Rapid Learning
Outdoor Chattanooga’s Rapid Learning Whitewater Kayak Program provides formal and equipped kayak instruction for beginner and seasoned kayakers to learn and develop the skills needed to safely and confidently paddle whitewater streams. From your first Rapid Learning skills development class to your first Class III run, Outdoor Chattanooga’s certified instructors will be right beside you offering instruction and encouragement. Start by attending our intro to kayaking skills classes at any time to learn essential skills and safe paddling techniques in the calm waters of the lake or pool. These classes are offered regularly throughout the year and can be joined anytime; no prior experience or equipment required to participate. We provide it all and your first visit is free! Appropriate for ages 8+. No reservation required to attend. First come, first served.
Skills Classes and Membership
Summer sessions are here! Join us for Rapid Learning sessions every Wednesday, May through August, at Chester Frost Park. First session starts at 6:00pm, second session at 7:00pm. Spring 2023 sessions begin on May 3rd!
Winter sessions are held at Southern Adventist University’s Hulsey Wellness Center indoor pool once a month on select Tuesdays, November through April from 7-9 p.m. The first session you attend is free with all equipment and instruction provided! To continue with the program after the first free session, become a Rapid Learning Member, which gives you access to all the skills classes and use of our equipment during classes and river trips, plus discounts on instructional river trips for an entire year! Cost: $75 for individual membership, $125 for a family membership.
Instructional River Trips
Put your newly acquired paddling skills to the test on moving current during instructional river trips. Kayakers are eligible to attend instructional river trips once they have attended at least one skills class and demonstrated essential skills such as confident wet exits, basic self-rescue, and effective maneuvering of the of the kayak. Instructional River Trips are offered on Sundays throughout the summer and open to Rapid Learning Members and non-members that have demonstrated the essential skills. With an emphasis on boat control, you’ll practice catching eddies, peeling out, cross river ferrying, reading whitewater, and developing river awareness. Our experienced guides will be right there with you to encourage and instruct as you test and hone your whitewater skills on the river. Instructional river trips at $35 for Rapid Learning Members, $45 for non-members per day. Fee includes equipment, transportation, and instruction on the water. Reservations and payment are required in advance.
What You’ll Learn
- How to adjust a kayak 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
- Self rescue skills: wet exit, buddy rescues, boat over boat emptying techniques, wet re-entry, and a variety of kayak rolls
- Flat water kayak skills preparation for a whitewater (or flat water) environment
FAQs
When and where are the kayak skills classes offered?
Every
There are two separate sessions.
1st Session: 6:00 to 7:00 p.m.
2nd Session: 7:00 to 8:00 p.m.
No reservation required. Just show up!
Winter Sessions are held at Southern Adventist University’s Hulsey Wellness Center indoor pool on select Tuesdays, November through April from 7-9 p.m.
When and where are the insturtional river trips offered?
Instructional river trips occur on Sundays in the summer months on Class II-III rivers. Day trips go to the Hiwassee River, two-day trips go to Western North Carolina. Equipment, instruction, and transportation
2022 River Trip
June 12, June 19, July 10, July 30-31, August 14
Do I have to make a reservation and/or purchase a membership?
Visit our program catalog and online reservation system at https://secure.rec1.com/TN/chattanooga-tn/catalog to purchase a membership. You do not have to make a reservation for the skills sessions. Reservations and instructor approval are required for river trips.
Do I need to have my own equipment
No, Outdoor Chattanooga provides all the equipment and instruction to learn whitewater kayaking skills at skills classes and on river trips. You are welcome to bring and use your own equipment if you have it.
How much does it cost?
The first session is free. To continue with the program, you can pay $10 per session or sign up for an annual membership. A Rapid Learning membership is good for 1 year of instruction and gives you access to our kayak equipment during all scheduled skills classes and river trips for an entire year. Individual membership is $75, family membership is $125. There is an additional fee for river trips. $35 for members, $45 for non-members.
Do I have to have experience to participate?
No experience required to attend and participate in a skills class.
Kayakers must demonstrate essential kayak skills such as a wet exit, effective maneuvering of the kayak, and self-rescue techniques during a skills session and receive instructor approval to attend a river trip.
