ABOUT OUTSIDE ADVENTURES

Outside Adventure Learning of Western Pennsylvania, Inc. was created in 1998 to be a non-profit educational organization committed to introducing individuals to safe and enjoyable recreational outdoor pursuits.  We originally began as a sea-kayaking club, then later branched out to include hiking and backpacking, bicycling, cross-country skiing, social endeavors, special events such as steelhead fishing, and more.  Approaching these activities "from scratch" is the main way in which we differ from other outdoor organizations.  We proceed with every event bearing the attitude that participants should learn from each trip.  Whether it be how to ferry a kayak across a moving-water river, the proper clothing to wear when hiking in rainstorms, the trick to cooking fry bread over a campstove, or how not to reach the bottom of a hill on skis, both beginners and more experienced enthusiasts walk away from each activity feeling more prepared to face the outdoors.

 If you have never paddled a kayak, followed a compass, or cast a fly rod before… relax.  One of our mainstays is teaching beginners. We welcome new paddlers, have years of experience teaching kayaking "from scratch," and usually have many other new paddlers on our trips. Sea-kayaking, hiking, and biking are sports where you can go out and have a great time the first time out while learning the basics. In addition to our introductory events, we also offer longer and more challenging trips that round out your experiences.  Bring along a friend, or make new ones with us!

 If you're interested in finding out more about our activities, just click on Calendars and find a trip that sounds interesting, fits your schedule, and is rated appropriately for your abilities Then register via this website if you have no questions and are committed to the event, contact us by e-mail at outsideadventures@yahoo.com if you have questions or are signing up a group, or call us at (724) 230-0237 most weekday evenings from 7-9:30 PM. Our volunteers will be happy to respond to you and answer your questions. 

 For kayaking and cross-country ski trips, Outside Adventures can provide all or most of the necessary gear for a nominal equipment fee.  And remember – because Outside Adventures is completely volunteer-run, your fees go right back into repairing, replacing, and updating equipment so that you have a great time with great gear, every time you go out.