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August 16, 2007
Tennessee River Blueway Canoe and Kayak Race
This just in from Ruthie at Outdoor Chattanooga:
Outdoor Chattanooga and the City of Chattanooga Parks and Recreation Department will present the first annual Tennessee River Blueway Canoe and Kayak Race on Saturday, September 22. The race, sponsored by Merrill Lynch and Rock Creek Outfitters, will feature a 4-mile downriver course on the Tennessee River, starting at South Chickamauga Creek and ending at Ross’ Landing on the downtown Chattanooga waterfront.
Competition will be open to kayakers and canoeists with categories for racing kayaks, long and short canoes and kayaks, and tandem kayaks. Trophies will be awarded for the winnersof sixteen categories. All participants will receive a goodie bag, free lunch, and a chance fordoor prizes.
The entry fee will be $25 per person, with all proceeds going toward upgrading facilities and information resources (Web and print) for Tennessee River Blueway users.
“The Blueway has been a designated river trail since 2002,” says Outdoor Chattanooga Executive Director Philip Grymes. “We’ve had canoeists and kayakers using the trail in a limited way, but now it’s time to ramp up the information available to paddlers who may want to explore this amazing resource.”
“A canoe and kayak race is a great way to have some fun and introduce paddlers to the downtown Chattanooga section of the trail,” adds Grymes.
The original idea for the Blueway was conceived by the Tennessee River Gorge Trust and the National Park Service River Trails and Conservation Assistance program in 2001. The 50-mile corridor flows from Chickamauga Dam to Nickajack Dam in Marion County, Tennessee.
Boat launches and primitive campsites through the Tennessee River Gorge allow paddlers to use the trail for multi-day camping excursions, as well as single day trips. The goal of the canoe and kayak race is to raise funds to improve facilities and create a central resource for paddlers wishing to navigate the Blueway.
“Right now, kayakers have to rely on several different agencies to make campground reservations, get reliable river maps, put-in locations, and even find grocery stores along the trail,” says Grymes. “The entry fees from the Canoe and Kayak race will help us launch a Website and print useable information about the trail.”
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 8, 2007
Contact: Ruth Cartlidge Thompson
Outdoor Chattanooga Events Coordinator
(423) 643-6889
ruth@outdoorchattanooga.com
www.outdoorchattanooga.com
About the Tennessee River Blueway:
Formed by the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) in the 1930’s, and designated as a river trail in 2002, the Tennessee River Blueway flows through Chattanooga and the Tennessee River Gorge for 50 miles, from Chickamauga Dam to Nickajack Dam. It provides opportunities for canoeists and kayakers to take day trips, or camp overnight in marinas, parks, or in one of five designated primitive sites. As the trail passes through Chattanooga and the Tennesse River Gorge, it flows through lands managed by the Chattanooga Audubon Society, the Tennessee River Gorge Trust, TVA, the National Forest Service, Marion County and Hamilton County, TN, and the City of Chattanooga. Through a cooperative effort, it is envisioned that a long-term, grassroots, self-sustaining organization will be created to coordinate stewardship and development of a broad network of Blueways within the Tennessee River Watershed.
About Outdoor Chattanooga:
A division of the City of Chattanooga’s Parks and Recreation Department, Outdoor Chattanooga has been encouraging people to nurture and explore the natural beauty of our region since 2003. By promoting outdoor recreation as signature lifestyle, Outdoor Chattanooga strives to increase tourism, attract new residents to the community, and enhance the health and well-being of citizens and visitors alike. We promote events as diverse as professional cycling and family canoeing to hunter safety clinics and rowing regattas. We support the efforts of local and regional conservation agencies, and help local outdoor organizations promote their activities. Whether from a river or mountaintop, or from a bicycle or kayak, Outdoor Chattanooga invites everyone to come out and play. For more information, visit www.outdoorchattanooga.com.
Events & Races | By Mark McKnight | 10:02 AM
