Learn to whitewater kayak with Outdoor Chattanooga’s Rapid Learning Whitewater Program.
Rapid Learning provides formal kayak instruction, including all the equipment, for beginning and novice kayakers with the goal teach you how to safely and comfortably paddle up to class III whitewater. Our instructors have years of experience teaching and are nationally certified. 

Start any time during this year round program with the Introduction to Kayaking Skills Class.  During the first free class, learn the essential skills and safe paddling techniques in the calm waters of the lake or pool. Continue your instruction in the regularly offered classes which builds upon previously learned skills and at a pace according to comfort level.  Instruction is provided within a group setting with an emphasis on proper equipment and gear fit, skill-building, goal-setting, and safety.

Equipment is provided, or paddlers may bring their own gear to practice using. Skills classes and the Rapid Learning Program are most appropriate for ages 8 and older. Minors must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. 

Begin the Rapid Learning program with the pool/lake class –Intro to Kayaking and Skills Practice–which is the first step in your commitment to learning this sport and building and maintaining the essential skills.  Instructional and equipped river trips offer the opportunity to learn to read moving water and practice kayaking in moving whitewater.  River trips are available in June, July and August for participants with the Rapid Learning Whitewater Program.  

Try It!
Your first visit is free! 
This offers the chance to try kayaking before you commit. 

POOL~Introduction to Kayaking and Skills Practices are held during the winter months at Southern Adventist University’s Hulsey Wellness Center in the indoor swimming pool on Tuesdays.  FIRST TIMERS at the pool must attend the 6:45 pm to 7:30 pm introduction session!  Returning students must arrive by 7:30 pm for skills practice in the pool and class ends at 8:45 pm  Locker rooms close at 9pm.    Please be on time!

LAKE~During the warmer months beginning mid- May, classes are held weekly on Wednesdays at Hamilton County’s Chester Frost Park on the Chickamauga Lake in Hixson, TN.  There are 2 sessions from 6pm to 7pm or enjoy our 2nd sessions from 7pm to 8pm.   

Join Us!
Annual Instructional Enrollment
Learning to whitewater kayak is fun and exciting, yet takes time, practice, and a commitment to learn the essential skills to be safe and successful.   Outdoor Chattanooga has been teaching the Rapid Learning Whitewater Kayak program for almost 30 years, teaching people to paddle and building community.  It may be possible that this style of kayaking is not for you; however, the skills taught in the intro classes DO translate to recreational style kayaking.  See our schedule for additional types of kayak and canoe instructional programs.

Rapid Learning Program includes the use of a variety of whitewater kayaks, equipment, and skill building instruction at practices. The instructional blocks (used to be called memberships) 
are valid for one year from date of purchase. Individual annual instruction is for $75, or the family membership for $125/year.  This structure ensures that you take the time to learn the sport safely and with guided practice.  Be a part of the whitewater community! 

www.outdoorchattanooga.com for more information on this program

Winter Location:
 Southern Adventist University Hulsey Wellness Center
4870 University Drive
Collegedale, TN 37315
Tuesdays 7:00 – 8:00 p.m. First Session and 8:00 pm- 9:00 pm Second Session

WINTER INDOOR POOL DATES 2023-2024
Tuesdays

Dec 5
Jan 16
Feb 13
March 19
and a volunteer training class for Rapid Learning upcoming summer season
April 9 ( volunteer training  )
May-Sept 2024- back at Chickamauga Lake weekly and is moved to Wednesdays

The Hulsey Wellness Center’s 75 x 40-foot pool is 3 – 10 feet deep and is maintained at 81 to 85 degrees.
One-piece swimsuits are required.
Pool admission is required: $2 per adult/$1 per child aged 15 and younger and is paid at the Hulsey Center pool entrance.

If you are bringing your own kayak, it must be CLEAN (no dirt/leaves/debris/spiderwebs), and you may drop it off at the back door of the pool rather than carry it through the center.  
First time participants do not have to be Rapid Learning Members, but they still must pay pool admission.
All first time participants under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Rapid Learning Members age 18 or under must have a signed release form from their parent or legal guardian.

http://goo.gl/maps/nqq1K
Map to pool

Contact Us
423.643.6888 or info@outdoorchattanooga.com