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?
Check out our calendar HERE to see upcoming Paddle Smart Programs.
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
Events
Calendar of Events
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Learn how to ride a bicycle in as little as one class, or come see us to refresh your rusty skills. The class consists of a set of exercises and […] |
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Join Outdoor Chattanooga for a parent/child focused program highlighting "winter adaptations". Designed especially for toddlers, this class aims to spark a lifelong passion for the natural world and nurture curiosity, […]
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Join Outdoor Chattanooga and celebrate the January Full Wolf Moon with a First Day–style program designed to ground, inspire, and connect. The Wolf Moon, invites us to reflect, to listen […] |
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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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Discover the confidence that comes from knowing you can take care of yourself outdoors. Bushcraft Basics is a hands-on introduction to essential wilderness skills designed for pre-teens, adults, and families […] |
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Discover how small actions can make a big difference in protecting the natural places we love. Join Outdoor Chattanooga for a fun and engaging Leave No Trace workshop led by […] |
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Join Outdoor Chattanooga for a Winter Birding Walk at the Brainerd Levee! Escape the indoors and spend a peaceful morning with us observing diverse bird life and enjoying the crisp […] |
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Join Outdoor Chattanooga this winter for a guided, fully equipped kayak tour through the Hiwassee Wildlife Refuge—one of the Southeast’s best birdwatching spots.Just an hour north of Chattanooga, this scenic […] |
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Take aim at Outdoor Chattanooga's "Try Archery" class. This free indoor class located at the Philip Grymes Outdoor Chattanooga Center in Coolidge Park offers a hands-on opportunity to learn more […]
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Learn how to ride a bicycle in as little as one class, or come see us to refresh your rusty skills. The class consists of a set of exercises and […] |
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Ever wonder how trails and waterways make it onto the maps you use every day? Join us for a hands-on workshop exploring how mapping tools and GIS (Geographic Information Systems) […] |
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Bushcraft: Fire Building and Camp Cooking Experience the satisfaction of building a fire with your own hands and cooking a meal in the open air! In this half-day, hands-on class, you’ll […] |
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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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Take aim at Outdoor Chattanooga's "Try Archery" class. This free indoor class located at the Philip Grymes Outdoor Chattanooga Center in Coolidge Park offers a hands-on opportunity to learn more […] |
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Come learn kombucha brewing with Chattanooga Culture's founder Matt Cone! In this class, you will learn the basics of bacterial fermentation, what makes "real" kombucha, how to spot fake kombucha, […] |
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Chattanooga Classics Hike Series: Rock Creek Loop – Cumberland Trail with Outdoor Chattanooga Location: Rock Creek Gorge, Cumberland Trail (near Sale Creek, TN) Length: ~5.5 miles (depending on route) Difficulty: […] |
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Learn to find your way — and yourself — in the wild. In this half-day outdoor course, participants explore the essential skills of navigation, route planning, and backcountry survival. Whether […] |
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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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Take aim at Outdoor Chattanooga's "Try Archery" class. This free indoor class located at the Philip Grymes Outdoor Chattanooga Center in Coolidge Park offers a hands-on opportunity to learn more […] |
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Learn how to create a beautiful, eco-friendly yard that benefits your home and the environment! Join Outdoor Chattanooga for a hands-on TN Smart Yards workshop led by certified Master Gardeners. […] |
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Join Outdoor Chattanooga this winter for a guided, fully equipped kayak tour through the Hiwassee Wildlife Refuge—one of the Southeast’s best birdwatching spots.Just an hour north of Chattanooga, this scenic […] |
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!