Outdoor Chattanooga And Rock/Creek To Host Paddlesports Clinics And Demo Day June 20

  • Tuesday, May 26, 2015

The public is invited to join Outdoor Chattanooga and Rock/Creek for a free day of kayaking, canoeing, stand-up paddle boarding (SUP), dragon boating, kayak fishing, SUP racing and paddling education at the Outdoor Chattanooga - Rock/Creek Paddlesports Clinics and Demo Day, happening on Saturday, June 20, from 10:00 a.m. to 2 p.m., at Harrison Bay State Park.

The paddling festival will feature beginner skills clinics and open paddling demo sessions--all designed to familiarize the public with programs, activities, and paddle craft that will allow them to enjoy the Chattanooga area’s many lakes and rivers

"With all the accessible waterways in the Chattanooga area, it's important that we introduce people to safe, fun, and inexpensive ways to enjoy these recreation resources," said Outdoor Chattanooga Executive Director Philip Grymes. "By partnering with Rock/Creek and other area clubs and outfitters, we are able to bring some of the best knowledge and gear in the paddlesports industry to Chattanooga, for free.”

From 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., the event will feature a variety of skills clinics.  Rock/Creek will offer stand-up paddle boarding, kayak fishing, recreational kayaking & paddling accessories clinics that will showcase gear from Wilderness Systems Kayaks, Jackson Kayaks, Hobie Fishing Kayaks, Werner Paddles, Astral & many more.  Each 30-minute clinic will touch on the different types of watercraft design and the unique properties and characteristics of each.  Every clinic will include a hands-on demonstration experience to allow the user to get a feel for how each board, boat, and accessory fulfills a unique need in paddling situations. 

At the same time, Waconda Bay SUP Yoga will offer an introduction to stand-up paddleboard yoga, no previous yoga or paddling experience is required to try out a few basic yoga poses--on a paddleboard! Also, Sowega Kayaks together with the City of Chattanooga will host an ‘Adaptive Paddling Clinic’ to get an idea what it takes to get on the water in a kayak despite some limitations.

Everyone is welcome to join for the clinics in the morning, no experience necessary.  Pre-registration is required as equipment is limited, reserve a spot here: www.rockcreek.com/demo

Chad Wykle, lead buyer from Rock/Creek, said, “We’re excited to work with the City and local paddlers to have a fun day out on the water and to bring some of the top vendors in the industry to this event. We’ve tried to create a variety of activities that will appeal to everyone from total beginners to experienced paddlers. We’re also pumped about hosting everyone for a Pint Night after a fun day on the water. We’re doing that at our paddlesports store and outlet across from Boathouse Restaurant on Riverside Drive.”

The open public demo starts at noon and attendees can try out boats & boards for up to 20 minutes. Experienced paddlers will be there to help you with quick lessons on how to get into your boat without tipping, as well as teach the basic paddling strokes to ensure a stable and fun ride. Vendors will provide a variety of fishing kayaks, touring kayaks, recreation kayaks, stand-up paddleboards and dragon boats. In addition, a variety of community booths will be onsite to provide the public with additional information about the area’s paddling resources.

At 2 p.m. Rock/Creek will host a fun SUP sprint race. Grown-ups, and kids alike, are invited to join in this novice-friendly SUP race as competitors will race about a half a mile on SUP boards provided by Rock/Creek. 

Participants should come prepared to get wet and bring water and sun protection. Sturdy river shoes, swim shoes or old tennis shoes are recommended. A limited supply of personal flotation devices will be made available for the demo. It's highly recommended to bring along a life jacket if you have access to one.

The event will happen at the far end of Harrison Bay State Park, just past Campground #3. (http://tnstateparks.com/assets/pdf/additional-content/park-maps/harrison-bay_park-map.pdf)

After all the fun and fresh air at Harrison Bay State Park, the day will end with a Pint Night at Rock/Creek Paddlesports Store at Riverside Drive, from 5-7 p.m. Come hang out with R/C, a wide selection of boats, and paddling friends as they celebrate the end of a great day on the water.  A $5 donation will get you a pint glass filled with a locally brewed beer with proceeds benefitting the North Chickamauga Creek Conservancy. Further details to come.

SCHEDULE:

10 a.m.-noon: 30 minute Paddling Clinics at Harrison Bay *pre-register here*

Noon - 2 p.m.: Public Demo Day at Harrison Bay (no registration required)

2 p.m.: Just For Fun SUP Race at Harrison Bay - all ages & abilities welcome

5 p.m.: Pint Night at Rock/Creek Paddlesports & Outlet

See who is coming on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/events/369968259876888/

 

 

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