Nope, anyone can join our trips.

Venture Outdoors members support the work of the non-profit. As a thank you members receive a discount on outings, classes and rentals. Join today!

Short answer – they are the same non-profit! 

Longer answer – Kayak Pittsburgh was born to give folks the chance to try out paddlesports while fundraising for Venture Outdoors (the Pittsburgh based non-profit with the mission to remove barriers to the outdoors).  

All funds raised by Kayak Pittsburgh support the work of Venture Outdoors.  

The level of difficulty is listed on the event page. Participants must agree to skill and capability expectations described.If the Trip Leader Team deems that a participant does not meet the Level of Difficulty criteria, that person may be turned away at the trailhead.

Difficulty Levels

Level 1 – Relaxed 

• Short distances (1-2 mi) at a leisurely pace; Predominantly flat, hardened or surfaced terrain with well-defined trails; Suitable for beginners with no prior activity experience; Offers frequent rest breaks; Suitable for all ages; Minimal physical challenge for most participants. 

Level 2 – Easy 

• Short distances at a manageable pace; Mostly flat terrain with well-defined trails, occasional hills with planned breaks; Suitable for beginners; Provides a gentle physical challenge for most participants. 

Level 3 – Moderate 

• Varying distances at a steady pace; Varied terrain includes rocks, roots, and hills on established trails; Requires some prior activity experience; Intended for those in decent physical condition; Presents a moderate physical challenge for most participants. 

Level 4 – Vigorous 

• Fast-paced over a short distance or steady-paced over a longer distance; Varied terrain, including off-trail sections, rough spots, and long climbs; Requires fitness level and/or prior experience to sustain a moderate pace; Meant for those in good physical condition; challenging to most participants. 

Level 5 – Strenuous 

• Faster-paced over a long distance; Challenging terrain with off-trail sections, rough spots, and unexpected obstacles; Requires prior experience in the activity; Intended for individuals in excellent physical condition; Represents the highest level of physical challenge. 

Upon signup for an outing and 24 hours prior you’ll receive a confirmation email with the specific meeting location, what-to-expect, and other helpful details. Please remember to check your junk mail folder if the email does not reach your inbox.

Venture Outdoors works to remove barriers to outdoor experiences, including financial barriers. Reach out to mel@ventureoutdoors.org to see about reduced payment or scholarship options.

Venture Outdoors accepts electronic payments through a variety of methods, including credit cards, Apple Pay, Google Pay, and other digital wallets. At our paddlesport rental hubs we also support in-person payments through Tap to Pay on iPhone, debit cards, chip cards and credit cards.

We do not accept cash payments for outings, classes, or trips. Donations and tips in the form of cash are welcome.

If a payment method is a barrier please reach out to us at registration@ventureoutdoors.org or (412) 255-0564 (Follow the prompt for programming) to chat more.

Outings are held in all types of weather, excluding thunderstorms. Unless contacted by our staff, it should be assumed that the outing will go on as planned. Our staff may cancel anytime leading up to the start time, and they will make every reasonable attempt to inform participants as soon as a decision is made.

Our team monitor various weather and environmental conditions and how they affect Venture Outdoors outings. Those include but are not limited to air temperature, water temperature, river flow, air quality, rain and storm activity.

If we must cancel due to weather our staff will contact you to either reschedule, receive a refund, or you may opt to turn your ticket price into a donation to Venture Outdoors.

Cancellations for outings, classes, and rentals must generally be made 24 or more hours before the start of the trip. Registration for the outing, class, or rental can generally be rebooked to another time the activity is scheduled.

If your outing, class, or rental must be cancelled due to conditions beyond Venture Outdoors control participants can elect to be rebooked to another scheduled available time, receive a gift card for the value of the trip, convert their fee to a donation, or receive a refund.

Refunds are not issued for no-shows or late arrivals. Refunds are issued in the form of original payment or transferred to a donation to Venture Outdoors (at purchaser’s discretion).

Reservations are transferable to other participants. Please access your booking online to transfer in advance and be sure to complete the necessary waiver

Policies are different for Summer Camps. See Summer Camp policies here.

Yes. All participants must sign an Acknowledgement & Assumption of Risk Form before the start of a trip. Those under age 18 must have a parent or guardian sign for them.

A link to your waiver is contained in your confirmation email; save time by completing in advance.

To view and sign the waiver in English: https://waiver.smartwaiver.com/w/5c48c8296ee0b/web/?auto_tag=VOWEB

Para ver y firmar la renuncia en español: https://waiver.smartwaiver.com/w/5d838a554a8d2/web/?auto_tag=VOWEB

要查看和签署中文弃权书：https://waiver.smartwaiver.com/w/4s3dmofzrzhhwyjc8f8eeg/web/?auto_tag=VOWEB

We recommend comfortable clothing appropriate for the weather that can get wet or dirty. More details can be found in the information for the outing, class, or rental.

