redmo

The 32nd Annual Red Moshannon Downriver Race

By Michael Hermann; Lizard Tracks, Centre Daily Times, March 18,1999

The 32nd Annual Red Moshannon Downriver Race will be held, as always, on the last Saturday in March. For many local boaters the Red Mo’ Race has become a tradition that marks the start of paddling season.

For those of you who didn’t realize there was such a season, spectating the race will let you see the aquatic breed of outdoor recreation fanatics. In Centre County it is common to see canoes and kayaks on car roof racks almost year round. The easy access of local waterways is a ritual that many folks enjoy to get some outdoor exercise.

If you’re curious about canoe and kayak competitions this is a great opportunity to try a boat race. The course is fairly easy and you can enter in virtually any type of boat.

This event is 32 years old and was originally held by the Penn State Outing Club (PSOC) way back in 1967. It has the distinction of being called the oldest downriver race in Pennsylvania.

The course is on a remote stretch of Moshannon Creek about 40 minutes from State College between Grassflat and Moshannon. Paddlers will be floating along the Centre and Clearfield County line as the river is the political border. The race begins at the Peale Bridge put-in and ends at the Rt. 53 Bridge take-out.

Contestants will be paddling for 7 miles along this Class 2+ river. (The International Scale of Whitewater Difficulty uses a scale of 1 to 6, with 6 being extremely difficult). March is an unpredictable month and high water could make the course more difficult, but that shouldn’t deter novices. The course is relatively safe and by trying it with a hundred other boaters the safety factor increases. It’s also a good opportunity to learn the river and return on a quieter, warmer day.

Racers will encounter numerous rapids such as Rattlesnake, Mad Mile and Chiko's Rock. Hopefully they won't be intimately introduced during an unscheduled swim.

There is also a Poker Race you can participate in. Along the riverbanks there are checkpoints where a playing card will be "dealt" to you on the end of a long handled stick. At the end of the race the best hand wins a prize from Tussey Mountain Outfitters. The pro's don't slow down to take a card, which allows the rest of us a chance at winning on luck. There is also a raffle prize that can be won by any entry.
You need a boat, a PFD (Personal Floatation Device), a paddle and $20 entry fee per person. Kayakers must wear helmets.
Wear some warm clothes that are still warm clothes even when they are wet clothes. Wet suits are ideal and several companies make specific paddling clothes. Assuming you don’t own the latest in paddling dry suits, some basic fleece and waterproof outer layers will suffice. Many basic elements of ski and cycling clothes make good boating outfits.

You’ll want a base layer of polypropylene or silk - spare yourself the discomfort of cold, wet cotton against your skin. A waterproof shell will help shed the splashing waves you’ll encounter. This can be as high tech as a GoreTex jacket or as basic as a plastic poncho. In between you can layer some fleece or wool depending on the temperature.

Sometimes this race is held in a snow squall yet other times have been warm and sunny. The only guarantee is the water will be very cold. This season the water level promises to be high and the river should be fast, making it a great time to experience this pretty stretch of water.

Boaters can enter at Tussey Mountain Outfitters up to March 26, or on race day at the Peale Bridge start area before 11 AM. Race time is noon. One dollar from each entry fee is donated to American Rivers and additional donations are appreciated.
There will be hot food for sale by Country Catering so you don't need to worry about bringing a lunch. Many a cold sandwich has been abandoned for hot food after a cold and wet boat race, so don’t forget some cash. The award ceremony begins at 3:30 at the St. Severin’s Social Hall in Drifting on Rt. 53.

The people to talk to are Ed and Brad at Tussey Mountain Outfitters in Bellefonte (355-5690). They are a paddle shop with a store full of boats and gear. They know all about Pennsylvania rivers and other paddle hot spots. Guide books, maps and good advice are always available. They can also rent you gear and put you in contact with local clubs that offer lessons.

When you go: Tussey Mountain Outfitters is located in Bellefonte at 224 North Water Street, just past the light at High Street and Rt. 144. Registration is from 9 AM - 11 AM at the shop. From there, take Rt. 80 to Snow Shoe (Exit 22) and follow Rt. 144 to Rt. 53 to Grassflat and follow a dirt road to the Peale Bridge Start area. The local residents have been very accommodating of this event so please respect their communities and leave no trace.

Michael Hermann is the creator of the Purple Lizard Recreational Map of State College and has been exploring local trails since 1979.