Whitewater Paddling. 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.
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 paddling encompasses running non-motorized boats through rivers and streams that drop vertically as they progress through a variety of terrains, from steep mountain gorges to more leisurely pasture and meadowlands. The gradient of the water forms the "white" water as it works its way past rocks and other river features that conspire to form rapids. Whitewater paddling appeals to those who enjoy spectacular scenery and observing rare plants and wildlife but who love experiencing various degrees of adrenaline rushes at the same time.
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 II rivers generally have obvious routes but require some degree of maneuverability - these are good rivers for the beginning paddler; class III rivers do not always have obvious routes, require maneuvering within the rapids, and paddlers should have the ability to eddy turn, peel out, ferry, and brace, but if a paddler makes a mistake he or she will probably be able to recover from it - intermediate paddler level; class IV rivers are marked with more difficult river hazards and require much more aggressive paddling along with the ability to make quick decisions - advanced paddler level; class V is markedly more difficult than class IV and should only be attempted by expert paddlers. Within any river the rapids can vary as to what class they are so paddlers should have familiarized themselves with the rivers before putting on and be prepared to walk around (not always an easy thing) anything that surpasses their skill level.
In addition to running rivers whitewater paddling has come to include what is commonly referred to as "park and play" where a paddler plays in holes and waves without descending the river. Playboats have been designed for just this type of whitewater activity and there are freestyle competitions where these boaters can show off their loops, cartwheels, and other uniquely named aerial moves.
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.
Traditional whitewater boats have been: kayaks (K-1 for solo or K-2 for tandem) where the paddler sits in the boat with legs extended forward, uses a double-bladed paddle, and wears a "skirt" which covers the cockpit (decked boat); open canoes (OC-1 for solo or OC-2 for tandem) where the paddler kneels in the boat and uses a single-bladed paddle (open cockpit); and decked canoes (C-1 if solo or C-2 if tandem) where the paddler kneels in the boat, uses a single-bladed paddle, and wears a "skirt" which covers the cockpit (decked boat). On rivers up to and including some class III rapids it is now common to see sit-on-tops, inflatable kayaks (funyaks), and recreational kayaks as well. Rafting is another means of running a river. River etiquette should be learned and practiced by all who participate in whitewater paddling. Safety and rescue training skills should also be learned by those who participate regularly.
