For the 5th year in a row, Tennessee State Parks and the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency are teaming up with paddlesports leaders across the state to offer low-cost beginner kayaking classes Saturday, May 16 to kick off National Safe Boating Week.
Each class costs just $15 per person, including kayak rental and all necessary gear – to receive training that typically costs between $75 and $150. Each park’s session is limited to 15 participants. Instructors are American Canoe Association (ACA)-certified Tennessee volunteers backed by experienced safety teams.
All classes will be held on Saturday, May 16 from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm, rain or shine.
*This is a special once a year opportunity made possible by local volunteers in celebration of National Safe Boating Week.
LAKE CLASSES:
– Big Ridge State Park
– Harrison Bay State Park
– Meeman-Shelby Forest State Park
– Natchez Trace State Park
– Warriors’ Path State Park
RIVER CLASSES:
– David Crockett Birthplace State Park
– Harpeth River State Park
– Hiwassee/Ocoee Scenic River State Park
– Seven Islands State Birding Park
SPECIALTY CLASSES:
– Long Hunter State Park – KAYAK FISHING 101
– Booker T. Washington State Park – ADAPTIVE KAYAKING 101
In addition to Tennessee State Parks, Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency, ACA Tennessee, and U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, supporting organizations for the event include volunteer instructors certified by the American Canoe Association; Appalachian Paddling Enthusiasts; Bluff City Canoe Club; West Tennessee Canoe & Kayak Club, Chattanooga Therapeutic Recreation Services; Chota Canoe Club; East Tennessee Whitewater Club; Harpeth Conservancy, NOLI – Nolichucky Outdoor Learning Institute; Outdoor Chattanooga, Team River Runner – Atlanta; Tennessee RiverLine; Tennessee Scenic Rivers Association; Tennessee Valley Canoe Club; Tennessee Kayak Anglers; and Tennessee Office of Outdoor Recreation.
REGISTER NOW: