The Paddle Tattler
April 1, 2022

Paddle School 2022:
Registration Re-Opens!

Thanks to the hours of hard work and dedication by Meryl Stark to get this back up and running!!!
While you are registering, please get your raffle tickets for TWO Brand New WW Boats! (Dagger Rewind & Apex Ringer)

The more you purchase the lower the price for each.
Pictured here is the Apex Ringer, one of the boats up for raffle.
Please remember, paddle school is open to members only!!!!
Please ensure your membership is current. Non-members trying to register will need to join TVCC and pay the membership fee. This includes family members who are not listed on a member’s registration.
Questions? Dian Lawhon: vp@tvccpaddler.com
Students: Read Class/Course Descriptions below before starting registration process.
STUDENTS ONLY Registration: Click Here
Space is limited and members should sign up soon to reserve their spot.
Instructors & Support Boaters Registration has begun Follow this link to register:
INSTRUCTORS & SUPPORT BOATERS Registration
June 3rd, 4th & 5th Instructor Registration has begun
NON – PADDLERS & EXTRAS

PS 2022 Raffle Prizes:

Apex WaterCraft Ringer (Eric Jackson’s newest whitewater boat)
Dagger Rewind
PS 2022 Auction Items:
Around 40 items in total, including:
Two Dagger Sit On Tops with Gear
Sundance Marimba Necklace
Chattanooga Whiskey Co. 111 Proof in a TVCC Gift Box Set
Werner Amigo Paddle (197 cm)
To Celebrate Surviving that First Decent, a fun day on the water, or just hanging out at the campsite, This Limited Edition Gift Box Set comes with two glasses, ready to open and enjoy! (off the water of course!!)
Class and Course Descriptions:
Whitewater Course Descriptions – Kayak & Canoe (subject to change)

Level 1

This class is for those with little or no experience river experience. Students will learn and become comfortable with fundamental paddling skills and maneuvers. Students will work on wet exits (kayak), paddle strokes, eddy‐turns, peel‐outs, and ferries in Class I/II whitewater. Classes begin on flatwater and progress to easy moving water (or whitewater).
This level is perfect for those that:
Have never been in a boat before
Have only been on the river a handful of times
Have never taken any kind of previous instruction

Level 2

This class is for paddlers with some river experience, but who are still building confidence in Class II whitewater. Students will build on and refine their skills to go beyond the basic level, review strokes and maneuvers, work on rolls, and gain more river experience.
This level is perfect for those that:
Have at least some river experience
May or may not have taken some formal or informal instruction
Are comfortable with basic paddle strokes and maneuvers

Level 3

This class is for paddlers who are solid on Class II whitewater and have a 50/50 whitewater combat roll. Focus is on more advanced river running skills, surfing, and fine‐tuning your roll.
This level is perfect for those who:
Are comfortable on Class II Whitewater
Have completed significant instruction; Have at least a 50/50 combat roll

Level 4

Expect to work in this class as you fine-tune your skills on Class 2-3 rapids. The whole class will work as a team for boaters refine edging, ferries in stronger moving current, and other technical moves as they surf, side surf, and play in holes.
This level is perfect for those who:
Have a WW roll
Can self-rescue/assist in rescuing others
Want to be pushed on skills

Stand Up Paddleboard (SUP) (Limit 5 Participants)

This class is for paddleboarders who want to improve SUP performance and build core strength by incorporating ACA essential skills of Stand Up Paddleboarding.
We will initially cover basic water safety and awareness, evaluate equipment, and break down strokes and maneuvers on flatwater. Then we will run the Lower Ocoee from Dam 1 to 2 Rivers campground. This section of the Ocoee is considered Class I conditions with current and obstacles.
Quick-release leashes, coast guard approved life jacket of type 2 or 3, and shoes are required for Class I conditions.
This class is ideal for paddleboarders who have not had previous instruction but are comfortable on their board and in the water (we will practice safe falling and getting back on the board as well as rescues), paddleboarders who would like to incorporate solid skills to impact performance and endurance, and paddleboarders who would like to get comfortable running Class I water.

Flatwater Course Descriptions

Traditional Flatwater

This group will be covering safety, gear, practicing self and assisted rescue techniques, paddle strokes, and much more. Suitable boat types are Sea Kayaks, Recreational Kayaks, Canoes, and Sit On Tops. Paddling will primarily be on Parksville Lake and a Flatwater section of the Ocoee River. No experience required for this class.

