Kayak, Conoe, Rafting and Swimmers too.
 

Do you paddle? I do now...

I moved to SE Tenn. last October. I've never given whitewater a second thought, until I saw the Ocoee River.

I've been bugging one of my co-workers to take me kayaking. He has a tandem, a creekrunner, and a playboat. He admits to never have taking a safety course and offers little in the way of tips and advice other than "get in."

Occaisionally he and I go for a ride in my Miata. I don't know why, he just likes to ride in it. Well on the last ride we went over to the Hiawassee River in Reliance, TN. Over to the TVA generator. He wants me to look and see if this is a place I felt like kayaking.

Not as much whitewater as the Ocoee but more rocks. I was ready.

Yesterday we got out of work at 7:30 am, and went to check the Appalachie Generator Water Release Schedule. 8:30 to 11:00 am was the schedule. We got there at 10am.

We get there and park his car at the "get out" and drive to the "put in". I put on his sisters yellow and pink pfd, and his red and grey camo helmet and we "get in".

"where's my paddle?" me
"on your right side, wedged next to the seat" Matt
"thats not a paddle, thats a popsicle stick" me
"yeah, nice life preserver too. you know they filmed some parts of Deliverance in these parts, right?" Matt
que banjos

The first small section of rapids, I got soaked, 'cause I'm in the front and all. By this time, I've found out that this little safety spare paddle is for looks. The second section of rapids fills the boat with water. Matt guides us behind a large boulder, where the water is calm, but while we are sideways in the current, we get a chance to practice swimming.

This same story repeats itself 4 times and he gets us to shore to walk back to my truck (1hr) because he so pissed from swimming so much.

For the 35 mins i actually spent "kayaking".....I'm hooked. Can't wait to go again. I've found an endless supply of Perception Sit on Tops for $100 and I'm getting one on payday... I'm so fucking excited. And sore.

I just got back from my 3-river trip today. You'll love the martini time photos. 8-drunks on kayaks and rafts with several thousand dollars in booze, 38" RV, and you'll like the pics.

haha...sounds like fun...in for paddle report

Which rivers did you hit? We're still working our way up to moving water.


OP: A good paddle makes all the difference, invest in one, check CL because all kinds of BMWdouches like to buy outdoor gear they never use, and let it go cheap sometimes.

Protective gear is like anything else, important. Safety is cheap, comfort will cost. Buy as much and as nice as you can afford. When you start paddling all day you'll really appreciate the nicer design and fabrics of the Body Glove and better life preservers. Also make sure you're getting one designed for paddling and not just boating, it will be less intrusive to your stroke, paddling or swimming. Most boat jackets are just made to hold you up, and I've learned a paddling jacket will allow you the chance to catch up with your kayak if you can swim for shit.

I go rafting every year near me in the pocono's. It's hardly challenging, but it's a ton of fun. This will be year 8 or 9 that we've been doing it too. Drinking + Camping + Rafting = Awesome weekend.

Big Piney and the Mulberry in AR. You can get 10' boats at Dick's Sporting Goods for $250 now.

cool, sounds fun