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
Calendar of Events
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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 […]
0 events,
0 events,
3 events,
National Learn to Ride a Bike Day (FREE Teen and Adult Class)
National Learn to Ride a Bike Day (FREE Teen and Adult Class)
Learn to Ride a Bike Whether you're a complete beginner or looking to refresh your skills, this class is designed for riders of all ages. Learn how to ride a […]
National Learn to Ride a Bike Day (ALL AGES FREE) Session 1
National Learn to Ride a Bike Day (ALL AGES FREE) Session 1
Learn to Ride a Bike. Whether you're a complete beginner or looking to refresh your skills, this class is designed for riders of all ages. Learn how to ride a […]
National Learn to Ride a Bike (All Ages FREE) Session 2
National Learn to Ride a Bike (All Ages FREE) Session 2
Learn to Ride a Bike. Whether you're a complete beginner or looking to refresh your skills, this class is designed for riders of all ages. Learn how to ride a […]
1 event,
Paddle Smart: Intro to Kayaking and Safety Clinic
Paddle Smart: Intro to Kayaking and Safety Clinic
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 […]
2 events,
Blueway Paddle Trails Adventure on the South Chick Creek
Blueway Paddle Trails Adventure on the South Chick Creek
Blueway Way Paddle Trails- Adventure Series South Chickamauga Creek: Shallowford Rd to Sterchi Farm Park Embark on a scenic 6-mile kayak journey along the South Chickamauga Creek Blueway, paddling from […]
Toddler Treks-Spring Sprouts FREE
Toddler Treks-Spring Sprouts FREE
Are you ready to embark on a nature-filled adventure with your little explorer? Join Outdoor Chattanooga for a one-of-a-kind parent/child program designed especially for toddlers. This class is designed to […]
0 events,
1 event,
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 […]
0 events,
1 event,
Rapid Learning: Intro to Whitewater Kayaking Roll Clinic and More
Rapid Learning: Intro to Whitewater Kayaking Roll Clinic and More
The Rapid Learning program provides comprehensive whitewater kayak instruction, including all the necessary equipment, specifically designed for beginning and novice kayakers. Our goal is to teach you how to paddle […]
1 event,
Silver Adventures: A wildflower walk at Sitton’s Gulch FREE!
Silver Adventures: A wildflower walk at Sitton’s Gulch FREE!
For adults aged 50 and above, Outdoor Chattanooga presents Silver Adventures—an exceptional opportunity to immerse yourself in nature under the guidance of our expert outdoor team. With a focus on […]
1 event,
Dam Kayak Tour-A Lock Thru Adventure!
Dam Kayak Tour-A Lock Thru Adventure!
Join Outdoor Chattanooga for a guided kayak tour on the Tennessee River and the unforgettable experience of locking down through the TVA Chickamauga Dam. Experience this marvel of engineering of […]
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0 events,
2 events,
Volunteer with us! Volunteer Orientation
Volunteer with us! Volunteer Orientation
Curious about how you can get involved and make a difference? Join us for our Volunteer Open House & Orientation! This event introduces new and returning volunteers to upcoming opportunities, […]
Full Moon (Flower Moon) Adventure.. Forest Bathing at Stringer’s
Full Moon (Flower Moon) Adventure.. Forest Bathing at Stringer’s
Join us for a serene and immersive evening in nature under the enchanting Flower Moon! As part of our Full Moon Adventure Series, this guided forest bathing experience invites you […]
2 events,
Learn to Ride a Bike-FREE
Learn to Ride a Bike-FREE
Learn to Ride a Bike Location: Shepherd Community Center Learn how to ride a bicycle in as little as one class, or come see us to refresh your rusty skills. […]
Learn to Ride a Bike-Free Session 2
Learn to Ride a Bike-Free Session 2
Learn to Ride a Bike Location: Shepherd Community Center Learn how to ride a bicycle in as little as one class, or come see us to refresh your rusty skills. […]
1 event,
Rapid Learning: Intro to Whitewater Kayaking Roll Clinic and More
Rapid Learning: Intro to Whitewater Kayaking Roll Clinic and More
The Rapid Learning program provides comprehensive whitewater kayak instruction, including all the necessary equipment, specifically designed for beginning and novice kayakers. Our goal is to teach you how to paddle […]
1 event,
Beginner Fly Fishing Night with Trout Unlimited-FREE
Beginner Fly Fishing Night with Trout Unlimited-FREE
Discover the Art of Fly Fishing — A Hands-On Workshop for BeginnersJoin Trout Unlimited for a free evening workshop designed to introduce you to the fundamentals of fly fishing. Whether […]
2 events,
National Bike to Work Day at Miller Park!
National Bike to Work Day at Miller Park!
Join us on Thursday, May 16th, at Miller Park for National Bike to Work Day, a celebration of cycling, sustainability, and community spirit in the heart of downtown Chattanooga. Whether […]
Paddle Smart-Intro to Paddle Sports Clinic.
Paddle Smart-Intro to Paddle Sports Clinic.
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 […]
1 event,
Youth Bike Regatta at Renaissance Park (12U) FREE
Youth Bike Regatta at Renaissance Park (12U) FREE
The Youth Bicycle Regatta in Renaissance Park is a family-friendly event which aims to provide an engaging way for young riders ages 12 and under to participate bicycle related challenges, […]
0 events,
1 event,
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 […]
0 events,
1 event,
Rapid Learning: Intro to Whitewater Kayaking Roll Clinic and More
Rapid Learning: Intro to Whitewater Kayaking Roll Clinic and More
The Rapid Learning program provides comprehensive whitewater kayak instruction, including all the necessary equipment, specifically designed for beginning and novice kayakers. Our goal is to teach you how to paddle […]
0 events,
1 event,
Mountain to Town Bike Adventure Down Lookout Mountain!
Mountain to Town Bike Adventure Down Lookout Mountain!
Join Outdoor Chattanooga for this (mostly) downhill bike adventure from the heights of Lookout Mountain along the trails and greenways to downtown Chattanooga. Enjoy scenic views of the city while […]
0 events,
0 events,
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 […]
0 events,
1 event,
Rapid Learning: Intro to Whitewater Kayaking Roll Clinic and More
Rapid Learning: Intro to Whitewater Kayaking Roll Clinic and More
The Rapid Learning program provides comprehensive whitewater kayak instruction, including all the necessary equipment, specifically designed for beginning and novice kayakers. Our goal is to teach you how to paddle […]
1 event,
Hiking Adventure with Appalachian Conservation Institute FREE
Hiking Adventure with Appalachian Conservation Institute FREE
Join Outdoor Chattanooga and The Appalachian Conservation Institute for a unique opportunity to LEARN EXPLORE and HIKE the property adjacent to Little Sequatchie Cove. The Appalachian Conservation Institute currently protects […]
0 events,
1 event,
Family Bike Adventure at Reflection Riding with OC FREE
Family Bike Adventure at Reflection Riding with OC FREE
Family Bike Adventure at Reflection Riding with Outdoor Chattanooga. Join us for a fun and family-friendly bike adventure at Reflection Riding! Explore a leisurely guided ride along 3 miles of […]
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!