Information
LEARN TO PADDLE!
Chota Paddle School has been a great way to introduce our sport of both kayaking and canoeing to newcomers for many years. We offer beginner classes and also intermediate classes for those who are already into paddling, but wish to advance in skill level. Please join us for a great weekend of fun and adventure while you learn water safety, proper basic strokes and paddling techniques, self-rescues and assisted rescues as a group. Learn the necessary skills for touring waterways, the equipment you need, and touring skills such as how to plan a trip and pack your kayak. Also, learn how to prepare for emergency situations that you might encounter while touring.
LOCATION The Cove at Concord Park
11808 S Northshore Dr, Knoxville, TN 37922
Schedule:
Saturday, June 1:
9 a.m. - Students and instructors meet to begin classes (daily schedule will be determined by instructor)
4 p.m. - Class adjourns
6 p.m. Students and instructors will meet for dinner at a local restaurant and discuss the day. Chota bucks will be given to students to cover cost of meal up to $20.00.
Sunday, June 2:
9 a.m. - Students and instructors meet for a day paddle to practice what has been learned the previous day.
End of day - Return any rental equipment and/or club equipment.
Need rental equipment? River Sports Outfitters is the official rental supplier for Chota paddle school. They have a great deal: $50 for 2 days of sit-in kayak rental with PFD and paddle, delivered on-site to the Cove so you can just show up and enjoy school. You must arrange this rental deal in advance--click here for the River Sports Rental Site, which is separate from this registration checkout.
If this is your first paddle school, please feel free to connect with us at chotacanoeclub@gmail.com to iron out any questions you may have.
For additional questions please send email to chotatouringschool@gmail.com.
PLEASE NOTE:
Minimum age requirements:
Under 14 years of age student must be accompanied by an adult,
Under 18 years of age student must have the signature of their legal guardian
In case of inclement weather another Saturday will be scheduled for on the water training and a short paddle.
Also, through the year there will be several trips that students and other members can participate in.
Refunds of 75% can be made up to one week prior to the school
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ADDITIONAL OPTION: Join the rest of the club the following weekend, June 8 and 9th. Camp out among the stars and meet new friends. There will be a flatwater paddle Saturday on the Hiwassee, a super fun auction of all things kayaking, and a delicious meal on Saturday night. Cost of this additional weekend: $50 Camping will be at the newly renovated Ocoee River Experience, 414 Parksville Road, Benton, TN, USA. Please ensure you have the required gear when you arrive (listed below). If you need help acquiring these items, connect with us, and let us try to help. Required gear includes:
The Hiwassee River is a cold body of water, consider wearing neoprene or dri fit leggings and long sleeve shirt on the river. Remember: We don't dress for the summer air temperature, we dress for the inevitable swim outside of our boats! Emjoy a day paddle on Saturday on the river, with plenty of breaks. Meals: The Club will cater dinner on Saturday, June 8, 2024. Please bring all of your other meals, including lunches on the river. Cleveland, TN is approximately 20 min away and has several grocery shopping and restaurant options. Additional Option venue: Ocoee River Experience offers multiple lodging options, and tent camping is included in your registration at no additional cost. There are bathhouses and restrooms available to participants. There are also a limited number of hotel rooms and RV parking spots available for an additional fee. Please contact Ocoee River Experience for lodging other than tent camping. A restaurant, The Blue Hole Cafe, is also available on the property serving their world-renowned BBQ for those so inclined. Please see the link below: Ocoee River Experience: 414 Parksville Road, Benton, TN, USA
For Non-Paddling Guests Your non-paddling guest is welcome to come camp and socialize too! They must register for camping and dinner below, which does not require a Chota Canoe Club membership. Registration Tip:
Auction The annual auction held during paddle school is our primary fundraiser. The money we earn Saturday night is used to pay for kayak and canoe instructor certifications, cover the expenses to host social events throughout the year, and we generously donate to watershed coalitions for local conservation efforts, among other activities. If you have any items to donate to the auction, please contact chotacanoeclub@gmail.com. Feel free to be as creative or generous as you like! |