Kayaking up & down the Pittsburgh rivers is crazy fun! If you're new at this, the Kayak Pittsburgh folks will give you a little lesson to take your fear away, seat you in your kayak (single or tandem, your choice) & push you off their boat ramp. They kindly pull you back up that ramp when you return & may even help you get out if you're stuck in your kayak - yeah, I'm that girl....
It's super affordable, easy to find literally under the 6th Street Bridge on the North Shore between the stadiums along the river walk & these folks make you feel right at home! Wear something comfortable - if you have wicking shorts & a t-shirt or just regular ones & a pair of sneakers you have what you need. You may splash a bit of water on yourself, be advised - not that it's a big deal.
Definitely bring a bottle of water, sunglasses & use sunscreen - you're in direct sunlight out there. You might want to leave your phone behind (or ziplock it at least) so it doesn't get wet or dropped in the river. Parking can be had for a $5 flat rate in the stadium lots or metered on the streets so you're close by when finished.
Paddling against the river's current will give your upper body a workout. Prepare to have tired arms after you're done but, it's just pure delightful fun. Paddling under all the bridges, taking in all the Pittsburgh sights, how can it be bad?
Venture Outdoors owns Kayak Pittsburgh & the fees here raise their funds to sponsor the other outdoor ventures they host throughout the year. Be sure to take a brochure before you leave & enjoy your journey up the rivers!