Trip, West Brandywine, Class 1 Rapids and Moving Water

Monday's rain has resulted in good water levels for a nice trip on the less frequently paddled West Brandywine.  Paddle through an orderly, peaceful, rolling and rural landscape that is graced with some beautiful homes.  The water moves along nicely with lots of riffles along the way.  The creek has gentle rock gardens and some playful wave trains.  The time on the water for this 8-mile paddle is approximately 3.5 hours.  

Meet at ChesLen Preserve , 1722 Embreeville Rd, Coatesville, PA 19320.  Coordinates: 39.9375989132647, -75.72965488416828..   We will drop off the boats and leave a participant there to look over them while we shuttle our cars to the Museum.

Take Out: Shaw’s Bridge Park, 274 S Creek Road, West Chester, PA 19382.  Coordinates: 39.92152699874464, -75.64441590224087.   There are porta potty’s at Shaw’s Bridge Park.  At the end of the trip, we will use a vehicle left at Shaw’s Bridge to take drivers back to ChesLen to get their vehicles and get everybody and their boats back together.

To Go On This Trip: Click "REGISTER" and complete the registration information.  Participants must have completed an American Canoe Association (ACA) Waiver.  The ACA is updating their online waiver platform.  In the interim all participants must complete a paper waiver the morning of the trip if you did not already complete one on a 2026 trip.  You will need your ACA membership number to complete the waiver.  Individuals who are not ACA members must pay $10 cash for a 1 day event membership the morning of the trip.

Requirements: 

• Transportation of your boat and gear to the trip location.

• Wear a PFD while on the water and you should have a whistle.

• Dress appropriately for cool weather paddling.  There are many online sources of information on how to dress.  Click here for a link to one such online source from Paddle Boston.  Have a set of dry clothes with you in the boat.

• Protect your toes, wear water or close-toed shoes.

Suggestions (for your comfort):

• Bring water to drink and a lunch.
• Bring a dry bag or waterproof container for your personal belongings/extra clothes.
  Have a secure place to carry your car keys.
• Have a set of dry clothes in your car if you want to change for the ride home.

Trip Updates: Will be sent via email up to the day before the trip. 

Questions: Contact Tom Moiani at tbmoiani@gmail.com

Rain, inclement weather, or high or low water levels can cancel or reschedule the trip or change the trip location.

TRIP PARTICIPANTS RESPONSIBILITIES.pdf