Paddle Smart Chattanooga
Have you recently purchased your own kayak/canoe/SUP, but lack the confidence to get out and explore Chattanooga’s scenic waterways on your own? BYOB (Bring Your Own Boat) and join Outdoor Chattanooga for an introduction to flatwater paddling course that will give you the confidence to safely and smartly paddle Chattanooga’s scenic waterways! Paddle Smart Chattanooga classes are taught by Outdoor Chattanooga’s experienced paddling instructors who share their knowledge and offer insight on the best ways to set up your boat, transport your craft, paddling techniques, navigation essentials, entry and exit practices, self rescue techniques, TN boater laws, understanding CFS-water flow and how it can affect you, safety precautions and resources for recreational paddling in the Chattanooga area. You’ll learn the basics to keep yourself safe in any scenario and proper trip planning skills to make the most of every water-based adventure!
Paddle Smart Classes
Instructional classes are held at Chester Frost Count Park on the lake. The cost is $10 per person if you have and use your own equipment or $35 per person if you use Outdoor Chattanooga equipment which includes a kayak, paddle, and lifejacket. This class is appropriate for ages 10+, but they must be accompanied by a participating adult. Pre-Registration is required as class sizes are limited to ensure quality instruction in a small group setting.
Register online here or call Outdoor Chattanooga at (423) 643-6888.
What You’ll Learn
- How to set up and adjust your boat, paddle and PFD (Personal Floatation Device) to comfortably fit you
- Beginner to intermediate paddle strokes, braces and maneuvers to keep your kayak upright, and in the direction you want it to go
- Navigation essentials and Tennessee boater laws
- Self rescue skills including exit and re-entry methods.
- Understanding CFS-water flow and levels and how it can affect you when paddling
- Safety precautions and resources for recreational paddling in the Chattanooga area
FAQs
When and where are the kayak skills classes offered?
Classes are held at a variety of local waterways and class times vary. See schedule below.
2023 Class Dates:
May 21 | 6:00pm – 8:30pm
June 10 | 9:00am – 11:30am
June 25 | 9:00am – 11:30am
July 8 | 8:30am – 11:30am
Do I have to make a reservation?
Reservations are required in advance as class sizes are limited to offer quality instruction in a small group setting. Register online here or call 423-643-6888 to learn more.
Do I need to have my own equipment?
We can provide a recreational sit-in style kayak to use for this class for those that don’t have their own. Fee is $35. Otherwise, it is great to have and use your own equipment for only $10.
How much does it cost?
All classes cost: $10 per person for those that have and use their own equipment. Cost is $35 per person to use Outdoor Chattanooga equipment which includes a recreational sit in style kayak, lifejacket and paddle.
What's the minimum age and do I have to have experience to participate?
These classes are appropriate for ages 10+, but they must be accompanied by a participating adult. No experience required to participate, but you must have your own watercraft and paddling equipment to participate.
Events
Calendar of Events
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Chattanooga Grotto Meeting
Chattanooga Grotto Meeting
Chattanooga Grotto is the caving club of Chattanooga, TN. Meetings are held every first Monday of the month at Outdoor Chattanooga in Coolidge Park at 7PM EST. Anyone is welcome […]
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2 events,
Hike through History
Hike through History
Embark on a remarkable journey with "Hike through History" a partner program from Department of Parks & Outdoors and the African American Cemetery Preservation Fund. Join our low-impact walk/hike in […]
First Annual Chattanooga Outdoors Festival
First Annual Chattanooga Outdoors Festival
A Celebration of Outdoor Adventure, Conservation, Music, and Community! Date: Saturday, April 6, 2024 Time: 12 PM - 7 PM Location: Chattanooga Choo Choo Gardens Join us for a day […]
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Learn to: Mountain Bike Repair
Learn to: Mountain Bike Repair
Curious about all those parts on YOUR mountain bike and how to take care of them? You just spent a bunch of money on a mountain bike and want to […]
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Try Archery (All Ages)
Try Archery (All Ages)
TRY ARCHERY! All ages welcome! This is a free indoor archery session provided by Outdoor Chattanooga. No experience or reservation necessary. Location: Philip Grymes Outdoor Chattanooga Center 200 River Street, […]
Try Archery (Adults Only)
Try Archery (Adults Only)
TRY ARCHERY! This is a free indoor archery session provided by Outdoor Chattanooga. No experience or reservation necessary. Location: Philip Grymes Outdoor Chattanooga Center 200 River Street, Chattanooga, TN 37405 […]
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Learn to: Ride a Bike
Learn to: Ride a Bike
Outdoor Chattanooga's Learn to Ride a Bike Classes are the best and fastest way to learn to ride a bike! Does teaching your child how to ride a bike […]
Learn to: Ride a Bike
Learn to: Ride a Bike
Outdoor Chattanooga's Learn to Ride a Bike Classes are the best and fastest way to learn to ride a bike! Does teaching your child how to ride a bike […]
Tennessee Valley Canoe Club monthly meeting
Tennessee Valley Canoe Club monthly meeting
Contact Tennessee Valley Canoe Club for information about their monthly meetings.Visit https://tvccpaddler.com/ for learn about how you can connect with paddling trips and opportunities.
