Ready for another season on the water

Marsh Creek Outfitters gives parkgoers plenty of options

It’s been a cool May but the recent weather hasn’t diminished the excitement of the staff at Marsh Creek Outfitters, as they prepare for the water sports season on the 535-acre lake at Marsh Creek State Park.

“We opened Easter Sunday when it was 80 degrees, we were packed,” said manager Steve Wanger. “Today we might get to 60 degrees, but it will warm up.”

On Tuesday Wanger, a 2009 Owen J. Roberts graduate who has been working at Marsh Creek for the past 12 years, and his crew were busy building and repairing boat racks for new boats arriving to join their stock of 100 boats, kayaks and boards located on the eastern launch of the manmade lake. The company, owned by Mike Biffel, has had the concession at Marsh Creek since 1988. They employee 50-65 during the season at the boat operation and food concession that they operate on the east-

ern side of the park.

Wanger said paddle boards are the hot item right now. He said they require little training; staff instructors can get a person up on the board in about five minutes. Renters are given life preservers and a long paddle which allows a person to quickly move across the lake.

Jake Schaff, waterfront coordinator, said they usually send paddle boats and kayaks straight out into the wind: “It makes coming back easier. A popular spot is Carpenter’s Cove and over toward the dam.”

In addition to paddle boards, kayaks, sailboats, paddleboats, small motorboats and canoes are available for rent ranging in price from $30 an $75 an hour.

The company offers sailing lessons as well as group lessons, “if the wind cooperates,” Wanger said. “We will ask ahead of time about a renters skill level, what they sailed before. If needed we’ll send someone out for a refresher.”

Safety is the top priority. Lifejackets are issued for all activities, Wanger said. Occasionally they’ll have to go out to help a kayaker flip over a boat or sometimes a storm will come in and they’ll go out in a boat launch to get everyone off the water.

Beginning in June, Wenger said, popular night tours of the lake will offered by Marsh Creek. Using paddle boards and kayaks, the 90-minute tours leave from the western launch to explore the lake at dark.

“It’s a great way to see the lake,”Wenger said, “and many of the tours are scheduled around the full moon.”

In addition to watersport rentals the company also hosts a summer camp for kids from 6-16. Wanger said they get between 60 and 80 kids a year and there are openings for the week-to-week camp that runs June to August.

Camp days are Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

“The kids do it all,” said Wanger. “A typical day begins with sailing then lunch followed by paddle boarding. We switch it up every day.”

There is plenty of wildlife to be seen at Marsh Creek, including turtles, herons and deer. Wenger said a couple of bald eagles have been in the park the last few fears and a there is also a mink that has been spotted on occasion.

PETE BANNAN — DIGITAL FIRST MEDIA Steve Wanger talks to customers at Marsh Creek Outfitters on the lake at Marsh Creek State Park.

PETE BANNAN — DIGITAL FIRST MEDIA Jake Schaff instructs Paris Wamoni and Kan Wu of Media, and Xim Weng and Kezi Li of Brookhaven at Marsh Creek Outfitters on the lake at Marsh Creek State Park.

PETE BANNAN — DIGITAL FIRST MEDIA Steve Wanger repairs boat racks at Marsh Creek Outfitters on the lake at Marsh Creek State Park.

PETE BANNAN — DIGITAL FIRST MEDIA Jake Schaff and Tim Yatcilla wait for customers at Marsh Creek Outfitters on the lake at Marsh Creek State Park.

PETE BANNAN — DIGITAL FIRST MEDIA Motor boats wait at Marsh Creek Outfitters on the lake at Marsh Creek State Park.