Expires”.  If it is expired or has never been done click here to complete a waiver.  Non-members are encouraged to join and complete the waiver before the trip.  The $40 membership provides insurance for club events for the next year.  The day of the trip ACA members without an annual waiver (bring your membership number) and non-members (pay $10 cash for a 1 day event membership) can complete a paper waiver.

Meet at ChesLen Preserve, 1722 Embreeville Rd, Coatesville, PA 19320.  Coordinates: 39.9375989132647, -75.72965488416828..   We will drop off the boats and leave a participant there to look over them while we shuttle our cars to Shaw’s Bridge Park.

Take Out: Shaw’s Bridge Park, 274 S Creek Road, West Chester, PA 19382.  Coordinates: 39.92152699874464, -75.64441590224087.   There are porta potty’s at Shaw’s Bridge Park.  At the end of the trip, we will use a vehicle left at Shaw’s Bridge to take drivers back to ChesLen to get their vehicles and get everybody and their boats back together.

Requirements (for your safety): 

• Wear a PFD while on the water and you should have a whistle.

• Dress appropriately for cool/cold weather paddling.  There are many online sources of information on how to dress.  Click here for a link to one such online source from Paddle Boston.  Have a dry set of clothes in a waterproof bag in the boat.

• Protect your toes, wear water or close-toed shoes.

Suggestions (for your comfort):

• Bring water to drink and lunch.
• Bring a dry bag or waterproof container for your personal belongings/extra clothes.
  Have a secure place to carry your car keys.
• Have a set of dry clothes in your car if you want to change for the ride home.

Questions: email tbmoiani@gmail.com

Rain, inclement weather, or high or low water levels can cancel or reschedule the trip or change the trip location.

TRIP PARTICIPANTS RESPONSIBILITIES.pdf