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 Chattanooga

Get smart and take your paddling to the next level.

Sign Up

Paddle Smart Chattanooga

Get smart and take your paddling to the next level.

Sign Up

Paddle Smart Chattanooga

Get smart and take your paddling to the next level.

Sign Up

Paddle Smart Chattanooga

Get smart about paddling Chattanooga’s scenic waterways.

Sign Up

Paddle Smart Chattanooga

Get smart about paddling Chattanooga’s scenic waterways.

Sign Up

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. 

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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!

Go Paddling!
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