Recreational Kayaking / River Running on Class I Water

This group is for Recreational Kayak paddlers who want to learn to better maneuver their boats down creeks and rivers containing current and obstacles.
• Suitable boat types are, Recreational Kayaks, and Sit-On-Top Kayak (flotation devices will be required for kayaks that could fill with water).
• Students in this class will learn basic paddling & self-rescue skills. Classes will be conducted in flatwater on day one and then move to moving water on the Lower Hiwassee (Class I) from Reliance to the 411 bridge – day 2. Some Flatwater experience is preferred. Note: There will be rocks and current on the section of river you will be on.
• If you have questions on the suitability of your boat, or whether a sprayskirt is required or helmet should be worn, our instructor will be in contact you to answer any questions
• Students will be expected to exit their boats for several skills and drills, and participate in both self and buddy assisted rescues.

TVCC Performed A Major Clean-Up on South Chickamauga Creek on March 19, 2022

By Dixie Riall

There were approximately 20 to 25 volunteers to help with the clean-up of the creek running through Audubon Acres Nature Center in Chattanooga, TN. Collected were approximately 30 bags of trash and invasive plants from along the river bank.
Due to the abundance of rain, rushing water and fallen trees the conditions for putting our boats in were deemed unsafe.
Therefore we picked up trash, and removed invasive plants along the river’s edge using rakes, gloves and trash bags.
We thanked the volunteers with aluminum water bottles, t-shirts and food. This endeavor created new relationships and encouraged people to be better stewards of the river. Hopefully, other people will hear about and feel the excitement of such a program.
Tennessee Valley Canoe Club put notices of the clean-up in multiple places to make sure it was well advertised.
Two years ago we adopted this stretch of the river through a program with Waterways of Chattanooga. Waterways and Audubon Acres as a result of our adoption put out notices encouraging people to volunteer to assist in the clean-up.
Sierra Club and Green Grace Episcopal Church also put out notices to encourage participation. As a result there were several relationships strengthen and new ones created. It is my hope as conservationist and environmentalist that we set a good example of what stewardship is about.

Boating & Birding: A Maclellan Island Adventure | All Proceeds Go Back To Wildlife Protection

By Laura Marsh

Experience Conservation in ACTION with a Bird Research and Paddle Trip!
Join us for Nova Conservation’s first in-person event on April 23, 2022! We’ll spend the morning paddling out to Maclellan Island, a true jewel in the heart of downtown Chattanooga. The island is owned by Chattanooga Audubon Society, a local nonprofit.
When: April 23, 2022 from 9 am – 1 pm
What: A short paddle (SUPaddleboards and kayaks will be available), and participants will help with hands-on citizen science: banding birds, and conducting a bird survey via hike.
Cost: $65 without rental, $75 to rent a craft, more for additional donations to the island
Where: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/boating-birding-a-maclellan-island-adventure-tickets-235583425367
Don’t want to paddle? Now we have a “Non-paddle” option! This is a boat tour, generously sponsored by Chattanooga Riverbenders, that will take place after the bird banding. We will tour around Maclellan Island at 1 pm, and Laura will lead a bird hike on the island, returning at 3 pm. Local vendors will provide snack options. This option is from 1-3 pm and will not include bird banding.
When: April 23, 2022 from 1 pm – 3 pm
What: Motorized boat cruise around the island (thanks to Chattanooga Riverbenders) and a hike on the island. Snacks will be provided.
Cost: $100
All proceeds for this event will go to the restoration and preservation of the island as an urban wildlife sanctuary.*
—
Laura Marsh, MSc
Founder & CEO, Nova Conservation

Flat Water Paddlers Visit Harrison Ruins

By Susan Carroll

Ten paddlers gathered on Saturday 3/26 to paddle to what was the old townsite of Harrison, prior to it being flooded by the Chickamauga Dam in 1940. Remaining foundations, steps, etc. are still there for exploring. The water level was up from recent heavy rains, so we were unable to walk around, but many sites were still accessible by boat. It was a windy day, with white capping water. The weather reported gusts up to 38 mph. Most will agree it was a strong paddle. All did well, and far exceeded any WOD (workout of the day) at a gym on a rowing machine. The day was rounded out with lunch and margaritas at Las Margaritas.
Thank you Ben Johnson for picking up litter at the boat ramp!
I’ve included a Harrison Ruins map provided by Mike Seeber, and a link to trip photos taken by David Pond.
REMINDER
Update Your Membership if you aren’t current…only members can attend paddle school!!!
Every member in TVCC is or will be receiving an email from Neon One asking you to reset your password. THIS IS NOT A SCAM!!! In order to maintain your information in the new web platform, your MUST click the link and reset your user name and password. Family accounts may have issues, And if any problems contact Daivd Riall at webmaster@tvccpaddler.com
This will renew/reset your password which is REQUIRED before you can register for Paddle School. When renewing, please take care to note what a “family membership” includes. A family membership includes two or more family members such as a couple and their children under the age of 18 who reside in the same household. This includes married couples and domestic partnerships only.
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Gwen English
Cajun Lady
Wilderness Tours – Ottawa River

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Tennessee Valley Canoe Club, PO Box 23772, Chattanooga, TN 37422