Events
Calendar of Events
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Learn to Whitewater Kayak with Rapid Learning | SKILLS SESSION LAKE
Learn to Whitewater Kayak with Rapid Learning | SKILLS SESSION LAKE
Learn to whitewater kayak with Outdoor Chattanooga's Rapid Learning Whitewater Program.Rapid Learning provides formal and equipped kayak instruction for beginning and novice kayakers with the goal teach you how to safely […]
0 events,
1 event,
Maclellan Island Kayak and Weed Wrangle Tour
Maclellan Island Kayak and Weed Wrangle Tour
Join Outdoor Chattanooga for a beginner friendly kayak tour to Maclellan Island, owned by Chattanooga Audubon Society, located in the heart of downtown. Outdoor Chattanooga's guide staff will provide basic instruction then […]
1 event,
Birding by Bicycle
Birding by Bicycle
The South Chickamauga Creek Greenway offers a wonderful opportunity to view wildlife, especially birds!This guided tour of a section of the greenway will not only showcase a magnificent place 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,
Learn to Whitewater Kayak with Rapid Learning | SKILLS SESSION LAKE
Learn to Whitewater Kayak with Rapid Learning | SKILLS SESSION LAKE
Learn to whitewater kayak with Outdoor Chattanooga's Rapid Learning Whitewater Program.Rapid Learning provides formal and equipped kayak instruction for beginning and novice kayakers with the goal teach you how to safely […]
0 events,
2 events,
Downtown Kayak Adventure
Downtown Kayak Adventure
Join Outdoor Chattanooga for a beginner friendly tour by kayak of downtown Chattanooga on the Tennessee River. OC's guide staff will provide basic kayak instruction and moving water safety, then lead […]
Dam Kayak Tour/ Chickamauga Locks
Dam Kayak Tour/ Chickamauga Locks
Join us for a guided kayak tour on the Tennessee River and the unforgettable experience of locking down through the TVA Chickamauga Dam. This is a beginner friendly trip and […]
3 events,
Forest Bathing: Nature Hike for the Mind and Body
Forest Bathing: Nature Hike for the Mind and Body
Science and research supports what we innately know, that time spent immersed in nature is good for us. Join Outdoor Chattanooga for a free walking tour to help guide you into […]
Paddle Smart: An Introduction to Flatwater Paddling
Paddle Smart: An Introduction to Flatwater Paddling
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! Bring your own kayak or borrow […]
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 […]
2 events,
Bike the Boardwalk: South Chickamauga Greenway
Bike the Boardwalk: South Chickamauga Greenway
Reservations and payment are required in advance as space is limited. Click here to register online or call 423-634-6888 with questions or to learn more.Join Outdoor Chattanooga on a guided and equipped […]
Rapid Learning Whitewater Kayak- RIVER
Rapid Learning Whitewater Kayak- RIVER
LEARN TO WHITEWATER KAYAK!This is a beginner class on class I-II moving water for participants in the Rapid Learning Whitewater Program who have attended an introduction /essentials class on the […]
2 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 without training […]
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 […]
1 event,
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.
