NASHVILLE, TN (WOKI) — The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) and Tennessee State Parks are teaming with paddlesports leaders across the state to offer low-cost beginner kayaking classes Saturday, May 16, which kicks off National Safe Boating Week.
Now in its fifth year, the initiative has helped hundreds of Tennesseans safely dip their paddles into kayaking for the first time. Last year, 108 students received training at Tennessee State Parks at the coordinated “Kayaking 101” event. The perennial, multi-state volunteer-led effort was recognized with the National Sale Boating Council’s Communications Community Impact Award. This year, volunteers are offering Kayaking 101 classes to the public on May 16 in 40+ locations across eight states.
The event is supported by paddling leaders from American Canoe Association (ACA) of Tennessee and the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, as well as instructor volunteers across Tennessee who are certified to teach paddlesports.
Participating Tennessee State Parks:
- Big Ridge State Park
- Booker T. Washington State Park
- David Crockett Birthplace State Park
- Harpeth River State Park
- Harrison Bay State Park
- Hiwassee/Ocoee Scenic River State Park
- Long Hunter State Park
- Meeman-Shelby Forest State Park
- Natchez Trace State Park
- Seven Islands State Birding Park
- Warriors’ Path State Park
All classes will be held on Saturday, May 16 from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m., rain or shine.
“Safe paddling is essential to enjoying Tennessee’s incredible outdoor resources, whether you’re exploring our rivers for recreation or heading out for a day of fishing,” said TWRA Executive Director Jason Maxedon. “Through this partnership with Tennessee State Parks and the ACA, we’re making professional instruction affordable and accessible so more people can build the skills they need to stay safe on the water. We appreciate the instructors and officers who work together to support this important initiative each year.”
“This event was started five years ago by the paddling leaders in Tennessee and State Parks is so proud to be able to partner with Tennesseans who are experts at paddlesports instruction to offer this training to the public again this year,” said Brian Clifford, Deputy Commissioner for Conservation at the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC). “With TWRA, ACA Tennessee, and the US Coast Guard Auxiliary as our partners, we are fortunate to be able to offer training statewide on a scale that none of us could accomplish alone.”
“Our volunteer instructors are excited to welcome newcomers to our sport and give them some hard-won insights about how to stay safe and keep everyone smiling when you go on your paddling adventures,” said Andrea White, ACA Southeastern Chair. “A great first experience can spark a lifelong connection to paddling and love for our waterways.”
Class Information
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 ACA-certified Tennessee volunteers backed by experienced safety teams. Tennessee State Park Rangers and TWRA officers will be present at select sites to reinforce paddlecraft safety and awareness.
Returning for its fourth year, the Adaptive Kayaking 101 class at Booker T. Washington State Park offers specialized gear and instruction for individuals with physical disabilities.
For the second time, this event will also include Kayak Fishing 101 at Long Hunter State Park. Participants will need to have a valid Tennessee Fishing License to participate.
Supporting Organizations
Supporting organizations for the event include leaders from ACA Tennessee, volunteer instructors certified by the American Canoe Association; Appalachian Paddling Enthusiasts; Bluff City Canoe Club; Chattanooga Therapeutic Recreation Services; Chota Canoe Club; East Tennessee Whitewater Club; Harpeth Conservancy, Nolichucky Outdoor Learning Institute; Outdoor Chattanooga, Team River Runner-Atlanta; Tennessee RiverLine; Tennessee Scenic Rivers Association; Tennessee Valley Canoe Club; Tennessee Kayak Anglers; TNBlueways, and West Tennessee Canoe and Kayak Club.
Space is limited. Registration begins April 27 at the Safe Boating Week page on the Tennessee State Parks website. A free online course is also available on the ACA Paddlesports site, but in-person instruction with a nationally certified instructor is strongly encouraged.
The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency is responsible for protecting, managing, and conserving fish and wildlife species for the benefit of Tennesseans and visitors. The Agency also maintains public safety through law enforcement and safety education on waterways.
