My job as the Youth Program Manager at Venture Outdoors - is to get children…
Learn to Kayak and Flatwater Rescue in a Pool
At Kayak Pittsburgh, we won’t let the cold winter months keep us from getting on the water. This winter, we’re bringing kayaking inside! Join us at Allegheny Traditional Academy as we offer pool kayaking classes.
Pool kayaking is great for those who want to learn in a very controlled environment – no currents, motorboat traffic, or bad weather! Those with little to no experience on the water can take comfort in the fact that they are learning in a clear pool with our trained instructors on the water with them. It’s not just for beginners either – kayaking in a pool provides a great opportunity for experienced kayakers to practice what they already know as well as learn new techniques for paddling and rescuing that can help them on any body of water.
The pool is small compared to North Park Lake or the three rivers. Each class is limited to 4 participants – this means that no matter what class you take, you’ll get plenty of hands on instruction from our trained staff so that you leave feeling comfortable and ready to hit the water come springtime.
Choose Your Course
Beginner: Pool Paddle Courses
Our Beginner Pool Paddle Courses are designed for paddlers with little to no experience on the water that want to learn the basics. We’ll start the course on land going over parts of a kayak and the necessary equipment. We’ll then introduce the proper paddling strokes to use when going forwards, backwards, turning, or stopping. After that, participants and instructors will get in the pool to work on what they’ve learned. Our trained Kayak Pittsburgh Excursionists will make sure each participant remains safe and gets all the help you need.
Intermediate: Flatwater Rescue Training
If you already feel comfortable taking a kayak out on the water, we have classes that can take your paddling to the next level. The Flatwater Rescue Training classes are two-part courses that introduce safety equipment and resources to use to ensure all your kayaking trips go smoothly and teach participants multiple techniques for rescuing themselves and other paddlers while on the water.
Meet the ACA Certified Instructors
The Flatwater Rescue courses are led by our American Canoe Association (ACA) certified Excursionists. The ACA is an organization that promotes watersports through safety education, instructor training, and more. The Excursionists leading this course have completed ACA certification up to at least Level 2, meaning they can teach the Level 1 curriculum to participants. With Venture Outdoors becoming Pennsylvania’s first ACA accredited Pro Paddle School in 2023, these courses are designed to advance the paddling and rescuing skills of paddlers in the area.
Luke Borrowy
Our Director of Paddlesport and ACA Certified Instructor, Luke is a calm and informative teacher. He’ll lead you from learning to paddle, to save yourself and others on the water.
Sam Soergel
Sam has been with Kayak Pittsburgh for almost a decade. He’s an encouraging instructor who’s excited to bring his ACA Certified training to new and experienced paddlers.
Nick Romaniello
An avid kayaker, Nick attained his ACA certification and paddled all around Pennsylvania’s waterways s before joining the team in 2023. When he’s not leading Venture Outdoors trips, you can find him at his EMT job or spending time with his family.
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