Tennessee River Blueway Canoe and Kayak Race

The BornToPaddle.com team had a great showing (two 1st place finishes and two 2nd place finishes) at the 2008 Tennessee River Blueway Canoe and Kayak Race this past weekend in Chattanooga, TN.

The event, staged by Outdoor Chattanooga, suffered a bit in attendance this year. We can only assume that the gas shortage of middle Tennessee played a large part. Estimated attendance was about 30 paddlers, down from about 50 paddlers last year.

The course was changed this year from a point-to-point to an out-and-back. There were also two courses available this year, a two mile loop and a six mile loop, and a slew of categories. Door prizes included some great looking PFDs courtesy of Rock Creek Outfitters, a local Chattanooga outdoor shop. We were a bit disappointed that there was no paddlers-only raffles, as quite a few paddlers walked away empty handed (unless you call a frisbee or a water bottle a door prize), while spectators and volunteers seemed to do quite well in the give-aways.

Paddler’s did receive a useful mini dry bag and carabiner. First place winners got a certificate and Blueway T-Shirt, second and third placers got a certificate. Everyone enjoyed a free BBQ lunch, and they even remembered us vegetarians – thanks!

For anyone not familiar with kayaking and canoeing opportunities in Chattanooga, this race is a good intro to the area and to the Tennessee River. Chattanooga has done an excellent job with their downtown river area. The river is easily accessible to paddlers from a variety of put-ins and plenty of nearby parking on both sides of the river.

The river itself is quite beautiful from the shore, but to truly appreciate it you need to get in it with your canoe or kayak. McClellan/Audubon Island, in the center of the river closest to Ross’s Landing in downtown, is a great place to pull over for a rest and check out the wide array of bird life. There are several paddling destinations along the river, so day and overnight paddles are possible along the 26 miles that comprise the Tennessee River Gorge. Find out more about the Tennessee River Gorge by clicking here.

Have you paddled Chattanooga or the Tennessee River? Click here to let us know about your trip!