Paddlers can check out the scenery on the river from the river in kayak tours tonight near Chickamauga Dam and Friday downtown.Area paddlers have a couple of chances to ply the waters of the Tennessee River leading up to the weekend. All of the following paddles (the first repeats next month) are considered beginner-friendly, but if you’re not ready for such deep-water adventure just yet, consider the Paddle Sports Clinics & Demo Day a chance to get your feet wet.
As for the outings, all equipment is included in the price. Reservations are required and must be secured with a credit card to ensure a spot. Call 423-643-6888 or email info@outdoorchattanooga.com.
The Demo Day is free, but Outdoor Chattanooga reps are happy to field questions in advance.
Today, June 18: “Taming the Tennessee River” Sunset Kayak Tour, 5:30-7:30 p.m. (repeats Thursday, July 16)
Registered participants will meet at Chickamauga Dam for a leisurely, two-hour paddle led by experienced Outdoor Chattanooga river guides. Chattanooga History Center senior educator Caroline Sunderland will provide historic photographs from the CHC collection and examine the history of the river through the context of the modern landscape. Her stories will tell how Chattanooga became “the greatest landing on the river,” why control of it was crucial to armies in the Civil War, how the river propelled industry and how river access affected the city’s revitalization.
If conditions permit, participants will ride the lock through Chickamauga Dam (return shuttle provided).
Cost is $45 per adult and $35 for kids ages 14-18.
Friday, June 19: Downtown Kayak Adventure, 8:30-11 a.m.
Outdoor Chattanooga guides will give this beginner-friendly tour of downtown Chattanooga via the Tennessee River. After providing basic instruction, guides will lead a leisurely paddle from the North Shore around landmarks such as Audubon Island, the Bluff View Art District, Ross’s Landing and downtown’s historic bridges.
All equipment is provided, including the stable of 12-foot recreational kayaks. Adults and children 8 and older are welcome. Paddlers ages 8 to 13 must paddle in tandem with an adult (limit two child spaces per trip).
Cost is $35 for adults, $25 for children.
Saturday, June 20: Paddle Sports Clinics & Demo Day, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Outdoor Chattanooga and Rock/Creek Outfitters will spotlight various ways to enjoy the water at this open event at Harrison Bay State Park.
Visitors will learn about area resources, businesses and clubs related to paddle sports and have the chance to try out a variety of boats, including fishing kayaks, recreational kayaks, whitewater boats, surf skis and dragon boats.
Several product manufactures and local businesses will be offering clinics from 10 a.m. to noon for those who register in advance (www.rockcreek.com/demo). Classes will be offered each half-hour on kayak fishing, adaptive kayaking, recreational kayaking, equipment, standup paddling basics and yoga.
Those will be followed by an open public demo from noon to 2 p.m. in which visitors can try out boats and boards for up to 20 minutes.
Organizers say 20 minutes should be “enough time to choose your favorite paddle craft that best fits your needs so you can start your adventures on the water.”
Experienced paddlers will be there to assist with quick lessons on how to get into a boat without tipping and basic paddling strokes. A limited number of personal flotation devices will be made available for the demo, so participants are encouraged to bring their own.
At 2 p.m., there will be a just-for-fun SUP race. All ages and abilities are welcome.