Closing Day at Kayak Pittsburgh

Bring your coupons, passes or certificates; this Saturday is your last chance to use any Kayak Pittsburgh rebates valid in 2009 as the downtown loaction of Kayak Pittsburgh will close for the season on Saturday, October 31 at 5:30 PM.
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Fall's Final Flourish

These last precious weeks of fall are the best time to float down a river, according to Rob Walters, Venture Outdoors Membership Director. Rob was quoted in Sunday’s Post Gazette article by Peter B. King titled Paddling on lakes and slow rivers offers a different kind of adventure.

The story gives lots of useful information for anyone interested in heading out on the water this fall including rental information and safety tips, but also speaks to one of the best reasons for paddling: the peace and quite you’ll find on the water.

Read the article here.

Last days of paddling at Kayak Pittsburgh

Halloween is just 4 weeks away, which means we are down to our last few weekends of paddling in 2009! Kayak Pittsburgh Downtown will be open 10:00 AM-7:00 PM Saturdays and Sundays in October, but will close for the season on Saturday, October 31.

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Writers tour the city via Group Program

It’s becoming common knowledge that one of the best ways to view our city is from the water. So when Visit Pittsburgh decided to host an outdoor press tour last summer it was no surprise they booked a Group Program with Venture Outdoors. Writers from across the country including Houston, Boston, Detroit and Cleveland took to the river for an afternoon paddle to see just what outdoor recreation in Pittsburgh looks like.

The press tour also experienced the Downtown trails via bikes from Golden Triangle Bike Rental and enjoyed a Segway in Paradise tour of Station Square, and the Cultural District.

It looks like the press tour paid off, Cleveland Magazine featured Pittsburgh in their September issue with an article called Outside in the Steel City. Click here to read the article.

If you are interested in find out more or scheduling a Group Program – contact Jeremiah Morrison at jmorrison@ventureoutdoors.org.

RADical Day Canceled at Kayak Pittsburgh

Due to river closures for Head of the Ohio, the RADical Day at Kayak Pittsburgh on Saturday, October 3 has been canceled and Kayak Pittsburgh will be closed.

Kayak Pittsburgh will be open on Sunday, October 4 at 10:00 AM.

It’s that time of year again, RAD days are popping up across the city. RADical days mean free admission at cultural assets such as museums, zoos and yes Kayak Pittsburgh! This Saturday, October 3 is the annual RADical Day at Kayak Pittsburgh Downtown. It’s your chance to kayak for free from 10:00 AM-7:00 PM.

Kayak Pittsburgh Downtown is located under the 6th Street Bridge next to PNC Park (North Shore). No experience is necessary; you’ll receive a PFD and basic safety and paddling instruction.

RADicals Days are made possible by Allegheny Regional Asset District (RAD)
The mission of RAD is to support and finance regional assets in the areas of libraries, parks and recreation, cultural, sports and civic facilities and programs. The District receives one-half of the proceeds from the 1% Allegheny County Sales and Use Tax and the other half is paid directly to the County and municipal governments by the State Treasurer.

Since 1995, the 1% County Sales tax paid by residents of and visitors to Allegheny County has resulted in a cumulative $1.97 billion investment in the region (through 2008).

Find out more about RAD

Weekend Outlook: Last Sky Blast Paddle of the season!

We are sending September out with a bang, literally! This weekend is the last Sky Blast Paddle of the season; it’s your last chance to feel the booms and pops of the fireworks pulse through your body from your front row seat on the water. Or if you’re in the mood for a hike the Raccoon Creek Hike and Marvelous Merlot Hike will take you out of the busy city and into nature for some piece and quiet. Check out our entire line of of programs below.
Please note: sign up must be done online if you plan to sign up after Wednesday!
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Beginner Paddle: Downtown

Monday, September 14 was truly a beautiful evening for a paddle. A group of almost 20 paddlers on the Venture Outdoors Beginner Paddle took to the river around 6:00 PM, just as the sun was beginning to set. After a few minutes to get their barrings participants headed up the Allegheny River taking in the blue sky and warm light of the picturesque skyline.
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University Days Return to Kayak Pittsburgh

Venture Outdoors is making it easy (and cheap) for area college students to get outside by offering free kayaking with valid student ID at the downtown location of Kayak Pittsburgh on September 14-18. Every student who paddles also receives a free tee-shirt.

And for the rest of the year (through October), students will receive $5 off kayak rentals with a valid student ID. This discount is made possible in part by grants from the Richard King Mellon Foundation and American Eagle .

Kayaking is a great way for students to take a break from the stress of a new semester and can act as an ice-breaker for new roommates, student groups or other college-based organizations. It is also a good way to discover Pittsburgh’s urban beauty by way of three rivers.

With every event or outing, VO also manages to wedge a bit of environmental stewardship or education into the fun and merriment. Students who glide over the three rivers may be inspired to learn more about how to improve these once heavily polluted waterways.

Pittsburgh Connections:
This outreach program is also a part of a greater initiative called Pittsburgh Connections, which strives to enamor students with the natural beauty of our region so that they remain in Pittsburgh after graduation. The problem of talented graduates moving after graduation, or “brain drain”, remains a major concern for our area. And as Pittsburgh’s workforce becomes increasingly “green collar”, educated students with environmental wherewithal will be in great demand.

VO is helping meet that demand by encouraging students to get involved, not only through kayaking, but through the many other outings and training opportunities that VO offers. For example, students can receive valuable hands-on experience through volunteering or by participating in one of the outdoor leadership training programs being offered this fall.

To learn more about kayaking and the other exciting outdoor activities offered by Venture Outdoors, please visit Kayak Pittsburgh’s Website at kayakpittsburgh.org or Venture Outdoors’ website at ventureoutdoors.org, or call 412-255-0564.

Weekend Outlook – Happy Hour Paddle, Bug Hunt and Billy Goat Hike

There’s a little bit of everything coming up this weekend. If paddling is your forte check out the Happy Hour Paddle on Friday. If you’re looking for a workout our Intro to Dragon Boating is sure to get your heart pumping. There’s also a bug hunt for the kids, and our new Thoreau-ly Wild series kicks off Saturday at Riverview Park.
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Last Chance to Paddle North Park & Lake Elizabeth

Late summer is the best time to catch some last-minute paddling at Kayak Pittsburgh. The sunny skies and warm temperatures make ideal conditions for a romp on the water.

We encourage you to make paddling plans soon, as Lake Elizabeth and North Park will close for the season on September 7th. The Downtown location will remain open seven days a week through September and open only weekends in October.

For the second year in a row there is a free kayaking day sponsored by Allegheny Regional Asset District (RAD) at the downtown location on October 3rd, and the new VO fall schedule contains a BOGO coupon redeemable at the Downtown and North Park locations.
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