Paddle at the Point is going to be a big event and big events require lots of logistical planning. To help keep everyone on the same page here is a list of the most frequently asked questions. We’ll keep this list up-to-date if things change and add to it when new topics arise.
Where is this happening?
Downtown Pittsburgh. The raft of boats will be positioned right off the point at the convergence of our Three Rivers.
Do I need to register prior to June 5th?
YES! We need to stay in contact with you for updates and logistics information. Also, registering makes you eligible for a raffle of fabulous prizes, including tickets to Pittsburgh-area sports and cultural events.
Can I just show up on June 5th if I didn’t register?
Yes, but you may not know everything you would need to know to make the experience easy and fun for you. Remember, you’re going to be one of 1,500 people.
I already registered why do I need to check in with a Venture Outdoors staff person or volunteer on June 5th?
Checking in will take a couple minutes—we’ll just check your name on our roster. But it’s important for three reasons:
- So we can get an accurate count of the number of boats
- For the official record of participant names
- So we can give you and each member of your group a raffle entry. We’re giving away tickets to Pittsburgh’s sports and cultural events!
How much does participation cost?
Participation is free if you bring your own boat. If you need to rent a boat through us, the fee is $15.
Can I use my Kayak Pittsburgh season pass to rent a boat?
No. This is not actually a Kayak Pittsburgh event, so season passes do not apply. Instead, Venture Outdoors is helping to organize it as part of World Environment Day. Kayak Pittsburgh, along with many other canoe/kayak outfitters in the region, is making its fleet available for the event. The $15 “fee” helps to defray some of their costs. In fact, KP will not receive any of that subsidy as they have donated their boats to the Paddle at the Point effort.
What’s the timeline look like?
Here’s our schedule:
Please arrive when the parking lots open at 9 am. If you arrive later than 10 am, you are not guaranteed to get on the water in time for the record.9 – 10 am – Boat renters arrive at Heinz Field ramp, check in, and get gear
9 – 10 am – Boat owners arrive, unload boats, check in, and prep gear
11 am – Staging and safety briefing
11:15 am – 12:30 pm – Boats launch and raft up at the point
12:30 pm – 1 pm – Record attempt!
2 pm – Rivers reopen to motorized boat traffic
What should I bring?
Porta-Johns will be available, but there won’t be vendors selling food or drink.
Bring:
- Rain jacket or poncho!
- Water and snacks
- Sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses
- Anything else you need to be comfortable out on the water
What if the weather is bad?
As of Friday night, June 4, we are a “Go” for the record attempt. Any decision to cancel or postpone will be made just prior to launch time on June 5. We’ll keep a close eye on the weather in the morning. If there are unsafe conditions on the water because of high water or lightning, we will cancel the boat launches. So please bring your rain gear, patience, and good cheer.
What is the current record?
The current record is 1,104 boats held by the Inlet Area Business of New York. They took the record from Cleveland who held it for 7 years with 776 boats. Let’s go, Pittsburgh! Cleveland’s old record may not be current, but our attempt can still beat ‘em.
What kinds of boats are eligible?
Only kayaks and canoes with hard hulls will count towards the record. Unfortunately, anything inflatable, rowing shells/sculls, and row/john boats are not acceptable boats for the record. No motors are allowed.
I don’t have a boat, but I want to be a part of this historic event. Can you help me?
Yes. We are making arrangements with local kayak and canoe outfitters to outfit people who don’t have a boat but still want to be a part of this world record. These rentals will be based on a first-come, first-served basis and payment will be due immediately to guarantee your rental. The rental fee is $15 and includes the paddles and pfds you’ll need. Visit our rental page to reserve a boat.
I want to bring and use my own boat. What do I need to know?
If you are bringing your own boat, we recommend parking at the Mon Wharf. Parking is free. It’s a short carry from your car to the river’s edge. Even if you are bringing your own boats, please register so that we can track our recruitment efforts and be sure to include you on emails about the day’s events.