You should always plan to bring water and wear comfortable, layered clothing and sturdy, closed-toe shoes. More details can be found in the information for the outing, class, or rental.

Service animals are always welcome on Venture Outdoors outings. Staff will need to know how the service animal is trained to assist a participant so we can best accommodate participation.

Pets (our friends who are not trained service animals) are welcome on Venture Outdoors outings or classes specifically designed for pet participation. If the outing or class does not specify it is pet friendly please leave your pet at home.

Pets are welcome on watercraft rentals. Pets must be kept on a lease and be well controlled in loud, public, and busy environments. Pet PFDs are recommended (Venture Outdoors maintains a small supply of pet PFDs).

Up to date pet vaccination records must be readily available.

There is always more you can do to have a more enjoyable time outdoors. Here are some of our favorites for paddling:

• Always wear your PFD
• Do not paddle under the influence of drugs or alcohol
• Stay away from other boats, bridges, buoys, debris, and stationary objects
• Along the river paddle close to shore
• Always stay seated in your boat
• Stay clear of people fishing and watch for fishing lines

Venture Outdoors crew will give you a “paddle talk” before heading out on any of our rentals, outings, or classes.

Paddling our rivers and lakes is a great way to explore nature. We always recommend taking some training or paddling with an experienced paddler your first time. Venture Outdoors crew will give you the gear and instruction you need to paddle at our rental locations.

You can visit our Paddle School page to see classes we have available.

Various size boats use the rivers at various speeds so a wake will cross your path occasionally. The easiest way to deal with an incoming boat wake is to cross it head on slowly paddling. If you have to catch a wake to the side of the boat keep your hips loose (let the boat rock with the wake) but keep slowly paddling – the paddle in the water will give you some support.  

The minimum age varies by outing, class or rental:

• For outings and classes paddlers must be at least 13 years of age unless otherwise specified
• For rentals paddlers must weigh at least 35 pounds to fit properly in a PFD, or personal floatation device (a.k.a. lifejacket)

Paddlers less than 18 years of age must be supervised by a legal parent or guardian:

• Age 3 (or 35 lbs) to 12 years – Must be in a tandem (two seat) boat with a parent or guardian, and a parent or guardian must sign an Acknowledgement & Assumption of Risk Form for each child.
• Age 13-15 years– May be in a solo boat but must be accompanied by a parent or guardian on the water. Must also have a parent or guardian sign an Acknowledgement & Assumption of Risk Form.
• Age 16-17 years– May be in a solo boat on water, but a parent or guardian must sign an Acknowledgement & Assumption of Risk Form.
• Age 18 years and over – Must sign an Acknowledgement & Assumption of Risk Form.

The capacities vary by boat type. Please check out the listing of the watercraft to see specific criteria by type.

Paddlers must be at least 35 pounds or more to ensure a good fit for a PFD (personal floatation device, a.k.a. life jacket)

The capacities vary by boat type. Please check out the listing of the watercraft to see specific criteria by type.

Paddlers must be at least 35 pounds or more to ensure a good fit for a PFD (personal floatation device, a.k.a. life jacket)

Generally a “solo” boat is for one person (including SUPs, or stand-up-paddleboards).

A tandem craft seats two people; some craft can seat an additional small paddlers provided the group is within the boat’s weight capacity.

Pedal boats can seat up to 4 within the boat’s weight capacity.

Canoe Catamarans can seat up to 6 (3 on each side) within the boat’s weight capacity.

Please reach out to kayakpittsburgh@ventureoutdoors.org or (412) 255-0564 for specific questions.

Our team monitors various weather and environmental conditions, including river flow. If the flow is above a certain threshold we will either modify or suspend paddling to prevent anyone from being washed down the river. All activities on the water have a rescue trained paddler ready to lend a hand in emergencies.

As with any waterway in an urban setting the rivers can have various stages of cleanliness. There are numerous groups around the Pittsburgh region working to protect and enhance the quality of the rivers.  

The most common water quality condition that affects trips on the water is a Combined Sewage Overflow (CSO).  

“A Combine Sewer Overflow (CSO) Advisory is an alert that is issued when the sewers carrying sewage and storm water have filled beyond capacity and are discharging their excess flow into rivers and streams. This usually occurs during or right after a heavy rainfall.” 

The team at Venture Outdoors closely monitors the conditions on the river and will notify participants if an outing, class or rental will be impacted by river conditions.  

Our mission is to remove barriers to outdoor experiences. Does your project need a little push to get it “out the door?” Perhaps we can help!

Please visit https://ventureoutdoors.org/project-support/ to submit a request for project or event support.

Yes. We believe in and practice leave no trace principles on all our activities.

You sure can, our trip leaders and crew work hard to remove barriers to the outdoors. Cash tips can be given directly to the trip leader(s), or arrangements can be made via another platform.