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Things to know if you want to get into kayaking or paddleboarding

From the Lookout Wild Film Festival: Locked In: First Descent of the Beriman Gorge: Being the first to do something holds a special notoriety that many people crave. This film follows the first kayakers to take on the beautifully alluring Beriman River in Papua New Guinea and see if they can take the torrentuous trail all the way to the sea. From the Lookout Wild Film Festival: Locked In: First Descent of the Beriman Gorge: Being the first to do something holds a special notoriety that many people crave. This film follows the first kayakers to take on the beautifully alluring Beriman River in Papua New Guinea and see if they can take the torrentuous trail all the way to the sea.

By Shane Foley January 1, 2017 3 min read

Stohlquist TREKKer PFD

GEAR TO GET YOU STARTED

Stohlquist TREKKer PFD – $115The TREKKer is specifically made with kayakers in mind. It features a higher back and extra zippered pockets.Vibe paddle by Werner Paddles – $109; $139 for adjustableThe Vibe is a great entry-level SUP paddle, designed to be easy on the back to produce less fatigue, meaning more time on the water.Caviness 1000 Series oars – $39.99Caviness makes affordable, durable and customizable canoe oars for new paddlers. You can even choose your own colors and handles!Perception Pescador 12 Kayak – $629.99A great beginner’s kayak, the Pescador is wide enough and stable enough to build confidence on the water without fear of capsizing.Aquaglide Cascade 10’ SUP – $699.99The Cascade is inflatable and more durable and easy to transport than an epoxy SUP, and the planing hull makes for a more stable ride for new SUPers.

Unlike other outdoor recreation such as hiking, paddling can be a tougher nut to crack for someone who wants to try it for the first time. Canoes or kayaks? What are those weird surfboards people are standing on? Is it safe? How do I get started?

To answer those in order: It’s your preference; they’re called stand-up paddleboards, or SUPs; yes, as long as you keep proper safety measures in mind; and just follow this guide.

– Find a group.

Outdoor Chattanooga, the Tennessee Valley Canoe Club and the Tennessee Scenic River Association are just some of the organizations that offer programs for beginner paddlers, instructing guests in safety, technique and more. A group does more than just show you the ropes. While paddling can be a relaxing solo trip, one of the best ways to experience the Tennessee River Blueway and the rest of Chattanooga’s flatwater paddling is with friends.

Don’t be shy about being a beginner; everyone starts with no experience. Paddling skills are picked up quickly, provided you practice.

– Rent before you buy.

Before committing to a kayak, canoe or SUP, it’s worthwhile to see if it’s even the right craft for you. Check out local renting options to see preferences you may not have realized you had. L2 Outside, Chattanooga Paddleboards and TU Canoe are good places to start. Rentals and lessons from the three companies range from $20-$50 depending on the type of craft and duration of the rental, while buying a reasonable watercraft can run as much as $800 on the lower end.

– Mind the seasons.

Paddling sports tend to be seasonal; most rental companies and classes won’t start until March. Outdoor Chattanooga’s Rapid Learning program offers whitewater kayak lessons indoors throughout the winter, teaching correct, safe paddling techniques to get people started.

– Mind the classifications.

If experiencing whitewater is a priority, keep in mind that the classifications for Tennessee’s rivers are in place for a reason. As a Class IV river, the Ocoee has some fairly intense rapids that are best navigated by someone with experience. For someone completely new to paddling, Chickamauga Creek and Nickajack Lake are good starting points over local rivers because of their quiet, relaxed waters, while the Hiwassee is a solid entry into the world of whitewater.