Twelve Tennessee State Parks (TSP) are joining the Tennessee chapter of the American Canoe Association (ACA) to offer low-cost kayaking instruction on May 21st, according to a press release by the Department of Environment and Conservation.
The Kayak 101 classes are being offered by ACA-certified kayak instructors as part of National Safe Boating Week, according to the TSP website. The classes, which normally cost between $50 and $100, are being offered for $15 and begin at 9 a.m.
Kayaks, paddles, and life jackets will be provided if reserved at the time of registration. Each participating park is offering instruction in either introductory flat-water kayaking or introductory river kayaking.
Participating TSPs include:
- Meeman-Shelby Forest State Park
- Chickasaw State Park
- Harpeth River State Park
- Long Hunter State Park
- Fall Creek Falls State Park
- Seven Islands State Birding Park
- Big Ridge State Park
- Harrison Bay State Park
- Hiwassee/Ocoee Scenic River State Park
- Davy Crockett Birthplace State Park
- Cove Lake State Park
- Warriors’ Path State Park
An alternative free of charge online class is also being offered, however, the department notes that “in-person training with a certified instructor is strongly encouraged.”
Paddling leaders from the following Tennessee organizations are making the event possible: Bluff City Canoe Club in Memphis, West Tennessee Canoe and Kayak Club in Jackson, Scenic Rivers Association in Nashville, Valley Canoe Club in Chattanooga, Chota Canoe Club in Knoxville, East Tennessee Whitewater Club in Oak Ridge, RiverLine in Knoxville, Appalachian Paddling Enthusiasts in Johnson City, and Nolichucky Outdoor Learning Institute in Erwin, as well as independent ACA instructors statewide.
“We are fortunate to have Tennesseans who are certified ACA paddle sports instructors volunteering to partner with our park rangers to conduct the training as part of National Safe Boating Week,” Jim Bryson, deputy commissioner of the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation said in a statement. “This is an opportunity to learn good paddling practices so Tennesseans can safely enjoy our waterways.”
ACA Tennessee estimates there are approximately 1 million people regularly paddling Tennessee waterways who have not had any formal training.
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Kaitlin Housler is a reporter at The Tennessee Star and The Star News Network.
