One of the hobbies that I have picked up here in Pittsburgh in the past few years in kayaking.   Thanks to Kayak Pittsburgh it is super easy to rent a kayak and paddle around the city.  And it is one of the best ways to see the city.  I am pretty sure I took this photo from a kayak on the river (not sure how it ended up on wikipedia).

This is the view from my kayak on the river. These are easy no tip kayaks. No exorience necessary. Just head on down to kayak pittsburgh www.kayakpittsburgh.org located just under the Roberto Clement bridge, for less than $ 20 you can be on the river too. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

When I tell people about kayaking their reaction is usually something like – “you are crazy” or “I am afraid of getting stuck under one of those things in that river.”

These are not hard-core whitewater kayaks.  Kayak Pittsburgh rents sea kayaks (often called sit-on-top kayaks).  These are kayaks that you just sit in, and they are very stable, so hard to tip over, and on the rare chance if you tip over, you would just fall out of the boat (but you are wearing a life jacket – and you will just float).

If this sounds at all interesting to you – but you aren’t sure about giving it a try on the river – Venture Outdoors is offering an Intro to Kayaking class at the YMCA this spring.

Intro to Kayaking
This course gives you a chance to try kayaking in the safety and security of an indoor swimming pool. You will learn kayaking basics, along with some simple paddle strokes and self-rescue techniques. Expect to get wet! Boats, paddles and PFDs are provided. Minimum age 12.

Location: Thelma Lovette YMCA, Hill District
Difficulty: Easy
Time: 1:30 PM – 4:30 PM
Cost: $33.00 non-member / $25.00 member