Kayaking rookies and veterans alike could rejoice last week as Venture Outdoors offered enthusiasts a day of free kayaking at its downtown and North Park Lake locations.

Kayak Pittsburgh has been going on for five years, and offers beginner-friendly kayaking for free to kick off the season.

This year, the group got a grant from the Allegheny Regional Asset District for $9,000 to expand its fleet of kayaks. The organization now has 125, says Lou DeVito, operations manager for Venture Outdoors.

The staff at the North Park Lake boathouse gives beginners a short tutorial, and explains the safety points to everyone. Then, people can either get a solo or double kayak and row to their hearts' content.

Friday offered a great day for the kickoff event, with slightly overcast weather early in the afternoon, a cool breeze and temperate weather.

Edna Spang and Lisa Luttner, both of Wexford, went out to take advantage of the free day. Both are veteran kayakers, but they took advantage of Kayak Pittsburgh to find a geocaching treasure. They wouldn't divulge its secret location, however.

"That's awesome," Spang says. "That's why we're here. It keeps us from loading up our own boats."

Luttner was even more enthusiastic.

"I'm excited beyond belief," Luttner says.

Jon Lucadamo, program director for Venture Outdoors, says the weather is a big factor, but Kayak Pittsburgh has been one of the group's biggest days for the past two years, especially for new kayakers.

"It's beginner-oriented," Lucadamo says. "The boats have large cockpits. It's different from white-water boats."

Lucadamo stressed the most important part of the day and of the boating season is safety.

"The lifejacket is your safety mechanism," he says. "The lifejacket will always float, whether it's on you properly or not."

For more information about events at North Park Lake, go online at www.ventureoutdoors.org, or call 412-255-0564.