Where will the boats be entering the water?
The majority of boaters will enter the water from two access points: the Mon Wharf and the ramp by Heinz Field known as the Heinz Quay. For those people bringing their own boats, there are other public access points including the South Side, PNC Park, Millvale, Lawrencville. Please refer to this map for more details. If you launch from another point, please stick to the day’s schedule.
Does my boat need to be registered with the state and have a current launch permit?
Only boats that are using a state owned boat launch to enter/exit the water need a launch permit. The two launch areas we are focusing on, Heinz Quay and the Mon Wharf, do not require a permit. Please refer to the boating regulations if you will not be using either of these access points to check the requirements. http://www.fish.state.pa.us/faqregt.htm
Where can I park?
If you are renting a boat, park in Heinz Field lot #1 or 2. If you are using your own boat, we recommend parking at the Mon Wharf. Parking is free at both Heinz Field (lots 1 and 2 only) and the Mon Wharf.
Do I get anything for being a part of the world record?
YES! If we break the record you will get a certificate suitable for framing showing your participation. Additionally, there will be an aerial photograph commemorating the event available at a later date for you to order. Other merchandise is possible.
Can I smoke during the event?
For the comfort and safety of everyone around you, please refrain from smoking. Remember, we’ll be floating side by side in a large group so separating yourself for a quick smoke is unlikely.
Can my pet join me in my boat?
Well-behaved, friendly, licensed pets are welcome to join you in your own boat that you brought. Animals are not allowed in rental boats, and you will be responsible for cleaning up after your animal.
Can I swim or fish during the event?
For everyone’s safety, swimming and fishing will be prohibited during the event. You are more than welcome to do what you want, assuming that it is legal, before and after the event.
What about drinking alcohol?
Alcohol is prohibited during the event. We’re fostering a family-friendly environment, not to mention that it’s illegal to have an open container while boating in PA. For your safety, and the safety of everyone involved, we ask you to refrain from drinking during the event.
Will there be Police and EMS available?
Yes, police officers and EMS will be present to assist with keeping a safe environment for everyone. There will also be representatives from the Coast Guard and the Fish and Boat Commission to make sure all the rules of the river are being followed.
What else can I do that day?
Other World Environment Day events
Afternoon entertainment
Evening concerts sponsored by Three Rivers Arts Festival
Skyblast night at the Pittsburgh Pirates, featuring Zambelli fireworks and Collective Soul in concert
I want to stay overnight, can you help me?
Visit Pittsburgh has a complete list of local lodging options. http://www.visitpittsburgh.com/
How much is the cost of this if I have my own boat. I already registered my husband and me.
Elaine,
Thanks for registering. There’s no cost to participate if you have your own boat.
How will we be assured that when we drop off our boats we will be able to find them
I registered myself and husband several months ago. How will our registration be confirmed?
I registered online several weeks ago, but did not pay the rental fee (as it had not yet been determined at the time I registered). Should I register again and pay the fee to secure my spot? Or will I just pay when I get there?
By now, you should have received an email directing you to pay for your reserved boat. Please visit paddleatthepoint.com/paddle-at-the-point-boat-rental
By now, you should have received an email directing you to pay for your reserved boat. Please visit paddleatthepoint.com/paddle-at-the-point-boat-rental. You will receive a confirmation that payment was received.
Hi Becky, If you are bringing your own boat, please park at the Monongahela Wharf. Parking is free. It’s a short carry from your car to the river’s edge. Venture Outdoors staff and volunteers will be there to keep an eye on your gear.
what gear is required by law? i assume the only thing you need other than you boat and paddle is a life vest. Is anything else needed? Is a life vest even required?
Hi Tom, The PA Boating Handbook says that there must be one PFD on board for each person. Our rentals will include a PFD and paddle for each paddler. You must wear your PFD in boats that you rent through us.