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Chattanooga Bike Club Monthly Meeting
Chattanooga Bike Club Monthly Meeting
Chattanooga Bicycle Club meets at the Philip Grymes Outdoor Chattanooga Center the 3rd MONDAY monthly from 6pm- 7:30 pm.The CBC is a recreational cycling club whose members share the good fortune of […]
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2 events,
Try Archery (All Ages)
Try Archery (All Ages)
TRY ARCHERY! All ages welcome! This is a free indoor archery session provided by Outdoor Chattanooga. No experience or reservation necessary. Location: Philip Grymes Outdoor Chattanooga Center 200 River Street, […]
Try Archery (Adults Only)
Try Archery (Adults Only)
TRY ARCHERY! This is a free indoor archery session provided by Outdoor Chattanooga. No experience or reservation necessary. Location: Philip Grymes Outdoor Chattanooga Center 200 River Street, Chattanooga, TN 37405 […]
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Earth Week
Check out all the things happening this week in Chattanooga! We are so excited to be able to spend an entire week this year celebrating the Earth. We are incredibly […]
Learn to Skateboard
Learn to Skateboard
Join Outdoor Chattanooga and local skateboard experts for a FREE 90-minute class that will introduce you to the wonderful world of skateboarding! Experienced instructors will teach foundational skills such as […]
Adventure Library and Digital Outdoors
Adventure Library and Digital Outdoors
Outdoor Chattanooga is partnering with the Chattanooga Public Library to create The Adventure Library, a new outdoor recreational gear lending program. Here, you can check out a variety of outdoor […]
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Sustainability Open House
Sustainability Open House
Come out to the Philip Grymes Outdoor Chattanooga center to learn all about three local powerhouses and their involvement in the world of sustainability. Access Fund is coming to talk […]
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Silver Adventures: Wildflower Hike
Silver Adventures: Wildflower Hike
Outdoor Chattanooga's Silver Adventure this month will lead participants along The Shirley Miller Wildflower Trail. This trail features a quarter-mile-long handicap-accessible boardwalk, protecting the delicate wildflowers. Beyond the boardwalk, we will […]
SMART Urban Cycling with White Oak Bicycle Co-op
SMART Urban Cycling with White Oak Bicycle Co-op
Urban Cycling will cover the important things you need to be a successful urban cyclist or commuter. This class, led by a Lead Cycling Instructor from the League of American […]
Crag Crafts: Upcycled Rope Workshop
Crag Crafts: Upcycled Rope Workshop
Not sure what to do with your old recycled climbing rope? Bring it to our Crag Crafts night! You can turn your old climbing rope (or our old climbing rope […]
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Green | Drinks at Outdoor Chattanooga
Green | Drinks at Outdoor Chattanooga
Join us for Green Drinks, green|spaces' monthly sustainability networking event at Outdoor Chattanooga on April 24th from 5-7pm. Come learn how you can protect the environment while enjoying the outdoors. […]
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Birds and Beer: Chimney Swift with the Ornithological Society
Birds and Beer: Chimney Swift with the Ornithological Society
Chimney Swifts are returning from their winter in the Amazon! Here's a chance to observe their mysterious roosting behavior at dusk during migration-- massing together to dive into a chimney […]
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GEARage Sale and Spring Fest
GEARage Sale and Spring Fest
Outdoor GEARage Sale and Spring Fest Hosted by Waterways, Gear Closet and Outdoor Chattanooga! April 27, 2024 now at GREENWAY FARM 9 am - 2pm Reduce, reuse and resell your […]
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Did You Know?
The Chattanooga region holds many diverse paddling opportunities for beginners and experts to enjoy. The Tennessee River flows through the heart of downtown Chattanooga and is considered a national Blueway destination for recreational paddlers. All 45 miles from Chickamauga Dam to Nickajack Dam are navigable and accessible to paddle crafts of all types. You can enjoy a leisurely paced afternoon paddle downtown or in the gorge, or turn it into a multi-day adventure! The lakes and tributaries feeding into the river also offer a multitude of paddling options. Our website offers the most comprehensive list of public accessible launches in the Chattanooga region. Come out and paddle with us!