Pandemic provides boost for river recreation businesses in Western Pa.

The covid-19 pandemic appears to have spurred more people to take to Western Pennsylvania’s waterways this summer.

Neill Andritz, co-owner of River’s Edge Canoe & Kayak in Gilpin, said kayaking, tubing and canoe rentals have increased 25% this season as people have sought covid-friendly outdoor pursuits.

“We’re realizing the outdoors is the best place to be during the pandemic, and the increase in outdoor activity has just been tremendous,” Andritz said. “We are booked full on many days.”

Andritz and his wife, Evelyn, both avid kayakers, opened River’s Edge along the Kiski River in 2006, offering kayak and canoe sales, water rentals, primitive camping options and a bait-and-gear shop.

Andritz said he and his wife had been unsure how their business would fare this summer.

They modified their business practices to follow covid-19 guidelines, such as altering their shuttle protocol by limiting the number of people in transportation vans that drop off customers at river launches and sanitizing all equipment, vans and areas in the shop. He said customers are encouraged to wear masks and social distance before they get out on the water, where the masks can then come off.

The most popular trip is the 8-mile Roaring Run to River’s Edge, launching at Roaring Run in Apollo with an estimated float time of four to six hours.

“The tubing has really taken off this summer, and we plan to increase our number of tubes. People are really seeking outdoor activities — especially teens and large families,” Andritz said.

The Mayo Clinic recommends kayaking as a low-risk covid-19 activity. Other recommended low-risk activities include biking, walking, fishing, golfing and boating.

Ford City’s Lisa Labutka recently experienced her first kayak trip on the Kiski, paddling 4 miles with a friend.

“I absolutely felt safe here (kayaking), and you’re out in a boat by yourself,” Labutka said. “I’ve increased my outdoor activities this summer, and this is a way to enjoy beautiful scenery.”

The Kiski River offers a safe and reasonable water depth, usually less than 5 feet, Andritz said.

Caroline Liptak of Fawn said her recent afternoon spent kayaking on the Kiski provided her with some much-needed socialization.

“It’s the fact that you’re able to do things outdoors with other people — it’s more about the connectiveness with other people,” Liptak said. “It gives you a break from all of the covid-19 information.”

Elsewhere, 3RiversOutdoorCompany in Regent Square said covid-19 has had a significant impact on their business.

“Our kayak sales are up 200% to 300%,” co-owner Chris Kaminski said. “Customers want to get outside and enjoy water sports.”

Kaminski, whose business rents out kayaks and stand-up paddle boards, said he felt a bit guilty with the uptick in his business given that the pandemic has harmed the small businesses of many of his friends.

“Last summer we probably sold six kayaks and this summer we have sold around 25, and we are taking preorders on kayaks that will ship in about three weeks,” Kaminski said.