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
S Sun
M Mon
T Tue
W Wed
T Thu
F Fri
S Sat
0 events,
2 events,
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 […]
Full Moon Night Walk – Beaver Moon
Full Moon Night Walk – Beaver Moon
Take a walk under the light of the full moon to observe and listen to the sounds of nature in the change of seasons. This full moon is known as […]
1 event,
Toddler Treks
Toddler Treks
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 ignite […]
0 events,
0 events,
0 events,
1 event,
Prodigy~DISC GOLF putting and distance clinic- Free+Beg.Friendly!
Prodigy~DISC GOLF putting and distance clinic- Free+Beg.Friendly!
Join Outdoor Chattanooga in partnership with Prodigy Discs for a free disc golf clinic for players who want to improve their game. Professional disc golfer, Will Schusterick, will lead this […]
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 […]
1 event,
Rapid Learning Intro to Whitewater Kayak/Roll Practice
Rapid Learning Intro to Whitewater Kayak/Roll Practice
Learn to whitewater kayak with Outdoor Chattanooga's Rapid Learning Whitewater Program.Rapid Learning provides formal kayak instruction, including all the equipment, for beginning and novice kayakers with the goal teach you how […]
0 events,
1 event,
Learn: annual Audubon Christmas Bird Count
Learn: annual Audubon Christmas Bird Count
Join us for a free presentation to learn about the tradition and importance of the annual Christmas bird count and how you may get involved in birding in Chattanooga! Dr. […]
0 events,
2 events,
Sandhill Crane Kayak Tour around Hiwassee Wildlife Refuge
Sandhill Crane Kayak Tour around Hiwassee Wildlife Refuge
Join Outdoor Chattanooga and guest Kevin Calhoon, “Curator of Forests” (and bird expert) for Tennessee Aquarium for a guided and equipped kayak tour at the Hiwassee Wildlife Refuge to view the […]
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 […]
0 events,
1 event,
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 […]
0 events,
0 events,
0 events,
0 events,
1 event,
Beginners Birdwatcher Field Trip with TN Aqua’s Kevin Calhoun
Beginners Birdwatcher Field Trip with TN Aqua’s Kevin Calhoun
Join Outdoor Chattanooga and Kevin Calhoon, the Forest Curator for Tennessee Aquarium, for a beginners birdwatching field trip to the Brainerd Levee. It is free to participate and open to […]
0 events,
2 events,
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 […]
1 event,
1 event,
1 event,
1 event,
1 event,
1 event,
2 events,
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 […]
1 event,
1 event,
1 event,
1 event,
1 event,
2 events,
Chattanooga New Years Eve Celebration Dec 21st
Celebrate December 31st with music, food and fun on Broad Street! More info can be found online closer to the event! https://secure.rec1.com/catalog
2 events,
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 […]
1 event,
1 event,
0 events,
0 events,
1 event,
New Year Hike~ Waldens Ridge
New Year Hike~ Waldens Ridge
Join Outdoor Chattanooga for a NEW YEARS hike day to walk the hiking trails of the newly opened Waldens Ridge Park. This park encompasses 200-acres of outdoor fun including mountain […]
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!