Visit Aspinwall Riverfront Park and you'll find a great spot to rent a kayak! This rental booth is operated by Kayak Pittsburgh, a specific project that's part of the Venture Outdoors nonprofit group. Aspinwall is their 3rd Kayak Pittsburgh location in the area (with other locations on the North Shore and in North Park).
With plenty of free parking available at this little park, you normally just have to show up and pay for your kayak. (Note that during 2020, an online reservation is required due to the popularity of their kayaks and because they need to control the number of people in the area at a time.) You'll be provided with a life vest and paddle after checking in. The staff will also answer your questions and provide tips on kayaking if you need them. They'll then help you get your boat into the water, where you can paddle at your own pace and enjoy the scenery.
I do want to mention that because this is a river location, you'll want to keep the strength of the current and any wind in mind as you paddle along the Allegheny. You may find yourself working harder in one direction or another depending on what the current and wind does during your visit. So give yourself plenty of time to get back to the launch point, and be careful about overexerting yourself early on.
Other tips from this regular kayaker are: bring PLENTY of water; don't forget your sunscreen and a hat; bring a waterproof bag for your valuables; and consider investing in some sports gloves so that your hands don't get too sore or blistered paddling. Do those things, and you're sure to have a blast during your time on the water! read more