Venture Outdoors Community Spotlight – Cathy, Season Pass Holder

Unlimited watercraft rentals. For the whole summer.  

The perks of a Kayak Pittsburgh Season Pass attract all kinds of paddlers. Some go out to relax on the river while others exercise on the lake. These familiar faces at our hubs make up a very important part of the Venture Outdoors community.  This summer, we’re sitting down with them to hear in their own words why kayaking and being outdoors are so important. The project started this week as our team talked to passholder Cathy from Cheswick.  

With her own paddle and purple life jacket to boot, Cathy has been paddling North Park Lake multiple times a week for eleven years. Read the full interview below to learn more about her love of kayaking and why a lifetime connection with nature and physical fitness is imperative for a healthy mind and body.  

Tell us about yourself. 

“I’m a resident of Cheswick. I grew up in Altoona…I went to Duquesne and stayed here after…Ever since I was little I was always active.” 

What got you into kayaking? 

“I was always active but I got started in running. I did my first 10k in 1982. From there, I got into cross country skiing because I thought that would be a nice thing for the winter – and snowshoeing. And then we got a boat and I was into waterskiing and when that ended I thought “I’m gonna take up kayaking” and that’s what I did. 

So I came here for the first time, and as I said I was all over the lake because I didn’t really know. It looked easy when other people did it but it wasn’t that easy when I started. It was just beautiful. It was really nice and it was something that I could do own my own. And then once I kept at it and I took some lessons, then you just had to practice it. It’s so freeing.”  

What keeps you coming back? What are your favorite things about Venture Outdoors 

“The staff at Kayak Pittsburgh is wonderful. They’re always helpful. They’re always polite. They always go out of their way to help you. The lake is very peaceful. Even on a crowded day, you can still have a sense of peace out there. And you always feel safe out there…You’re never stranded and there’s always people around the lake. No matter what your ability is, it’s a fun time!” 

Do you have a favorite memory on the water? 

“There’s so many…My favorite memory is when it was a really rough day [on the lake]. It turned rough when I was out there. The waves started to pick up. Because I stuck with it and didn’t give up on kayaking even though it was new to me, I was able to maneuver the kayak and I was able to get through the waves and get back to the boathouse. I wasn’t scared…I had enough confidence. 

A couple years ago there were three of us that went down to the point and took a tour with Kayak Pittsburgh…we got to see everything from a kayak on the river. You got to see so many things and bridges. Something you would never see. 

I get really excited when I’m out there and I see a grownup and a child in the kayak and the child is actually paddling – no matter how young they’re trying and they’re really enjoying it.” 

What does getting outdoors mean to you? 

“I just couldn’t imagine being stuck inside watching daytime TV all day. I’ve been a runner for ages, cycle, obviously kayak, cross country ski, snowshoe. Just being with nature. Being outdoors is everything…It’s a good time to pray and meditate too.” 

What would you tell people unsure about trying kayaking?  

“When you first start out, if you don’t have any experience, its a little bit difficult because if you’re right handed the kayak tends to pull to the right and it can be very frustrating. But my advice is to stick with it. Take a lesson – they can help you here – and then stick with it because sooner or later you’re going to be out there and all of a sudden you’re gonna have the kayak in balance…The most important thing is to not get frustrated because it’s probably different than anything you did before…just stick with it and keep coming back!” 

Cathy was very passionate about the final question. As our talk finished, she had more to say about the benefits of an active lifestyle and advice for new kayakers: “So many people are active and athletic and then they give it up! I just really think that you have to stay active your whole life. You don’t have to beat yourself up or exhaust yourself but you have to move your whole life.” 

She continued, “I want to encourage everyone to [kayak] because, you know what, it’s for everybody. There’s nothing that prevents you from kayaking…I was thinking that on the way here. I’m thinking, “what if everybody kayaked?” I can’t think of one person it wouldn’t be for!” 

We are eternally grateful to season pass holders like Cathy. Her support over the last decade has allowed us to introduce paddlesports to a larger audience and make the outdoors a safe and inclusive environment for all. Keep an eye out for Cathy in North Park as she takes her laps around the lake! 

Interested in hearing from more members of the Venture Outdoors community? Follow along on our social media as our Community Spotlight series grows!