Outdoor Chattanooga's newsletter highlights the awesome outdoor activities happening in and around Chattanooga that will connect you to the outdoors and inspire you to come out and play with us! |
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Outdoor Chattanooga Programs and Events |
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Rapid Learning
Every Wednesday
First Session: 6pm-7pm
Second Session: 7pm-8pm
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The summer Rapid Learning program is back! Join Outdoor Chattanooga every Wednesday this summer to learn all things whitewater. This program provides formal and equipped kayak instruction for beginner and seasoned kayakers to learn and develop the skills needed to safely and confidently paddle whitewater streams. From your first Rapid Learning skills development class to your first class III run, Outdoor Chattanooga's certified instructors will be right beside you offering instruction and encouragement. Start by attending our weekly Rapid Learning skills classes to learn essential skills and safe paddling techniques in the calm lake waters at Chester Frost State Park.
The classes are offered every Wednesday through September (excluding 4th of July week). Each week, there are two separate sessions. The first session goes from 6:00pm - 7:00pm and the second session is 7:00pm - 8:00pm. No reservations are required for either session and your first session is free! After that, you can pay $10 per session or sign up for an annual membership. Individual memberships are $75 for individuals or $125 for a family. The membership includes unlimited Rapid Learning sessions as well as discounts on our river trips.
After September, we will take a brief break from Rapid Learning classes. Starting in November, we begin our indoor pool classes at Southern Adventist University's Hulsey Wellness Center.
Outdoor Chattanooga provides equipment that you can borrow or you can bring your own equipment. All you will need to bring is athletic clothes, water shoes, and some stoke to learn about whitewater kayaking!
Contact Outdoor Chattanooga if you have any questions! Email info@outdoorchattanooga.com or call (423) 643-6888
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Learn to Ride a Bike
June 13 | 4 PM & 6 PM
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Let our League of American Bicyclists Certified Instructors teach you how to ride a bike using the gliding technique! With this simple and effective technique, most students are pedaling within an hour and off riding in no time.
Students will learn the ABC quick check, proper bicycle and helmet fit, safety checks, how gears and brakes work, balancing, starting and stopping, pedaling, the different types of bicycles, rules for sidewalks, greenway and neighborhood riding, roadway signage, hand signaling and more!
Contact Outdoor Chattanooga if you have any questions! Email info@outdoorchattanooga.com or call (423) 643-6888
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Classes are an hour and a half with a maximum of 5 people for quality instruction. If the class is full, we recommend joining the waitlist as space often becomes available. Bikes and helmets are available to borrow, or you may bring your own. Reservations required in advance. Recommended for ages 5+
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Learn to Skateboard
June 11 | 9:30 AM - 11 AM
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Just like in previous years, Outdoor Chattanooga is partnering with Chatt Town Skate Park to offer FREE learn to skateboard clinics! Hosted by Outdoor Chattanooga as well as local skateboarding enthusiasts and volunteers, these classes will introduce you to all things skateboarding! Whether you are just figuring out how to stand on a board or dialing in your kickflip, these classes are for you.
Each class is 90 minutes long. Outdoor Chattanooga will provide all the gear you need (skateboard, helmet, wrist guards, and elbow and knee pads). You are also welcome to bring and use your own equipment. The class will be taught by our wonderful local volunteers. Click here to register and reserve your spot today! If the class is full, we recommend joining the waitlist as space often becomes available.
2022 Remaining Classes:
- June 11 is our last class of the year!
Contact Outdoor Chattanooga if you have any questions.
Email Info@outdoorchattanooga.com or call (423) 643-6888
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This summer, Outdoor Chattanooga is bringing back its Paddle Smart Chattanooga series! The Paddle Smart Chattanooga classes are a series of courses intended to give you the confidence needed to safely and intelligently navigate Chattanooga's scenic waterways. If you have recently purchased your own kayak/canoe/sup, but find the open waterways shared by motorized watercraft to be overwhelming, then this class is for you!
Paddling safely starts before you even get on the water. Our expert staff will start by teaching you the very basics: transporting your watercraft, carrying your watercraft, and outfitting your watercraft to maximize comfort and function. After covering these fundamentals, we will jump into the core topics of the class: paddling techniques, navigation essentials, entry and exit practices, self rescue techniques, TN boater laws, and more! Participants will also receive information on additional resources for paddling in the Chattanooga area.
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Instructional classes are typically held at Chester Frost State Park, but can be subject to change. The cost is $10 per person if you have your own equipment or $35 per person if you use Outdoor Chattanooga equipment (kayak, paddle, and lifejacket). The class is appropriate for ages 10+ and youth must be accompanied by a participating adult. Pre-registration is required as class sizes are limited to ensure quality instruction in a small group setting. Click here to register online or call Outdoor Chattanooga at (423) 643-6888. See you on the water!
