2025 Western Pennsylvania Solo Canoe Rendezvous

[SouthernKevlar]

Now that it's only three weeks away, I was wondering if anyone else from this site will be heading to the event, what solo canoes you hope to test out and what (if any) canoes you plan on bringing. I have not decided on which canoe to take along, or what canoes may be coming home with me!

If you have not been to the WPASCR before, it is a very laid back event with great people, good eats and many solo canoes to try (both new and used). They also usually have some folk from the Freestyle Canoe contingent that are willing to give basic lessons and put on a Freestyle demonstration on Saturday evening. The camping facilities are very nice with clean hot showers and right on the water. In my experiences at the WPASCR it is always a fun way to spend a weekend. If you are there and see me, introduce yourself and maybe we can hoist a beverage together.

If interested, check out the WPASCR website for more info.

Attached are a few photos from 2023. These were from early in the event and even more canoes showed up!

 

[NikonF5user]

I sure wish I could go - I'd bring my Merlin and unique kneeling FlashFIRE (or maybe the new Redfeather RockSTAR), but the reschedule messed me up - my son's birthday is the 30th...

 

[Gamma1214]

I was planning on going & I've always wondered if I should bring one or more of the strippers (I should have the Raven done in time but I'm certain that the tie-dyed Merlin won't be done) but I wasn't aware that they'd rescheduled until NF's post above. Crap!

It's always been the first weekend of June so I managed my work schedule to be free on the 7th.

Oh well, I guess I have a free weekend on the 7th.

 

[NikonF5user]

I was planning on going & I've always wondered if I should bring one or more of the strippers (I should have the Raven done in time but I'm certain that the tie-dyed Merlin won't be done) but I wasn't aware that they'd rescheduled until NF's post above. Crap!

Tie-dyed Merlin?!?!?!?!?!?

 

[Gamma1214]

Tie-dyed Merlin?!?!?!?!?!?

Strip build. I added color under the glass. Build thread is here if you're interested.

 

[SouthernKevlar]

I was planning on going & I've always wondered if I should bring one or more of the strippers (I should have the Raven done in time but I'm certain that the tie-dyed Merlin won't be done) but I wasn't aware that they'd rescheduled until NF's post above. Crap!

It's always been the first weekend of June so I managed my work schedule to be free on the 7th.

Oh well, I guess I have a free weekend on the 7th.

I only noticed that the date had been changed back in March when it was pointed out to me. My "Plan A" had been to attend the Maine Canoe Symposium on the weekend of the 30th, paddle around the Adirondacks for a few days, then hit the WPASCR on the way home. The date change shot down that idea. Now "Plan B" is in effect; just going to the WPASCR and meandering home through the Appalachian
Mountains.

 

[Gamma1214]

I might run over on Saturday afternoon, really not sure about dragging a boat along though, especially as time would be limited. Do they usually have homemade boats there?

 

[Jmharrick]

I might run over on Saturday afternoon, really not sure about dragging a boat along though, especially as time would be limited. Do they usually have homemade boats there?

I have seen strip canoes there the last couple years, and they usually get a lot of attention.

 

[SouthernKevlar]

I have seen some stripper canoes there along with a wood-and-canvas canoe or two. I would be curious to see your Tie-Dyed Merlin in person; that is one colorful canoe! I think I would have to call it the "Rasta Canoe". It will definitely get some attention.

 

[Penns Woods]

I have been trying to go every year but seems like something always happens to stop me. Well, this year is different. We will be visiting family in Connellsville, Fayette Co. less then 2 hours away and the wife says I can go. Really looking forward to trying out all the canoes, camping and talking to all the people.

 

[NoelCanoeDad]

I can’t wait to be there. It is always such a fun time.

Canoes I’m bringing not for sale.

Swift Dragonfly
Colden Dragonfly
Curtis Dragonfly
Curtis Ladybug
Curtis Bluegill
Hemlock Eaglet
3 Bell Flashfires 3 of my daughter hope to take freestyle lessons
Bell Wildfire

Canoes I’m bringing that are for sale

New Redfeather Yellowstone solo wood gunwales Kevlar
Demo Redfeather Yellowstone solo carbon fiber aluminum gunwales.
Demo Redfeather Bucktail Kevlar aluminum gunwales pack canoe
Bell Wildfire fiberlar with aluminum gunwales
Curtis Ladybug Fiberglass new wood
Hemlock Eaglet Kevlar solo
Curtis Dragonfly new hemlock wood
Slipstream Wee Lassie
Slipstream impulse 13
Slipstream Inspire 14.5

I will have a nice selection of grey owl paddles as well.

I can’t wait to see old friends and make new ones.

 

[SouthernKevlar]

NoelCanoeDad, that is a great group of canoes. I had hoped to see some Pat Moore canoes in the mix, but I'm looking forward to seeing and maybe paddling some of your other fine selections.

 

[NoelCanoeDad]

NoelCanoeDad, that is a great group of canoes. I had hoped to see some Pat Moore canoes in the mix, but I'm looking forward to seeing and maybe paddling some of your other fine selections.

I have a Kevlar reverie II we just pulled from the mold. I hope to have it done but not sure I’ll have time. It sure has been a learning experience trying to make his tight stemmed canoes. lol

 

[tketcham]

Wish I could be there but will miss it AGAIN. Family takes priority, but still.

 

[NikonF5user]

3 Bell Flashfires 3 of my daughter hope to take freestyle lessons

Your kiddos could start a new freestyle category - synchronized freestyle!