We are coming from Erie with a group. some own some are going to rent. I see that we will be putting in in different spots. We would like to paddle together- will we be able to find each other? Do you have any suggestions so that we can ?
Thanks
I originally registered for 1 tandem kayak for me and the significant other but when I went to rent the boats only solos were available which actually worked out because originally I wanted him and I to do two solos. How can I change my registration so that it shows me as 1 kayak and the boyfriend, ( I added him in the other participants section- John Akiona) as another solo?
Hi Andrea, Thanks for letting us know, and no problem. Your original registration was tentative, meant to help us track our recruiting efforts. We will be using actual paid reservations to determine how to dole out boats. Since you went ahead and paid for the two solos that you prefer, you’re all set.
Hi Dianne, Those of you traveling with your own boats can put in at Heinz Quay if you like, but be aware that the carry distances are farther than at Mon Wharf. Or you might put in separately but meet up on the water near Miss Pittsburgh, the 49-passenger observer boat that will be anchored near the official flotilla spot.
I’m registered for the paddle at the point. I plan on kayaking from Sharpsburg to the point. Are there any instructions that I need to be aware of other than arriving on time?
I REGISTERED LAST WEEK & LISTED 4 OTHERS AS PARTICIPANTS, ARE THEY ALSO REGISTERED OR JUST ME ? I WANTED TO REGIETER ALL OF US.
I havent heard any mention of the launch at the south side under birmingham bridge, is that a viable put in?
Hi Darlene, Since you’ve got your own boat, it sounds like you’re all set. We will be rafting up between 11:30 am and 12:30 pm. The official record attempt is between 12:30 and 1 pm.
How many seats are in the rental canoes? Also, if we’ve registered to bring our own, have we lost the option to rent?
I believe the current in the river is between 2 and 3 MPH out in the middle. If everyone starts rafting up over an hour period, the first ones will be 3 miles down stream when the last ones get there. Do you have plans to deal with the current?
Also, if someone were to fall out of a boat in the middle (heaven forbid), how in the heck can we be assured they have room somewhere to get to the surface and not be crushed before they can be pulled out?
Thanks!
We have enrolled, but on the day of the event I see that you are instructing people with their own boats to use entry points other than the Mon Wharf. Do we have to officially check in somewhere, or can we just put in where it is convenient and paddle out to the group?
Are the canoes for two people? And are they just $15 dollars like the kayaks? Thanks!
I hate paypal! It is rejecting my credit card for reasons unknown to me. I also have to change my registration by cancelling bringing my own boat to renting a canoe (kayaks are sold out) but there is no contact info listed on the paddleatthepoint website. Any suggestions?
Hi Lindsay: A canoe has two seats, one for each paddler. A third person can sit in the middle. Yes, you can still rent a boat by visiting our boat rental site.
HI Don, We are planning to use floating ropes tied off to the point and then to some of the first few rows of boats to help anchor the raft in place. the ropes will need to be “cut” once the raft is formed to qualify for the record as free floating. There is also an eddy right off of the Point where the rivers merge that has little to no flow which will also help with keeping things in place. If the current is too fast and creates an unsafe condition, we will cancel the attempt because safety of every one is of utmost importance.
Hi Savannah: Canoes fit two paddlers with room for a passenger in between. They are indeed $15. BUT! To encourage single paddlers to use our many canoes, we have introduced a new deal: $7.50 for half a canoe. We’ll pair you with another canoer and you’ll still make an important contribution to the World Record attempt, and make a friend with someone who shares your love of the outdoors.
Hi Savannah: Canoes fit two paddlers with room for a passenger in between. They are indeed $15. BUT! To encourage single paddlers to use our many canoes, we are introducing a new deal: $7.50 for half a canoe. We’ll pair you with another canoer and you’ll still make an important contribution to the World Record attempt, and make a friend with someone who shares your love of the outdoors.
My kids would like to participate with me. Is there an age limit?
