Base map is a USGS digital orthophotoquad, availible from PASDA
The Susquehanna River below the Holtwood dam can serve up some world class playboating, if you know where to find it. The multitude and variety of play features is paralleled only by Ontario’s famous Ottawa River, and make this one of the best training grounds for freestyle kayaking on the east coast. This surf guide attempts to present what you need to know in order to find the waves. The map above shows the playspots in blue and other important landmarks in red. Clicking on the names in blue will take you to detailed information about the spots, or use the list belowThis guide is a continually evolving work in progress. It is by no means comprehensive, and is based on my observations and opinions, so if you get skunked or can’t find a good spot, don’t blame me. There are a few minor, hard to catch, and/or low quality spots not listed here, such as the upper break hole(s) which only come in when the levels in BOTH channels are right. Feel free to explore- just let me know if you find something new!
If possible, you might want to try to meet up with a local to show you around. Most of the locals are friendly, and are usually willing to help you find the waves. The other option is to paddle a circuit from one playspot to the next until you find something that strikes your fancy. The typical circuits are, at low water, head to Storm hole, then Rumble Pit, through the lower break and down to Playspot. At higher water, start at Powerline, then head to either Yesterday or Playspot II. From there, it’s possible to hit Accelerator. If Accelerator is too low, carry across the island and ferry over to Pleasant Surprise. If Pleasant Surprise is too high, Head downstream, and break right below the islands, over to Rock-n-Roll. From Rock-N-Roll, it’s possible to hit up Mama Bear on the way down to the take-out. At very high water, there are a few catch on the fly waves around Powerline and Playspot II, and below these head left to get in to the top of the Bear Channel.
The Susquehanna Surf Guide is now availible for download in Adobe .PDF Format:
Susquehanna Surf Guide PDF
Questions or Comments: Jeremy@ChasingRain.com
Using the Guide
Levels
Access
The Spots (ordered approximately from low to high water)
Storm Hole
Playspot
Yesterday
Playspot II
Powerline
Rumble Pit
Pleaseant Surprise
Rock-N-Roll Hole (aka Almond Joy)
Accelerator
Mama Bear
Beartrap