Over all we had a good trip down the Mahoning River through downtown Youngstown.
We had some first timers on the river and for this section. Over all we had three carnages. The first was at Marshall Street Bridge for a first timer on a river. We got him recovered and had a great ride down rest of the river until we hit the Struthers Dam.
Part of this is might fault for not looking out for other as well as I should and really thinking everyone can get through if I can. I am sorry for all members on this float for not looking at the situation better.
We had two flip here and took some time for recovery at the dam but luckily we got them recovered and all was ok. I give a lot of credit to a lot of the paddlers who did make threw the dam. Afterwards talking to Ron he would say the chute through Struthers is a class III because of a 3ft drop still with a hydraulic that is still there as we found out. Then you have to go to your left out of the rapid. Again I am sorry if it freaked anyone out or worried them I didn’t realize it was that tough of a rapid. When I looked at it I thought it was a little class II that would be a breeze. I was wrong and sorry for that. Better judgment will be used in the future.
After the dam it was such a pretty float. We saw a bald eagles nest on river right and a beaver on the way to Lowellville. Once at Lowellville everyone had a great time going through the last two rapids on the trip with no problems, some did take on bucket full of water. Thanks goes to JP for setting up and being ready with a throw rope at the Lowellville dam. That is what I should have done at Struthers. Good thinking my friend.
Then most of us were able to meet up with Rich & Patty Allen at the restaurant for drinks and food.
We had 13 total boats (10 Kayaks & 3 Canoes)
Thanks to all for coming and paddling the Mahoning River through Youngstown to Lowellville.
Mike Danko
