Paddling Information

Due to low water levels in Fishing Creek, we will be using Paddling Section Option B. Please drop off your boats at the Bloomsburg Airport boat ramp if you are passing it on the way to registration. There will be staff at the ramp to monitor your boats starting at 6:30am.

Pull up the anchors and full speed ahead. Last year we ran into difficulties with the paddling section due to high water levels. This year we will give you information on two options for the paddling section. As the race gets closer we will be monitoring water levels on the river and let you know which option the pirate would like to sail either by e-mail, the news section on our website, and/or the weekly newsletter.

Paddling Section Option A: This section will most likely be chosen. This section will be just on Fishing Creek near the fairgrounds. There will be an on the water start and there will be buoys to navigate around. We will explain more about this section at the pre-race meeting. Click here for a map of this paddling section.

Paddling Section Option B: This section will start at the Bloomsburg Airport boat ramp. Paddlers will paddle downstream and turn at the confluence of Fishing Creek then take out at the covered bridge. Click here for a map of this paddling section.

We do encourage you to drop off your boat at the starting point indicated on the paddling maps prior to registration on the BU upper campus. There will be Quest staff there starting at 7am monitoring boats. There will be a shuttle that will drop off boats from the registration area. If you do plan on using our transportation for boats we do ask that you come early so we have adequate time.  Dropping boats off prior to registration simplifies logistics incredibly.  If you prefer to drive your own boat down be aware there is limited parking.  Using our shuttles is the best bet. While you are finishing the rest of the race our staff will be making sure your boat is brought back to the registration area for you to pick up.

Also, all boats need a current PA registration sticker or you won't be able to launch for the race. There is information at the bottom of this page on how to register your boat with this sticker.

Canoe Susquehanna will be providing boat rentals during the race. They could sell out early so don't delay. They can be contacted at www.paddlehappy.com. Canoe Susquehanna will have your boat for you ready to go at the put-in.  They will also be picking your boat up after you complete the paddling section of the race. Canoe Susquehanna boats are already registered so you won't need to worry about this if you rent from them.

There will be people stationed along the course to direct you and help if a boat was to tip over. You must have a PFD on at all times.  No whistle or other safety gear is required.

For directions to Bloomsburg University and a map of upper campus click here. On this map you will see our climbing wall on Upper Campus. This is were registration is located.

Unpowered Boat Registration

This simplest method is a Use Permit rather than actually registering your boat.

Unpowered boats are not required to be registered - unless used at a Fish & Boat Commission access area (which Eco-Quest is) or lake, or at Pennsylvania state park lakes; or required by the owner (one example is the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers).
....view list of Commission access areas
....view DCNR's listing of PA state parks
....go to our Registration page to find out how to register or title a boat.

Another option for unpowered boats (only) is a Use (Boat Launch) Permit from the Fish & Boat Commission, or a Launch or Mooring Permit from the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Bureau of State Parks....view issuing agents for Use Permits.

Permits can also be purchased online using a credit card at The Outdoor Shop....go to The Outdoor Shop (choose Products, then Boat Permits)

Finally, if you are interested in the water levels for the Susquehanna river or Fishing Creek paddling sections you will be able to find them at the link below as the race gets closer. Ideally, the Susquehanna River max water levels is probably around 40,000 to run the race safely.

http://waterdata.usgs.gov/pa/nwis/current/?type=flow