2 full days of instruction with ACA certified instructors
Offering fishing, kayaking, and safety skills suitable for lakes and Class I rivers
Cost includes 2 days instruction, 2 nights housing, commemorative t-shirt, and Saturday night cookout
Rental equipment available during registration (limited amount)
Suitable for Kayak Anglers age 16 and up (Minors must be accompanied by an adult also enrolled in the class)
Tennessee Fishing License required

This class offers a comprehensive approach to getting started as a Kayak Angler. You will learn kayak and safety skills that will make a day of fishing on the water more enjoyable and safer. We will build confidence in your paddling skills as well as the knowledge to be more comfortable and in control of your kayak and, of course, some time for fishing!

If you are an experienced paddler but new to fishing, this class will help you fill in the gaps on fishing knowledge. If you are an experienced fisherman but new to kayaking, this class will help you gain more confidence in how to deal with any scenario on your kayak.

Bring the required gear and your normal fishing setup so our instructors can help you organize your gear to set you up for maximum success staying upright in your kayak, and catching lots of fish! Throughout the two days, there will be portions of instruction conducted on land and portions conducted on water.

We want to thank our hosts at TWRA Buffalo Ridge Refuge for providing the facilities we will utilize this weekend. This includes your choice of lodging at the log cabin, the bunk house or in primitive camping conditions with bathhouses. We will have a state-of-the-art classroom facility and on-river access on the grounds. Also included in your experience is a commemorative t-shirt and we invite you to join us for the cookout Saturday night. Participants will be expected to manage their own food for the rest of the weekend. Please bring lunches and snacks so we can continue learning together all day.

Tennessee State Parks is providing kayaks with paddles and life jackets that you can reserve during registration if you need rental equipment.

No previous training is required, but students are required to have a Tennessee Fishing License and to be able to swim and paddle independently. Youths aged 16 and older are welcome to attend, if in the company of an adult who is also a registered attendee.

Everyone will be required to wear life jacket when within 10’ of the water. There will be no exceptions.

This is the inaugural class for the nation for the new Paddlesports Angler curriculum offered by the Gold Standard in paddlesports training, the American Canoe Association (ACA). This class will be jointly led by ACA President of the Board of Directors, Robin Pope, and founder of Tennessee Kayak Anglers, Geoff Luckett. This class is generously sponsored by Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency, Tennessee State Parks, and ACA Tennessee.

Hooked on Safety: Kayak and Safety Skills for Kayak Anglers