Frequently Asked Questions

Name Tags

I already received my name tag, do I still need to register?

Yes. We mailed your name tag in advance to save time at check-in. You still need to register.

General

Where do I go to start the trip?

All parking and camping is at our Maiden Creek Basecamp:

Quinta Las Cabanas Grove
91A Bowers Rd
Reading, PA 19605

Are there age restrictions?

Kids must be at least 8 years old. Everyone under 18 must be accompanied by a parent, guardian, or responsible adult.

Can I request a plant-based meals?

You bet. Select the vegetarian option when you register. We'll arrange vegetarian (no meat or fish) meals for you.

My plans changed. How do I modify or cancel my registration?

Easy! Email howdy@badadventures.com and we'll get you squared away.

Refunds are subject to a 20% cancellation fee. No refunds will be issued for cancellation requests received fewer than 15 days before the first day of the trip. Credit card processing fees are nonrefundable.

Paddling

How far will we paddle?

We paddle 11–12 miles each day with a midday lunch stop. Each day is a moderate, full-day paddle.

How physically fit do I need to be?

You don't need to be a professional athlete to take part! We're planning a three-day trip with 5–6 hours of recreational paddling at a relaxed touring pace each day.

There are dam portages on Friday and Saturday that each require walking a few hundred yards on uneven terrain while we help each other carry boats.

I'm not a very experienced paddler. Is that OK?

At most June water levels, in our guided, group-paddle setting, our itinerary is appropriate for beginner paddlers. Our guides love to teach paddling and we'll be happy to help you grow your skills!

Is there any whitewater?

Our itinerary includes moving water features. The two most significant whitewater features are "The Chutes" on Friday and Kelly's Rapid on Sunday. "The Chutes" includes a 2–foot drop over a manmade ledge. Kelly's Rapid, presents as a Class II to II+ rapid in most June water levels.

There is an option to portage around both "The Chutes" and Kelly's Rapid.

At most June water levels, in our guided, group-paddle setting, the moving water features on our itinerary are appropriate for most recreational paddlers.

I'm a swashbuckling experienced river rat. Will I fit in?

Absolutely!!

I don't have my own boat. Can I still participate?

You bet. Rental recreational kayaks are available for $41 per day. Each rental includes a single-person kayak, paddle, and life jacket. Be sure to select the rental kayak option when you register. Arranging a rental once you arrive to the trip is not possible.

If you rent a kayak and weigh more than 250-pounds or less than 110-pounds, please email us at howdy@badadventures.com after you register so we can reserve an appropriately-sized boat.

Camping

How does camping work?

We arranged group tent camping at our Maiden Creek Basecamp at Quinta Las Cabanas Grove in Reading, PA for Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights. A hot dinner and a breakfast are provided for each night you camp. When you register, be sure to indicate which nights you'd like to camp.

You're responsible for bringing your own camping gear.

If you camp multiple nights, you may leave your tent set up. However, we don't recommend leaving valuables unattended.

Tents must be removed and the camping area must be clean by 8:45 AM on Sunday morning.

Oh, yeah, there are showers every night!

Can I rent camping gear?

A limited number of tents and Therm-A-Rest camping mattress are available for rental. You may request rental camping equiment by emailing howdy@badadventures.com.

May I camp in my motor home, travel trailer, or other RV?

It's possible! You'll need to contact Quinta Las Cabanas Grove directly at 610-926-4995 to reserve and pay for an RV site. You also need to register for camping when you register for the trip to make sure you're included in the headcount for dinners and breakfasts.

I'm not the camping type. Is there a nearby hotel option?

There are numerous hotels in the area. We suggest either the Hampton Inn & Suites Kutztown or the Holiday Inn Express & Suites Reading Airport.

If you'd like enjoy the live evening music performance and be included in the headcount for dinner and breakfast, you must register for camping, even if you don't plan to camp.