Flat Water Paddling. Flat water paddling is a great way to exercise and enjoy the outdoors, and is typically more relaxing and peaceful than whitewater paddling. Canoers and kayakers alike appreciate the pleasures of flat water - it enables the participant a more contemplative view of wildlife in its natural habitat, and allows time for quiet reflection.
Additionally, flat water provides a calm venue for acquiring more advanced paddling skills. Chattanooga is blessed with an abundance of areas in which to flat-water paddle.
Experience the natural solitude of the Tennessee River Gorge, or Chattanooga's bustling riverfront and historic bridges on the Tennessee River Blueway. You can paddle the Tennessee River Blueway that extends from Chickamauga Dam in Chattanooga and continues west through the Tennessee River Gorge to Shellmound Recreation Area and Nickajack Dam in neighboring Marion County. For more information on the Blueway visit http://www.chattanooga.gov/PRAC/30_1002.htm.
Outdoor Chattanooga offers its own program for teaching paddling through its OutVenture partner. Interested beginners can learn the skills needed to flat or whitewater paddle by contacting them at (423)842-6629.
For the benefit of fishermen and other recreational users of TVA's reservoirs, TVA offers a 24 hour automated service providing information on reservoir levels, tributary flows, and expected water releases from their dams. The Chattanooga # is (423)751-2264.
