Paddle FREE for one final week!

Lake Elizabeth will close for the season on Labor Day—Monday, September 6. For you, this means one last week of free kayaking Monday-Friday, $5 kayaking Labor Day weekend, and free kayaking on Labor Day! For us, this means we’ve served over 800 more people at this location, since 2009.

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Kayaks on the cover!

You’ve probably seen them on our website, and maybe you’ve seen them in person while traveling over a yellow bridge downtown, BUT have you seen our yellow kayaks on the cover of Pittsburgh Magazine’s 2010-2011 City Guide?  Check it out, it’s a great photo!

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Light of Life Ministries Kayak Extravaganza

On June 18, 2010, a group of wonderful people from Light of Life Ministries joined Venture Outdoors for a morning of kayaking on the Allegheny.  Our trip would take us on a journey up river to experience the city of Pittsburgh from a stunningly gorgeous perspective.  For many of our group members, this was their first time in a kayak.  Our guides are passionate and most importantly patient with all of our guests.  They love to relay the importance of proper technique and safety to every participant.  Almost all of our first time guests pick up kayaking within the first half mile on the water, and swear they will come back again. Read more

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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