Ages 12 & up. Minors must be accompanied by a registered adult.
Summer is right around the corner and kayaking is a great way to enjoy Tennessee's beautiful outdoors! Our very own Ranger Demetriou is the ACA Tennessee State Director and a certified ACA instructor. We are limited to 5 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.
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
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, or you can go to the Shelby Forest General Store for a world famous burger!
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, however, if there is lightning in the forecast this class will be postponed. Everything we do in this class will be challenge by choice, which means you decide whether or not to participate in learning certain skills.
Meet on that day: Please meet your class behind the Nature Center at Poplar Tree Lake on June 7th at 8:30 am. Contact Lead Instructor and Ranger ANDe Demetriou at
YXJ0aHVyICEgZGVtZXRyaW91IHwgdG4gISBnb3Y= with any questions about registration or the class.
By registering for this class you are giving your permission for Tennessee State Parks, TWRA, ACA and the US Coast Guard Auxiliary to use any photos taken during this class.
Weather Cancellation: There is no alternate date. In the event of a weather-related cancellation by park staff on 6/6/25 or prior we will offer a full refund.
You may also like the following events from Meeman-Shelby Forest State Park:
Also check out other
Trips & Adventurous Activities in Millington,
Workshops in Millington.