2 events,
Try Climbing at Walnut Wall -walk up/open hours
Try Climbing at Walnut Wall -walk up/open hours
Outdoor Chattanooga's experienced rock climbing staff will open the Walnut Wall in Coolidge Park to give you the opportunity to try vertical rock climbing. This is top-roped climbing (which requires a […]
Learn to Whitewater Kayak with Rapid Learning | SKILLS SESSION LAKE
Learn to Whitewater Kayak with Rapid Learning | SKILLS SESSION LAKE
Learn to whitewater kayak with Outdoor Chattanooga's Rapid Learning Whitewater Program.Rapid Learning provides formal and equipped kayak instruction for beginning and novice kayakers with the goal teach you how to safely […]
0 events,
1 event,
Dam Kayak Tour
Dam Kayak Tour
Join us for a guided kayak tour on the Tennessee River and the unforgettable experience of locking down through the TVA Chickamauga Dam. This is a beginner friendly trip and […]
1 event,
NPS Battle of Ringgold Gap Kayak Tour
NPS Battle of Ringgold Gap Kayak Tour
Join Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park in partnership with Outdoor Chattanooga for a FREE, 3 hour guided kayak tour to explore Chattanooga's Civil War waterways as a host National […]
1 event,
Rapid Learning Whitewater Kayak- RIVER
Rapid Learning Whitewater Kayak- RIVER
LEARN TO WHITEWATER KAYAK!This is a beginner class on class I-II moving water for participants in the Rapid Learning Whitewater Program who have attended an introduction /essentials class on the […]
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,
Learn to Whitewater Kayak with Rapid Learning | SKILLS SESSION LAKE
Learn to Whitewater Kayak with Rapid Learning | SKILLS SESSION LAKE
Learn to whitewater kayak with Outdoor Chattanooga's Rapid Learning Whitewater Program.Rapid Learning provides formal and equipped kayak instruction for beginning and novice kayakers with the goal teach you how to safely […]
1 event,
Learn to Play Disc Golf
Learn to Play Disc Golf
Disc golf is one of the easiest sports to get into and in the Intro to Disc Golf class Outdoor Chattanooga’s instructors show you the rules, equipment, and essential techniques […]
1 event,
Downtown Kayak Adventure
Downtown Kayak Adventure
Join Outdoor Chattanooga for a beginner friendly tour of downtown Chattanooga on the Tennessee River. OC's guide staff will provide basic kayak instruction and moving water safety, then lead a leisurely […]
2 events,
Wilderness First Aid Certification Course
This 16 hour class is open to anyone who would like to learn more about providing care in wilderness or remote settings. Learn and practice care-giving during the critical minutes […]
Public Solar Viewing Barnard Astronomical Society Celebrates INTL SUN DAY wi telescopes at GREENWAY
Public Solar Viewing Barnard Astronomical Society Celebrates INTL SUN DAY wi telescopes at GREENWAY
Come join the Barnard Astronomical Society at Greenway Farm for a day of stargazing at the nearest star to Earth: the Sun! We will have specialized telescopes allowing for safe […]
2 events,
Rapid Learning Whitewater Kayak- RIVER
Rapid Learning Whitewater Kayak- RIVER
LEARN TO WHITEWATER KAYAK!This is a beginner class on class I-II moving water for participants in the Rapid Learning Whitewater Program who have attended an introduction /essentials class on the […]
3 events,
Monday Meetup: Powered by Two Feet
Monday Meetup: Powered by Two Feet
Join us for the second ever Monday Meetup: Powered by Two Feet! We had so much fun at the first meetup, and we are thrilled to continue connecting Chattanooga area […]
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 […]
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,
Learn to Whitewater Kayak with Rapid Learning | SKILLS SESSION LAKE
Learn to Whitewater Kayak with Rapid Learning | SKILLS SESSION LAKE
Learn to whitewater kayak with Outdoor Chattanooga's Rapid Learning Whitewater Program.Rapid Learning provides formal and equipped kayak instruction for beginning and novice kayakers with the goal teach you how to safely […]
1 event,
South Chick Pedal to Paddle ~ A Bike to Canoe Event on South Chickamauga Creek
South Chick Pedal to Paddle ~ A Bike to Canoe Event on South Chickamauga Creek
Pedal to Paddle ~ A Bike to Canoe Event on South Chickamauga Creek Trails Join Outdoor Chattanooga for a guided and equipped Pedal to Paddle Bike to Canoe Adventure on the […]
1 event,
Downtown Kayak Adventure
Downtown Kayak Adventure
Join Outdoor Chattanooga for a beginner friendly tour of downtown Chattanooga on the Tennessee River. OC's guide staff will provide basic kayak instruction and moving water safety, then lead a leisurely […]
Did You Know?
The Chattanooga region holds great and diverse whitewater paddling opportunities, for beginners and experts. To the east, the Appalachian Mountains hold iconic whitewater streams like the Ocoee, Hiwassee, Cartecay, Nantahala and Chattooga. Closer to home, the ridges of the Cumberland Plateau offer some of the best steep creek boating in the Eastern U.S.
American Whitewater offers the region’s best river database.