2024-06-28 Not So Frisky Kiski - Kiskiminetas River Kayaking

The Kiskiminetas River in Western Pennsylvania begins at Saltsburg, and enters the Allegheny River across from Freeport. The water level of the Kiski is almost entirely controlled by how much water the US Army Corps of Engineers release from the Conemaugh and Loyalhanna flood control reservoirs. There hasn’t been excess rain in the area for the past month, and the Corps is letting go a pretty standard amount of water, leading to the Kiski not being so frisky on this beautiful warm day in late June.

The Canoeing Guide to Western Pennsylvania and Northern West Virginia, published by the Pittsburgh Council American Youth Hostels lists three feet on the gauge as the minimum amount of water on the gauge for the river to be navigable, making the day of this video just six inches shy of that. I expected to hit the top of some of the exposed rocks, and hoped to not get grounded on any shallow spots. It was for these reasons I chose to take my nine and one-half foot long Pelican Strike 100NXT sit on top rotomolded kayak instead of my thermoformed Eddyline which is much more susceptible to damage from hitting rocks and being dragged along the bottom

I am not sponsored by any manufacturer, nor have received gifts or products for review. Not all equipment listed was used on every trip. Most of these items are available from Amazon or directly from the manufacturer.

BOAT/ACCESSORIES
Kayak: Eddyline Sitka LT
Paddle: Gearlab Outdoors Ipik
Trailer: Malone Ecolight, home made PCV bunks
Trailer Straps: Better Boat Ratchet Straps (Amazon)
Paddle Tether: MOOCY (Amazon)
Chair: OneTigris Promenade Camping Chair 02
Bilge Pump: NRS
Skirt: Current Designs Spray Tray
Storage Bag: Watertrace Snorkeling Bag (Amazon)

SAFETY
PFD: NRS Odyssey (discontinued)
Emergency Beacon: Artex Personal Locator Beacon
Knife: NRS Co-Pilot
Road iD emergency information bracelet
Car Key / Remote Holder: DRIPAC Waterproof Key Fob Pouch (Amazon)
Eyeglass Retainer: ONLYONE Eyeglass Strap (Amazon)
Sunscreen: CeraVe 50 Mineral Sunscreen
Lip Balm: Badger 15
Insect Repellants: Sawyer SP657, SP5442, SP562

Take along common sense, restraint, and situational awareness. Don’t risk injury just to get a picture or video. Look all around you before capturing a scene with your camera. Don’t step backward without looking first. Be courteous and respectful of others.

CLOTHING
Shorts: Speedo, knee length board shorts
Pants: Fjallraven Vidda Pro
Shirts: NRS Guide Shirt, plus other various inexpensive sun shirts from Amazon
Drysuit: PKEDW (Amazon)
Socks/Base Layers: Minus 33 merino wool products
Boots: NRS Boundary Boots
Gloves: LERWAY Cycling Gloves (Amazon)
Shoes: Astral Brewer 2.0
Hat: Sunday Afternoons Ultra-Adventure

CAMERA/VIDEO EQUIPMENT
GoPro 9, GoPro 11
Yi 4K+60fps Action Camera
iPhone 13
GoPro The Remote
GoPro Media Mod
GoPro Max Lens Mod
RØDE Wireless GO wireless microphone system
RØDE Lavalier GO microphone
RØDE PodMic microphone
Tripod: GoPro 3-Way
Suction Mount: Various inexpensive ones from Amazon
Pelican M60 Micro Case
NUOSWEK High Volume Kitchen Timer
YakAttack Articulating Camera Mount
RAM Tough-Pole 24" Action Camera Mount with Single Pipe & Track Base
ABFOCE Waterproof Portable Charger 10000mAh Power Bank
imuto Waterproof Power Bank 20000mAh

POST-PRODUCTION
Focusrite Scarlett Solo audio interface
Rode PodMic
Sony MDR7506 Headphones
Movavi Video Suite software

SNACKS/HYDRATION
Probar Bolt Energy Chews
Larabar Chocolate Chip Brownie, Gluten Free Vegan Fruit & Nut Bar
ZonePerfect Protein Bars, Oatmeal Chocolate Chunk
Camelbak Snobowl hydration pack (discontinued)
Skratch Labs Hydration Powder/Sport Drink Mix, Lemon + Lime flavor
GU Liquid Energy, Coffee flavor
GU Roctane Ultra Endurance Protein Recovery Drink Mix, Chocolate Smoothie flavor

None of the content of this video was generated, improved, or suggested by artificial intelligence.

The contents of this video are the expression of the creator's thoughts, opinions, photographs, videos, and present recollections recreated from memory of experiences over time, and do not necessarily reflect those of YouTube or any other parties associated with its publication. The author and publisher make no representations or warranties about the accuracy or completeness of the information, and assume no liability for any loss or damage caused by the use of the information contained in this video. The contents of this video are for informational and entertainment purposes only and should not be interpreted as professional advice. It is highly recommended that professional training be taken before pursuing any watersports or other activity portrayed in this video. The viewer should not consider this video anything other than a work of entertainment. The author and publisher are not responsible for any actions taken as a result of watching this video. Please use caution and seek professional advice before acting on any information contained in this video.