Dynamic Paddlers

Dynamic Paddlers Dynamic Paddlers specializes in adaptive kayak instruction for people with disabilities and their able-bodied family and friends.

Our Mission
We share in the belief that water is the ultimate equalizer and venture to create unique opportunities for youth and adults to develop independence, maintain personal fitness, and gain self-confidence through paddling. Who is Dynamic Paddlers
My name is Larry Gioia and I am the Founder of Dynamic Paddlers. I have been kayaking for 10 years and am an American Canoe Association certified

Level 3 Sea Kayak coach and adaptive Paddling Instructor Trainer. In 2011, I was introduced to a kayaker who paddles with a below-elbow amputation. This paddler’s personal desire to maintain an active lifestyle and his story of recovery have served as an inspiration for many. They had such a lasting impression on me, that I began to get more involved with adaptive sports and adaptive athletes here in Pittsburgh. Dynamic Paddlers was born out of my passion for paddling, teaching, community building, and growing the sport of kayaking in our region. Over the past four years, my team and I have helped to introduce hundreds of youth and adults, of all abilities, to the sport of kayaking. We look forward to getting on the water with you. Personalized Training
We work with every one of our students, athletes, and groups to develop safe, fun, memorable, and unique paddling experiences. Whether it is meeting at your favorite paddling location, customizing the instruction based on your goals, or helping to adapt the kayak for your comfort – we will work one-on-one to tailor the experience to meet your needs and exceed your expectations. A Community Partner
We have partnered with some of the best organizations in the region to promote community outreach, develop programming, and deliver high-quality paddling education and training.

08/01/2025

Ash Andrews, president & CEO of Venture Outdoors, talked with Daisy Jade of Pittsburgh Today Live, explaining the benefits a BoardSafe Floating Dock system brings to Pittsburgh’s residents & guests. Watch the full interview here:
loom.ly/Flszuqs
The Paddle Center is in front of the David L. Lawrence Convention Center in Downtown Pittsburgh, offering access to all on the Allegheny River. The facility is the first of its kind, situated directly in front of a downtown convention center that offers kayak and paddleboard rentals along with an adaptive kayak launch.

This is awesome news! Think spring! 👏🏻🛶♿️ Keep calm and paddle on!
02/17/2025

This is awesome news! Think spring! 👏🏻🛶♿️

Keep calm and paddle on!

The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) today announce the first round of grants awarded in 2025 through the Boating Facility Grant Program.

Among the recipients is North Franklin Township. It is receiving $88,200 to construct an adaptive non-motorized boat launch on Reservoir #2 in Washington County. The township will provide match funding.

Through this program, the PFBC provides grants for the planning, acquisition, development, expansion and rehabilitation of public boating facilities located on the waters of the Commonwealth. The goal of the program is to ensure Pennsylvania's recreational boaters have convenient and high-quality boating facilities. Funds for this program are derived primarily from boat registration fees and state motorboat fuel taxes.

A tremendous morning on the water with Nancy and her son, Nick!This was Nancy’s first time back on the water since her i...
07/14/2024

A tremendous morning on the water with Nancy and her son, Nick!

This was Nancy’s first time back on the water since her injury - she did amazing!

Keep calm and paddle on, Nancy! 🛶

Who else is going to be out on the water today?! Keep calm and paddle on! ☀️🛶🛶🛶
07/14/2024

Who else is going to be out on the water today?! Keep calm and paddle on! ☀️🛶🛶🛶

A tremendous day to get back out on the water with some new clients! We improvise, we adapt, we overcome! Paddle on, Dav...
06/09/2024

A tremendous day to get back out on the water with some new clients! We improvise, we adapt, we overcome! Paddle on, Dave! 🛶☀️

ACA - Pennsylvania Creating Ability ACA Paddlesports Allegheny County Parks

This article title should really read ‘John Willis, adaptive paddler from the UK, takes on 108-mile kayak journey on Tha...
07/27/2023

This article title should really read ‘John Willis, adaptive paddler from the UK, takes on 108-mile kayak journey on Thames River.’

An amazing challenge and adventure for anyone - of any ability!

This just further reinforces the importance of person-first terminology. This is John - and as you can read from the article - his disability clearly does not define him!

Keep calm and paddle on, John!

John Willis paddles along the River Thames as part of a challenge to promote inclusion in sport.

Paddle on! ht Pennsylvania State Parks
07/22/2023

Paddle on! ht Pennsylvania State Parks

During the past few years, with the help of the Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation, we have been able to add accessible kayak launches for people with disabilities at some state park lakes.

Find a park ➡️ https://bit.ly/2B1pIke.

Good to see this training and equipment being put to good use! 🛶❤️
07/09/2023

Good to see this training and equipment being put to good use! 🛶❤️

We believe that everyone should have the opportunity to experience the joy of being on the water. Thanks to Dynamic Paddlers, our staff and Trip Leaders are no

06/14/2023

A great day to be back at North Park with our friends at Kayak Pittsburgh!

I am leading a small group of volunteers, Trip leaders, and staff through a half day mini adaptive paddling fundamentals workshop!

We improve, we adapt, we overcome!

Keep calm and paddle on! ☀️🛶♿️

Venture Outdoors Creating Ability

Dynamic Paddlers client and long time friend - Alan Parrish - is featured in this month’s issue of Amplitude Magazine!ht...
05/02/2023

Dynamic Paddlers client and long time friend - Alan Parrish - is featured in this month’s issue of Amplitude Magazine!

https://livingwithamplitude.com/article/water-sports-for-amputees-surfing-kayaking-scuba/

Great shirt too! Keep calm and paddle on!

ACA: Canoe - Kayak - SUP - Raft - Rescue

The May/June issue of Amplitude Magazine is out! Water sports are all the rage for adaptive athletes, Kirstie Ennis climbs Mount Everest, caregivers receive better support, the Bespoke Bodies exhibit showcases the history of prosthetics, the new AMPUTEE RESOURCE DIRECTORY is LIVE, and all-terrain chairs make the wilderness accessible!




GET caught this summer! We love this campaign by Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources U.S. Army...
07/21/2022

GET caught this summer!

We love this campaign by Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Pittsburgh District.

Keep calm and paddle on! 🛶

Address

Pittsburgh, PA
15213

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Dynamic Paddlers posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Organization

Send a message to Dynamic Paddlers:

Share