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.
Whitewater kayaking or canoeing is not a solo sport; it is recommended that there be a three boat minimum on any trip and that at least one paddler be very familiar with the river.
Rapid Learning Whitewater Program
Outdoor Chattanooga hosts the Rapid Learning Whitewater Program year round. Adults and kids ages 8 and older can build a solid base of paddling skills to carry them to whitewater streams all over the country. Equipment and instruction are included. Beginners are encouraged.
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Rivers are classified on a rating scale of I - VI. The technical difficulty and danger of a rapid increases with the number (see classifications below). Rainfall and dam releases also effect classifications. To access river guage information on Chattanooga area rivers, visit American Whitewater's Rivers Database below.
There are many Class II-V runs in the Chattanooga region, with dam controlled rivers suitable for beginners and experts and free flowing creeks suitable for experts only.
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Whitewater River Classifications
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
