Whitewater Paddling. Chattanooga is happily situated such that there are great and diversified whitewater paddling opportunities not only in the immediate vicinity but also within a three-hour radius, and even more within a day's drive.
Rivers are classified on a rating scale of I - VI, with class I rivers defined as moving and having ripples and drops but requiring very little maneuvering while rivers rated class VI involve a very likely chance of death.
Class 1 (Easy): Fast-moving current with small waves and few obstructions that are easily avoided. Low-risk. Easy self-rescue.
Class 2 (Novice): Straightforward rapids with wide-open channels that are evident without scouting. Occasional manoeuvring is required. Trained paddlers will easily avoid any rocks or medium-sized waves. Swimmers are seldom injured.
Class 3 (Intermediate): Rapids with moderate, irregular waves, strong eddies and currents. Complex manoeuvres and good boat control are required. Major hazards are easily avoided. Scouting is recommended for inexperienced paddlers. Self-rescue is usually easy and injuries to swimmers are rare.
Class 4 (Advanced): Powerful, turbulent, and predictable rapids with large, unavoidable waves and holes or constricted passages. Fast and reliable eddy turns and precise boat handling are needed to navigate safely through. Scouting is necessary, and rapids may require "must-make" moves above dangerous hazards. Strong Eskimo roll highly recommended, as there is a moderate to high risk of injury to swimmers. Self-rescue is difficult, so skilled group assistance often needed.
Class 5 (Expert): Extremely long, obstructed, or violent rapids with exposure to substantial risk. Expect large, unavoidable waves and holes, or steep, congested chutes. Eddies may be small, turbulent, difficult to reach, or non-existent. Reliable Eskimo roll, proper equipment, extensive experience, high level of fitness and practiced rescue skills essential for survival. Scouting highly recommended, but may be difficult. Swims are very dangerous and rescues are difficult.
Class 6 (Extreme): These runs exemplify the boundaries of difficulty, unpredictability and danger, and have almost never been attempted, if ever. The consequences of errors are very severe and rescue may be impossible. Only expert teams with ideal conditions and extensive safety systems should ever consider these rapids.
Courtesy Of Ken Whiting
Most important for the enjoyment of whitewater paddling is to realize that you're in water and to be comfortable with the idea that you will get wet, and know that capsizing and swimming will be a part of the learning curve. To that end it is highly recommended that instruction be sought. After that, experience becomes the best teacher. Whitewater paddling is not a solo sport; it is recommended that there be a three boat minimum on any trip. It is best to have someone familiar with a river on any trip, and to know what you can about the river beforehand. One should also recognize that rivers are not stagnant and their features will change with varying river levels.
Whitewater kayaking involves taking a kayak down rapids and this is purely an adventurer driven sport. Sea kayaking sometimes also referred to as Ocean Kayaking is taking kayaks out on to the open ocean or other open water such as a lake. Sea kayaking can involve short paddles with a return to the starting point or “put-in” or expeditions covering many miles and days. Kayaking of all kinds has continued to grow in popularity through the 1990s and early part of this century.
Kayaks are classified by their use. There are five primary types of Kayaks: whitewater, surf, touring/expedition, light touring/day tripping and general recreation.
Kayak Instruction/Links Phone Numbers Ace Funyaks 1(423) 338-0100 Big Frog Expeditions 1(877) 776-2633 Endless River 1(800) 224-7238 Nantahala Outdoor Center 1(800) 232-7238 Ocoee Adventure Center 1(888) 723-8622 Outdoor Adventures (OAR) 1(800) 627-7636 Rapid Learning 1(423) 842-6629 T.V.C.C. (Tennessee Valley Canoe Club) Quest Expeditions 1(800) 277-4537
Notice: Whitewater paddling should be undertaken only by groups of individuals all of whom have proper training and adequate equipment. The following information is provided only as a convenience for such individuals. Outdoor Chattanooga and all of the organizations and businesses mentioned within this area assume no liability for accidents that may occur in the pursuit of activities based on this information. The sole responsibility for safety lies with the participant.
