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 coming soon!
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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Learn to Ride a Bicycle Class
Learn to Ride a Bicycle Class
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 without training […]
Sierra Club Meeting- Cherokee Chapter of TN
Sierra Club Meeting- Cherokee Chapter of TN
Learn more about how to get involved with the club and even more opportunities to get outdoors!https://www.sierraclub.org/tennessee/cherokeeThe Sierra Club is the most enduring and influential grassroots environmental organization in the […]
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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,
Learn to Ride a Bicycle Class
Learn to Ride a Bicycle Class
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 without training […]
Learn to Ride a Bicycle Class
Learn to Ride a Bicycle Class
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 without training […]
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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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Partner Program: The H20 Life Women’s Fireside Chat
Partner Program: The H20 Life Women’s Fireside Chat
This program is led by The H20 Life and the campfire is supported by Outdoor Chattanooga.Life is hard. I think we can all agree on that. Connecting with like-minded people, […]
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Partner Program : Bridge Chattanooga / Learn to- Canoeing Experience
Partner Program : Bridge Chattanooga / Learn to- Canoeing Experience
Outdoor Chattanooga is working in partnership with Bridge Chattanooga to provide outdoor education programming for youth to teach outdoor hard skills along with soft skills such as leadership, communication, perseverance, […]
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Learn to Skateboard
Learn to Skateboard
Ready to kick start your skateboarding adventures?Not sure how to get started or what gear to use?Outdoor Chattanooga's Learn to Skateboard class is for you!Join Outdoor Chattanooga and local skateboard […]
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Rapid Learning Intro to Kayaking and Skills Practice: Winter Pool Classes
Rapid Learning Intro to Kayaking and Skills Practice: Winter Pool Classes
LEARN TO WHITEWATER KAYAK! START WITH US, ANYTIME!Your first visit is free! This class is the first step in learning to kayak as well as building and maintaining essential skills necessary […]
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1 event,
Sierra Club Meeting- Cherokee Chapter of TN
Sierra Club Meeting- Cherokee Chapter of TN
Learn more about how to get involved with the club and even more opportunities to get outdoors!https://www.sierraclub.org/tennessee/cherokeeThe Sierra Club is the most enduring and influential grassroots environmental organization in the […]
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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!