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,
1 event,
FREE Winter Workshop: Developing Outdoor Learning in Schools
FREE Winter Workshop: Developing Outdoor Learning in Schools
Join us this winter for our Winter Workshop Series, an exciting weekly event designed to keep the outdoor community engaged, learning, and connected. Every Thursday throughout the colder months, we’ll […]
0 events,
2 events,
Toddler Treks
Toddler Treks
Are you and your little explorer ready for a captivating journey into the wonders of winter wildlife? Join Outdoor Chattanooga for a parent/child program that sparks a lifelong love for […]
Chattanooga Classics: Hike the Cumberland Trail
Chattanooga Classics: Hike the Cumberland Trail
Join Outdoor Chattanooga for a unique and scenic guided one-way hike along The Cumberland Trail, a stunning natural pathway with scenic winter views that traverses the Cumberland Plateau in Tennessee. […]
1 event,
Silver Adventures: Hike Blue Blazes Trail at Moccasin Bend
Silver Adventures: Hike Blue Blazes Trail at Moccasin Bend
Join Outdoor Chattanooga and the Hunter Museum of American Art for an immersive and educational woods walk along the Blue Blazes Trail as part of our Silver Adventures series, specifically […]
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 […]
3 events,
Adult Archery!
Adult Archery!
Calling all adults 18+ who would like to join us indoors at Outdoor Chattanooga for target-style archery with fun and engaging games! Concentrating on range safety rules and fundamentals of […]
Try Archery!
Try Archery!
Take aim at Outdoor Chattanooga's "Try Archery" class. This indoor class offers a hands-on opportunity to learn more about the sport of archery. Concentrating on range safety rules and fundamentals […]
Adult Archery!
Adult Archery!
Calling all adults 18+ who would like to join us indoors at Outdoor Chattanooga for target-style archery with fun and engaging games! Concentrating on range safety rules and fundamentals of […]
0 events,
1 event,
FREE Winter Workshop: Intro To Caving
FREE Winter Workshop: Intro To Caving
Join us this winter for our Winter Workshop Series, an exciting weekly event designed to keep the outdoor community engaged, learning, and connected. Every Thursday throughout the colder months, we’ll […]
0 events,
1 event,
Hike Through History: Pleasant Garden Cemetery
Hike Through History: Pleasant Garden Cemetery
Join us for "Hike Through History" on February 8, 2025, at 10:00 AM at Pleasant Garden Cemetery. This unique event, presented by the City of Chattanooga Department of Parks and […]
1 event,
Bushcraft: Fire Building (and Marshmallow S’moring) Techniques
Bushcraft: Fire Building (and Marshmallow S’moring) Techniques
Outdoor Chattanooga's new Bushcraft Series offers you the chance to learn essential outdoor skills such as how to properly start a campfire, survival skills, knots, campfire cooking, navigating, and building […]
1 event,
Volunteer Orientation and Open House
Volunteer Orientation and Open House
Curious about how you can get involved and make a difference? Join us for our Volunteer Open House & Orientation! This event is designed to introduce new and returning volunteers […]
2 events,
Learn to Ride a Bike
Learn to Ride a Bike
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 […]
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.
1 event,
Full Snow Moon Hike-Stringer’s Ridge
Full Snow Moon Hike-Stringer’s Ridge
Named after the winter season, the Cold Moon aligns with the winter solstice, creating a powerful moment for reflection, planning, and manifestation. Join us on February’s Full Moon, known as […]
1 event,
Free Winter Workshop: Bike Maintenance 101 + 201
Free Winter Workshop: Bike Maintenance 101 + 201
Join us this winter for our Winter Workshop Series, an exciting weekly event designed to keep the outdoor community engaged, learning, and connected. Every Thursday throughout the colder months, we’ll […]
1 event,
Free Adult Archery-Pin the arrow on Cupid!
Free Adult Archery-Pin the arrow on Cupid!
Unleash your inner archer with "Pin the Arrow on Cupid," a fun and free archery class exclusively for adults. Perfect for beginners and those looking to improve their aim, this […]
1 event,
Chattanooga Classic Hike-Walden’s Ridge
Chattanooga Classic Hike-Walden’s Ridge
Join Outdoor Chattanooga for a Classic Hike at Walden's Ridge Park. This park encompasses 200-acres of outdoor fun including mountain biking, hiking, trail running, and bouldering. A trail system on […]
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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 […]
1 event,
Try Archery!
Try Archery!
Take aim at Outdoor Chattanooga's "Try Archery" class. This indoor class offers a hands-on opportunity to learn more about the sport of archery. Concentrating on range safety rules and fundamentals […]
0 events,
1 event,
FREE Winter Workshop: Where to Gear Up? How about the Library?
FREE Winter Workshop: Where to Gear Up? How about the Library?
Join us this winter for our Winter Workshop Series, an exciting weekly event designed to keep the outdoor community engaged, learning, and connected. Every Thursday throughout the colder months, we’ll […]
0 events,
1 event,
Ruins of Old Harrison Kayak Tour
Ruins of Old Harrison Kayak Tour
View remnants and ruins of the town of Old Harrison by kayak, which was lost when submerged from the creation of Chickamauga Dam in 1940. Our guided and fully equipped […]
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 […]
1 event,
Try Archery-FREE
Try Archery-FREE
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 […]
0 events,
1 event,
FREE Winter Workshop: TN State Office of Outdoor Recreation
FREE Winter Workshop: TN State Office of Outdoor Recreation
Join us this winter for our Winter Workshop Series, an exciting weekly event designed to keep the outdoor community engaged, learning, and connected. Every Thursday throughout the colder months, we’ll […]
0 events,
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!