10 Reasons to Sign Up for the 17th Annual Schuylkill River Sojourn

Registration for the 17th Annual Schuylkill River Sojourn is now open! If you've always wanted to participate in at least one day on the sojourn, let this be the year you do! This 112-mile, seven day guided canoe/kayak tour takes place from Saturday June 6 to Friday June 12. Keep in mind that the first three days fill up quickly, so if you want to paddle on Saturday, Sunday or Monday, register early! Partial trip registration opens April 15; full-trip registration opened April 1. Click here to register.

Still not sure whether to sign up? 

Here are 10  reasons we think you should:

1. You don't have to do the full trip: Every year, people ask us if they need to sign up for the entire seven-day event. The answer is no! In fact, only about half the people on the water each day are full-trippers. So customize the trip to suit your needs. Try out one day or any combination of days you like. (Partial trip registration opens April 15).

2. You can go it alone: No friends want to join you? No sweat. The sojourn features a lead boat and a sweep boat that keeps the group from spreading out too far. That means you'll be paddling along with about 100 other fun-loving people. You are bound to make new friends.

3. We make it easy for you: How easy? We give you breakfast, lunch, dinner and a place to camp. We shuttle your gear and take you  back to your car. We provide water and Gatorade at all stops, and on long paddling stretches, we take breaks.  Our amazing guides from Canoe Susquehanna have been leading the sojourn for 17 years. If you're a novice, they'll give you pointers to make sure you have a great time.

4.You'll learn something fascinating: We provide speakers at all lunch and evening stops. This year,  the program theme is Schuylkill Canal: Legacy & Landmarks. Among the highlights are: a tour of the Allegheny Aqueduct,  a  talk about pirates on the Schuylkill Canal, and an opportunity to visit the Port Clinton Transportation Museum.  See Full List of programs.

5. You don't even have to own a kayak or canoe: Hey, we know not everyone has a boat. That's why we partner with an outfitter, Take it Outdoors Adventure Group, who can rent you a kayak for as many days as you need it. Kayak rentals include life vests and paddles

 6. Experience not necessary: While it is helpful to have some paddling experience under your belt, it's hardly necessary to be an expert. Every year we have beginners join us, sometimes even for the full-trip. Our guides are particularly good at assisting newcomers.

7. Your age doesn't matter: Octogenarians and elementary school children have paddled on the sojourn and loved it.
8. It's a bucket list item: Don't believe us? It was number 17 out of 25 on the Philly Fitness Bucket List   put together by Philadelphia Magazine's Be Well Philly.   

9. Every day is fun: People often ask us which sojourn day is best. Well, here's the truth: All the days are great! Saturday and Sunday are favored for their scenery (and also because they are weekend days!) Monday features a short section of white water called "Kelly's Rapids."  Tuesday is a nice, easy stretch ending at our headquarters, where we promise a great dinner! Wednesday ends with sojourners "locking through" the only watered lock remaining of the Schuylkill Canal. Thursday features a lunch stop at Valley Forge National Park. On Friday, the journey ends at Boat House Row, and sojourners paddle with the Philly skyline as their backdrop.

10. It only happens once a year: If you've always wanted to paddle on the sojourn, but don't do it this year, you'll have to wait all the way until June 2016 to get another chance!

We hope we've convinced you! If so, hurry: we only allow about 100 people on the water each day, so registration can fill up quickly for certain days. You can learn more about the sojourn on our website.
Or, if you're ready to join us for the 17th Annual Schuylkill River Sojourn, Register Here!