Paddle, paddle, paddle! Making a splash in Tennessee’s scenic waterways

It’s hot outside! Today, we’re talking how to get out on the water to cool down.

One of the gifts of living here in Middle Tennessee is that our state is full of some of the nation’s most beautiful ponds, rivers and lakes that we can enjoy to cool down. There are so many ways to enjoy the water from swimming to paddling a kayak, canoe or paddle board, to fishing.

If you’re not familiar with how to jump in, how can you get started? And what do you need to know to stay safe?

We’re talking with local water enthusiasts about how they’re enjoying Tennessee’s natural waterways this summer — and what you need to know to get out there and join them.

Today’s Guests:

• Tennessee State Park Ranger Candace Daniels
• Joel Morales, Stand up paddle boarder
• Stephanie Sullivan, Tennessee Scenic River Association (TSRA) Operations Manager
• Gabbie, Nashville 8th grader and TSRA River Kids participant
• Geoff Luckett, American Canoe Association (ACA) Kayak and Kayak Fishing Instructor
• Blake Osborn, MSTU Outdoor Pursuits Coordinator

Today’s show was produced by Katherine Ceicys.

Learn More:

• Discover Tennessee State Parks through tnstateparks.com. Find out about boating and paddling events at Tennessee State Parks here.
• Tennessee Scene River Association helps to offer the Jack Lyle Memorial River Kids Program.
• Check out the American Canoe Association to learn more about the Angler Fishing Instruction program.
• Interested in the Kayaking 101 class offered in May at the start of National Safe Boating Week? Learn more here.
• Want to rent some gear? Learn more about MTSU’s Outdoor Equipment Rental.
• Unfortunately, paddle sport fatalities are on the rise. Most paddle sport deaths occur in easy class I or class II waterways. You can read more here: the Water Sports Foundation reports “A Record Decline In Boating Fatalities, With One Glaring Exception.“
• Check out the Coast Guard’s Recreational Boating Statistics.
• Want more water? Listen back to our episode, “Enjoying Nashville from the Cumberland River“