Paddling clinics free on Saturday

Interested in the mushrooming water activity of standup paddleboarding but not sure how to get into it?

Here's your chance. Make that chances. Two in the next five days.

Outdoor Chattanooga and Rock/Creek go beyond just SUP in their Paddlesports Clinic & Demo Day this Saturday at Harrison Bay State Park, but that's a big part of the day - with "SUP Yoga" and "SUP 101" options at 10 a.m. and "SUP Racing 101" at 11:30 and then sprint races from 1 to 3 p.m.

The open demonstrations and paddling clinics also includle canoeing, dragon boating, kayak fishing, whitewater and flat-water kayaking, paddling techniques and "Paddle With Your Pooch." Anyone interested can sign up at the park or at www.rockcreek.com/event or call OC at 643-6888.

Then on Tuesday, Rock/Creek is helping the city of Chattanooga's aquatics program provide SUP basics at the Warner Park pool at 5:30 and 6:30 p.m. For $10 someone can learn how to get on the board, stay on the board and do some basic maneuvers. Each time has a maximum of six participants, though, so register ahead of time with Peggy Grall at grall_p@chattanooga.gov or 697-1385.

"Standup paddleboarding is the fastest growing aspect of the outdoors market," Outdoor Chattanooga's Ruth Thompson said Wednesday. "And I can see that here."

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