IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION FOR PADDLEBOARDING AND KAYAKING IN EAST TN
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — From lakes to rivers to quarries, East Tennessee has no shortage of opportunities to hit the water.With the rise in popularity of kayaks and stand-up paddleboards (SUPs), these outdoor adventures are more accessible than ever.
Whether you’re an experienced paddler or thinking of trying it out for the first time, there are some tips to consider to make your trip fun and safe.
Before you go:
Get familiar with your equipment. Make sure your paddle is the proper length (a SUP paddle T grip should touch the palm of your hand when you reach above your head). Rental places are great resources to ask questions.
“We get people in daily that have never kayaked or paddle boarded and they have a great time, and it’s just a matter of putting yourself out there and asking questions if you don’t know,” said Jon Terry, the owner and proprietor of Knoxville Adventure Collective.
Check the weather.
Pay attention to lake levels, river currents and generation flows around dams, especially after heavy rains. You can check the lake levels on TVA’s website.
Make a plan and tell someone. Know where you’re going and how long you plan to be out.
“You don’t want to get yourself caught in a situation that gets you over your head,” Terry said
While it’s not required for kayaks and paddleboards, TWRA still invites anyone to its free boating safety course. It is required for anyone born after Jan. 1, 1989, to use a boat that is motorized or sail-driven. A fishing license is required for everyone 13 and up.
What you need:
You need to have a life jacket on board, and everyone under 13 years old needs to wear one, even if you’re just floating around.
Jeff Roberson, a wildlife officer with the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency, said about 25% of the state’s waterway fatalities involve paddlesports: canoes, kayaks and paddleboards.
“A lot of time just because they’re not wearing that life jacket. They fall overboard unexpectedly or they’re ejected and can’t reboard or they can’t swim back to their boat,” Roberson said.
Wear sunscreen. Bring plenty of water. It’s hot outside.
