Sea-kayaks, or touring kayaks, are fun, versatile, human-powered watercraft that enable us to do all these things and more. They are sleek and fast, more efficient than canoes, and more comfortable and stable than whitewater kayaks. They also have hatches to store loads of gear, as well as rudders that enable even beginners to control the boat with ease.

Or if you prefer, blast down a whitewater river. Run chutes, catch eddies, and play in the waves! We also teach introductory whitewater paddling and run more paddling trips on more rivers throughout Western Pennsylvania than anyone else.

We are able to schedule special events or tailor events to your needs. Outside Adventures has both sea-kayaks and whitewater kayaks available for use on our events, and those with canoes are also welcome to join us.

We also offer longer and more challenging “expedition” trips each year. Advanced instructional lessons are offered to learn and practice new skills. You will meet many new paddlers and make new friends. And if you like to teach, we always have new paddlers who would love to learn from your experiences.

What To Bring

The list of items to bring varies from trip to trip, so check the trip information letter for an updated list.  The following is a list of some things you may need or want to bring on most trips.

Required

• A water bottle to keep you properly hydrated while paddling.  It's also a good idea to bring some snacks for energy.

• Comfortable layered clothing and a windbreaker or rain shell.  Also pack a complete change of dry clothes, double wrapped & sealed in a watertight plastic bag and brought along in the kayak.  Use these in case of an (unlikely) capsize.

• Eyeglass retainers if you wear prescription eyewear.

• A valid Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission registration if you bring your own boat.  

• Flashlight and extra batteries for night or overnight trips.

• Sleeping bag for overnight trips.

Recommended

• Shoes that might get wet or muddy and wool socks for warmth.

• Sunscreen, sunglasses, and maybe a hat with a visor if the weather is bright.

Optional

• Disposable, water-resistant camera.

• Paddling or cycling gloves (available for rent for $1/day).

• Alarm clock for overnight trips.

Preparations & Precautions

Water

You may not feel as thirsty while paddling on a cooler day, but remember to drink plenty of fluids.  Dilute soft drinks like Gatorade may also give your metabolism a boost and help keep you warm.  You can also make a 50% solutions of orange juice with water, which will quench your thirst faster than regular orange juice.  

Food

Packing plenty of high-calorie snacks will help ensure you have sufficient energy to travel and stay warm throughout the trip.  Also, preparing a hot insulated thermos of coffee, tea, or cocoa can turn a cold rest stop into a warm, cozy one.  Finally, try to avoid sugar-loaded foods.  These cause a brief rise in energy followed by a crash.  Try to find snacks with a balance of carbohydrates, protein, and fat (like Power bars, Cliff bars, etc.) You will have more energy and have a lot more fun.

Clothing

You will need a layered clothing system to stay warm on cool days and a breathable clothing system to keep you comfortable.  A layered clothing system would include a soft undershirt next to your skin, a thicker insulating layer such as a polar fleece jacket or wool sweater, and an outer water and wind resistant layer such as a rain jacket.  You would also want a warm hat, wool socks, and polyester liner gloves.  You can start out wearing everything, take off the jacket or sweater if it warms up, add a hat if you begin to cool off, and put on the gloves if your hands get cold.  Remember the old camper's rule: "If your feet are cold, put on a hat!"

A breathable clothing system will keep you a lot more comfortable - even on a cold, rainy day!  First, start with a mid-weight pair of polyester thermal underwear (both a top and pants).  These will pull perspiration away from your skin to keep you a lot more comfortable.  Second, avoid wearing any cotton if possible.  Cotton will hold water and will make you damp and cold.  Finally, wear a ventable, breathable outer jacket if you have one.  Jackets with full-length zippers, underarm "pit-zips", and either a breathable waterproof coating of "Gor-Tex" work the best.  Finally, nylon hiking or running pants far outperform cotton or denim jeans.  Wear the nylon pants over a pair of polyester thermal underwear if it's an especially cool day or you really want to stay warm.

Life Jacket

You must wear a personal floatation device (PFD) at all times while on the water.  They will be provided if you're renting a kayak.  See a trip leader at the beginning of the trip if you have any questions or would like assistance getting fitted to one.

Exposure

Wear waterproof sun block and protective clothing, especially if you burn easily.  Bring along rain gear or a rain poncho if there's any chance of a rain shower.

Sharp Objects

Watch out for broken glass and discarded fish hooks around the shoreline at popular fishing spots.  Be careful of splinters in you sit on any wooden docks.  Wear protective footwear whenever you are not in the kayak.

Buddy System

Paddlers no proficient in kayak rolling or self re-entry must remain in close proximity to at least one other paddler while on the water.  Novices and beginners must stay in sight of a trip leader.