Description: Adaptive Kayaking 101 with ACA at Booker T. Washington
Location: Booker T. Washington State Park
Adaptive Kayaking 101 at Booker T. Washington State Park
10 am to 4 pm
Ages 10 & up. Minors must be accompanied by a registered adult.
Join us for an inclusive kayaking experience specifically designed for individuals with disabilities. Whether you're new to the water or an experienced paddler, this event offers a safe, supportive environment with specialized equipment and trained staff to meet your needs.
Adaptive kayaking focuses on making the joy of paddling accessible to everyone. Our program includes modified kayaks, assistive gear, and personalized support to accommodate various mobility challenges.
NOTE: This event is for individuals with disabilities who wish to enjoy the water, build confidence, and connect with a community that understands and supports adaptive recreation. Adaptive paddlers and anyone assisting must be a registered participant.
No prior kayaking experience is required—just bring your spirit of adventure!
Summer is right around the corner and kayaking is a great way to enjoy Tennessee's beautiful outdoors! Tennessee State Parks and the certified paddlesports instructors of ACA Tennessee are teaming up to get you started! As part of National Safe Boating Week, certified ACA Kayak instructors are volunteering their time to offer you a special opportunity to take these classes for just $15. Typically, these same classes would cost between $75 and $150! We are limited to 15 slots per class so sign up now! All types of kayaks are welcome.
If you are new to paddling, looking to meet paddling friends or have had a bad experience and are looking to learn a better way to go about it, sign up now. Please reach out to contact us with any questions.
To take part in our adaptive kayaking program we require kayakers to meet the following essential eligibility criteria:
- Able to manage all personal care and mobility independently or with a personal guide/sighted guide
- Get in and out of a kayak independently (or with some assistance from a trained person)
- Maintain airway control
- Be able to do a back float with a personal flotation device (PFD) on
- Maintain a closed mouth water seal
- Be able to roll yourself from face down to face up in the water without aid while wearing a personal floatation device (PFD)
Below is a short list of the types of things that will be covered in the class:
- Trip planning, preparation, and prevention
- What equipment you should carry
- Parts of the boat, parts of the paddle
- Understanding how bulkheads/floatation help make you safer
- How to properly carry & transport your boat
- Basic posture for full body paddling and boat control
- Basic paddling strokes
- How to get in and out of your boat properly
- How to re-enter a kayak if you capsize in deep water (multiple methods for self and assisted rescue)
- How to empty a swamped boat
- How to tow a swimmer
If you need to borrow a kayak, paddle and life jacket, you will have the option to add one to your registration at no extra charge during the registration process. Tennessee State Parks and Outdoor Chattanooga are making both standard and specialized adaptive paddling equipment available to you at no charge as a special opportunity for this class during National Safe Boating Week.
What to bring:
- Camp chair
- Life Jacket* (You will be required to wear your life jacket at all times when on the water.)
- Paddle
- Kayak
- Plenty of Water to drink
- Sunscreen or hat
- Strap for your glasses
- Lunch and snacks (We will break for lunch but we will all eat together and then resume the class so we all need to bring our lunches.)
What to wear: Keep in mind we will be paddling and practicing skills for what to do if you capsize, so you will get wet.
- Quick drying fabrics and shorts are better for paddling than cotton clothing (which will just keep you wet and cold all day).
- Please do not wear flip flops. Closed-toe river shoes or sneakers are perfect. You need shoes that attach at your ankles and provide some amount of traction.
Weather: We will meet Rain or Shine so that we can take advantage of this time with these instructor volunteers to at least receive land-based education. If the weather conditions are questionable your Lead Instructor will make safety-based decisions about when and whether to go on the water and you will always have the opportunity to choose your own level of involvement. Everything we do in this class will be challenge by choice.
Meet on that day: Please park at the fishing dock parking lot. There are accessible bathrooms and changing rooms located there. We will meet in the area adjacent to the fishing dock, look for the canopies.
Contact Ranger Robert Thomas at robert.thomas@tn.gov with any questions about registration. Contact Lead Instructor Nick Lilley at nick_lilley@na.honda.com with any questions about the class.
By registering for this class I am hereby giving my permission for Tennessee State Parks, TWRA, ACA and the US Coast Guard Auxiliary to use any photos taken during this class.
Due to the special circumstances and the many volunteers involved in the delivery of this course, we are unable to reschedule your engagement or offer refunds.
Weather Cancellation: There is no alternate date. In the event of a weather-related cancellation by park staff on 5/15/24 or prior we will offer a full refund.
Event Document:
Essential Eligibility Criteria
Program Host: ANDe Demetriou - ACA TN State Director
Contact Email: TNStateDirector@americancanoe.net
Contact Phone: (901) 876-5201
Meeting Place: Fishing Dock Parking Lot
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