Two questions. I registered myself and someone else. Now someone is going in the place of the person I am going with. What happens there. Can I change the name before I get there or do I do it there?
Second question. It says to go to Mon Wharf between 9 and 10:30. Can I get there any earlier?
The weather forecast is looking a little gloomy for Saturday. I will come rain or shine, but I suspect many others will stay away if the weather is not nice. Is there an alternate plan for a rainy day? It would be a shame to fail at the record run because of weather.
How early will the Mon Wharf be opened? The schedule calls for 900AM, but I am borrowing kayaks that need to be dropped off at 800AM. Will teh Mon Wharf be opened by 800AM.
Hi Jim: If conditions are unsafe because of weather or river flow, the record attempt will be made the following Saturday, June 12.
Hi, I just registered indicating we’d need 3 canoes. Can I pay when I get there, or do I need to use Paypal and pay in advance? Thanks
Hi Yale: The Mon Wharf is scheduled to open at 9 am. We can’t guarantee that it will be open earlier. The Heinz Field lots (#1 and #2), on the other hand, open at 7 am. You can get your borrowed boats there and launch from Heinz Quay if you prefer.
Hi Ayan: Given the large number of participants, it is logistically simpler if you pay in advance using PayPal.
I registered for a canoe, but I’d rather have to solo kayaks, now that they’re available. I already paid for the canoe, so can that be switched to a kayak and can I add a kayak to my credit card? If so, how do I do this, so that I don’t mess up your numbers?
I thought that I had registerd a couple of weeks ago to rent a canoe but never got to a payment screen. How do I find out if I am actually registerd or if I need to start from scratch?
Thanks for the response. I was about to pay via Paypal right now and see that all the boats have been rented out
Should I try to show up on Saturday and see if there are any more available, or will that be pointless?
Hi Ayan: Sure, you can try to fly stand-by, although there are no guarantees. If you want to gamble on an extra rental boat, please go to Heinz Field with cash or a check — no credit cards. A whole canoe or kayak is $15; a “half canoe” is $7.50.
I have rented a canoe and on my registration I only listed two participants, but I have two more friends that want to join us. 1) can 4 of us fit in a canoe? and 2) does each person in the canoe need to register?
Hi Kara: It is unlikely that four of you will fit in a canoe, unless two of you are small children. It really depends on weight.
Unfortunately, we are out of additional boats to rent for your additional friends. You may be able to “fly standyby,” or rent a boat left over due to a cancellation or no show. If you’d like to try that, please report to the Heinz Field boat launch ramp by 10 am tomorrow with cash or a check (we cannot process credit cards there) for $15. You can park for free in Heinz Field Gold Lot #1. You should also be prepared with water, snacks, sunscreen, and other things you’ll need to be comfortable on the water.
I realize it is the 19th hour, but I just tried to find directions to the mon wharf, and can not find them on map quest, and the link in the information sheet does not work. Help?
Kelly,
The entrance to the Mon is at the intersection of Wood St and Ft Pitt Blvd. I recommend approaching from Wood St. Here is the Google maps link:
http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&source=s_d&saddr=Pittsburgh,+PA&daddr=Unknown+road&hl=en&geocode=FTETaQIdElw7-ykDhQZIb_E0iDE0G6JaoRX5jQ%3BFW8GaQIdaUE7-w&gl=us&mra=dme&mrcr=0&mrsp=1&sz=19&sll=40.437367,-80.002753&sspn=0.001578,0.003484&ie=UTF8&t=h&z=19
Was any pictures from the sky or mount washington when everyone was at the point?? I would like a picture of that if anyone has one.
It was a great day. Hope we made it by Guiness rules! My husband Bill Miller and I forgot to pick up our certificates. We were numbers 43900 & 43899. If I send you a self-addressed-stamped envelope, can you mail us our certificates?
Debby, Thanks for participating. You can trade in your wrist bands for certificates at the Venture Outdoors offices or at Kayak Pittsburgh.