Summer 2022 Dates:
- Friday, June 17 6pm-8pm
- Friday July 1 6pm-8pm
- Saturday July 16 9am-11am
- Friday July 29 6pm-8pm
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Riverbend Festival is back for its 39th year! Ever since its debut in 1982, Riverbend has brought a wide variety of performers to Chattanooga covering most every music genre. What started as a way to come together downtown to celebrate our community has evolved into a three night spectacle that ranks in the top 10% of all American festivals. This year, attendees can expect an amazing lineup across three stages set along the backdrop of the Tennessee River. The festival is not only a fun-filled event, but also provides $30 million in economic impact to the Chattanooga area. Click here for more information and to purchase your wristbands!
Cost:
One Day Admission (Friday, Saturday, or Sunday only): $75
3-Day General Admission: $115
VIP - Club Riverbend (3 day): $295
Location:
Ross's Landing, Downtown Chattanooga
Date:
Friday-Sunday, June 3rd-5th
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Chattanooga Waterfront Triathlon
Sunday, June 26th
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The Chattanooga Waterfront Triathlon is back this month! This race is known as one of the best races in the country for both beginner and expert tri-racers. The race includes a fast, downriver swim, a moderately hilly two-loop bike course, and a scenic run along the stunning Tennessee Riverwalk. The race has two categories: Sprint and Olympic. The Sprint race is comprised of a 400m swim, 20k bike ride, and 5k run. The Olympic race is comprised of a 1.5k swim, 40k bike ride, and 6 mile run. Whether you are a season triathlete or aspiring to complete your first race, this 40-year-old triathlon is for you!
The course also lends itself well to spectating. Whether watching from the banks of the Tennessee river as athletes swim or along the bike loop, spectators are sure to have a great time.
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Races:
Sprint: 400m Swim | 20k Bike | 5k Run
Olympic: 1.5k Swim | 40k Bike | 6mi Run
Cost:
Individual Sprint Distance: $125
2-person Relay Sprint Distance: $155
3-person Relay Sprint Distance: $185
Individual Olympic Distance: $165
2-Person Relay Olympic Distance: $195
3-Person Relay Olympic Distance: $225
Date and Time:
Sunday, June 26th
Sprint: 6:45 am
Olympic: 7:30 am
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South Chickamauga Creek Greenway Grand Opening and Bicycle Tour
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In 1994, the Trust for Public Land began the colossal project of developing a greenway following South Chickamauga Creek from its confluence with the Tennessee River all the way to Camp Jordan. Now, nearly 30 years later, that dream has become a reality. Thanks to the Trust for Public Land and their partnership with the City of Chattanooga, all 13 miles of the South Chickamauga Creek Greenway are connected and the public can enjoy the scenic path by bike or foot. The greenway features include parking access at numerous locations along the route, 4 watercraft launches, magnificent elevated boardwalks above the wetlands, interpretive signage, and is entirely ADA accessible!
To celebrate the completion of this project, the Trust for Public Land will be partnering with Outdoor Chattanooga to offer several events to allow the public to experience the trail. The first of these will be a South Chickamauga Greenway Bicycle Tour on June 21st. This is a free tour that allows participants to either ride the entire 12 mile section of the greenway or choose to ride a shorter, 6 mile segment. Participants can either borrow a bike or bring their own. The tour is appropriate for riders ages 12 and up that are accompanied by an adult. Please note that the rental bikes only come in adult sizes and young riders will need to bring their own bike. Helmets are required and provided. Reservations are required. Click here to reserve your spot!
Cost:
Free!
Location:
South Chickamauga Creek Greenway
Date and Time:
Tuesday, June 21st from 1:00-5:00pm.
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Photo Credit: B. Biddix, saveyourcaves.org |
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Native American Cave Art in the Southeast
UC Auditorium
June 25th | 7:00pm
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The Southeastern Cave Conservancy, Inc. is hosting renowned presenter Dr. Jan F. Simek for a fund-raising lecture on Pre-Contact Native American Cave Art in the Southeast. Dr. Simek is a Distinguished Professor or Science at the University of Tennessee and the current volunteer Chief Scientist with the Southeastern Cave Conservancy, Inc.
The presentation will take place at 7:00pm on Saturday, June 25th at the UC Auditorium on University of Tennessee's campus.
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June Calendar
19: Juneteenth
19: Father's Day
25: National Canoe Day
26: Chattanooga Waterfront Triathlon
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Outdoor Chattanooga | 423.643.6888 | info@outdoorchattanooga.com |
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