Save the date
› Jan. 26: “How To Plan and Lead a Day Hike”: Covers essential gear, best trails and other tips for beginner and seasoned hikers.› Feb. 2: “Critter Encounters — Backyard to Backwoods”: In honor of Groundhog Day, how to prevent problematic and dangerous encounters on the trail.› Feb. 9: “Navigate With Map & Compass”: Old-school methods of wayfinding when the signal fails or the battery quits on a smartphone.› Feb. 16: “Bicycle Maintenance 101”: Covers how to fix a flat tire, prevent future flats, clean and lube a bike and tune the rear derailleur.› Feb. 23: “How To Poop in the Woods”: How to answer nature’s call without leaving Charmin blooms along the trail.
Outdoor Chattanooga begins its annual series of Winter Workshops tonight, Jan. 19, with a look at "Knots and Rescue Systems for Paddlers."
The free series continues Thursday nights through Feb. 23, covering a different outdoor skill each week. All of the workshops are classroom-based - so no worries about outdoor instruction in cold weather. Each is scheduled from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at Outdoor Chattanooga in Coolidge Park, 200 River St. Sessions are open to all ages and skill levels. No reservations or prior experience is required.
Tonight's instruction is most appropriate for paddlers interested in learning basic knots, types of ropes, types of anchors and mechanical advantage systems used for river rescue situations. All attendees will get to throw a rope and learn how to recoil quickly and efficiently for a potentially life-saving second throw.
Lead instructor Mike Shillinger is an American Canoe Association Level 4 swift water rescue instructor and has been involved with the Tennessee Valley Canoe Club safety program since 2008. He'll be assisted by Rachel Roman, a TVCC member who is working to complete her swift water rescue certification.
For more information, call 423-643-6888 or visit www.outdoorchattanooga.com.