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
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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 […]
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1 event,
Explore Urban Nature: A Weed Wrangle
Explore Urban Nature: A Weed Wrangle
Explore Urban Nature Take a closer look at the magic of nature. Join our Natural Resources and Outdoor Chattanooga staff to discover your natural world right here in the city. […]
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 […]
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 […]
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2 events,
Learn to Bike Commute: StreetCycling 101
Learn to Bike Commute: StreetCycling 101
Learn techniques and rules of the road for being a confident and predictable commuter, city or road cyclist. Learn to Bike Commute is the best first step towards learning how to […]
Spring Workshop: Crag Crafts
Spring Workshop: Crag Crafts
Can't wait to have you join the Spring Workshop Series: This week we're doing the MOST fun craft! Come help give old rope new life in this upcycling workshop with […]
1 event,
CANCELED: Toddler Treks
CANCELED: Toddler Treks
*CANCELED* Our Next Toddler Treks will be March 21st from 4:00-6:00pm. We'll be building Bug Hotels and putting them in Renessaince Park! You can find more information here and PreRegister […]
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2 events,
Try Archery (All Ages)
Try Archery (All Ages)
TRY ARCHERY! All ages welcome! This is a free indoor archery session provided by Outdoor Chattanooga. No experience or reservation necessary. Location: Philip Grymes Outdoor Chattanooga Center 200 River Street, […]
Try Archery (Adults Only)
Try Archery (Adults Only)
TRY ARCHERY! This is a free indoor archery session provided by Outdoor Chattanooga. No experience or reservation necessary. Location: Philip Grymes Outdoor Chattanooga Center 200 River Street, Chattanooga, TN 37405 […]
3 events,
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 […]
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 […]
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.
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1 event,
Spring Workshop: Mysterious Edible Mushrooms
Spring Workshop: Mysterious Edible Mushrooms
Can’t wait to have you join the Spring Workshop Series: Erik Hancock, a Tennessee native and amateur foraging connoisseur, has always had a profound interest for all things wild. His […]
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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,
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 […]
2 events,
Silver Adventures: Wildflower Hike
Silver Adventures: Wildflower Hike
Outdoor Chattanooga's Silver Adventure this month will lead four mile hike on TVA's Little Cedar Mountain trail. This will be a moderate but leisurely-paced hike with two climbs and two […]
Learn to Whitewater Kayak
Learn to Whitewater Kayak
Learn to Whitewater Kayak with Outdoor Chattanooga's Rapid Learning Whitewater Program. Learn to whitewater kayak and practice your roll with Outdoor Chattanooga's Rapid Learning Whitewater Program. Rapid Learning provides formal kayak instruction, […]
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3 events,
Shirley Miller Wildflower Hike
Shirley Miller Wildflower Hike
Led by an experienced naturalist, Outdoor Chattanooga staff will guide participants along The Shirley Miller Wildflower Trail. This trail features a quarter-mile-long handicap-accessible boardwalk, protecting the delicate wildflowers. Beyond the […]
Building Bug Hotels
Building Bug Hotels
Can’t wait to have you join our Spring Workshop Series: Building Bug Hotels Specifically designed for kiddos 3rd grade and up but open to all ages. This week we’re having […]
Spring Workshop: Bike Maintenance and Fitting 101
Spring Workshop: Bike Maintenance and Fitting 101
Can't wait to have you join the Spring Workshop Series: This week we're learning how to work on and fit our own bikes. Kat from White Oak Bicycle Club will […]
2 events,
Try Archery (All Ages)
Try Archery (All Ages)
TRY ARCHERY! All ages welcome! This is a free indoor archery session provided by Outdoor Chattanooga. No experience or reservation necessary. Location: Philip Grymes Outdoor Chattanooga Center 200 River Street, […]
Try Archery (Adults Only)
Try Archery (Adults Only)
TRY ARCHERY! This is a free indoor archery session provided by Outdoor Chattanooga. No experience or reservation necessary. Location: Philip Grymes Outdoor Chattanooga Center 200 River Street, Chattanooga, TN 37405 […]
0 events,
1 event,
Little Cedar Mountain Wildflower Hike
Little Cedar Mountain Wildflower Hike
Outdoor Chattanooga to host a free four mile hike on TVA's Little Cedar Mountain trail. This will be a moderate but leisurely-paced hike with two climbs and two descents, and […]
2 events,
Monday Meet-up: All Things Cycling
Monday Meet-up: All Things Cycling
Monday Meet-up: All Things Cycling Monday, March 25th @ 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM Join us from 5:30 – 7:30 on Monday, March 25th for our next Monday Meetup! This 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,
Spring Workshop: Native Plants and Communities
Spring Workshop: Native Plants and Communities
March 28th @ 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM FREE Philip Grymes Outdoor Chattanooga Center "At its simplest, native plant communities are assemblages of plants that tend to grow together in […]
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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!