Are you having pain when you paddle, in your shoulders, elbows, wrists, or legs? Improper form may be your problem. Knoxville Kayak Clinic can work with you to help develop good form and hopefully ease your pain. Just using your arms instead of your whole body to paddle can lead to all kinds of health issues. Don't give up on what could be a lifelong sport without working on your form first. #paddlesmartnothard #learnproperform

Hi All, I have been asked a few times for a list of things to bring with you kayaking. Here is my list below. Some I consider essential and stay packed in my dry bag all the time. Always wear a PFD Hat Closed-toe shoes Whistle and air horn Water/snack Rope/throwbag for rescues Tow belt Map Sunscreen Sunglasses Paddle float Bilge pump Extra paddle Dry bag with your I.D., first aid kit, phone/2-way radio, dry clothes, duct tape, and towel. Hope this helps! Karen

I want to share why I am so passionate about teaching kayaking safety. In the years 2020 and 2021, the state of Tennessee ranked #1 in the COUNTRY in paddlesports deaths. We barely missed top ranking in 2022. This is not a list anyone wants to be on. 85% of those fatalities drowned, and of those fatalities 83% were not wearing a lifejacket! I feel we can change these statistics with law and education. How many lives could be saved if there was law in place requiring a lifejacket be worn. Many other states have this law. The other key piece is education. Boat owners are required to take a boating safety class if they register a boat in Tennessee. If this was required for kayakers as well, numerous lives could be saved. Just knowing water safety, how to rescue yourself or someone else, what to do in an emergency, and what safety items to always have with you would help everyone have a more enjoyable and safe time on the water. Sure, I teach paddle strokes and techniques, which is very important to learn if you want to paddle any distance, or not go home with worn-out and hurting arms, but my main mission is to educate kayakers on water safety. I hope everyone I teach goes out and teaches others what thy have learned. Our waters would be a much safer place for those of us who love to kayak. Consider taking a safety class, if not from me then someone else; just take it. You will be so glad you did. ❤️

Greetings and welcome to Knoxville Kayak Clinic! Please allow me to introduce myself. My name is Karen O'Hara and I am an American Canoe Association Certified L2 Coastal Kayak Instructor. I have followed my love of the sport with a great desire to share my passion and knowledge with you. I have been an avid kayaker for over 20 years, paddling on the east coast of SC for many years. After a move to TN and the experience of paddling the Tennessee River, I fell in love with the area. In 2012, I became a Level 1 ACA Certified Kayak Instructor and have taught many people since then. I have served on the Chota Canoe Club board as Conservation Chair, currently as Touring Chair, lead many trips and paddled with numerous paddling clubs in the Knoxville area. I also serve as a volunteer on the American Canoe Association Tennessee State Council and Regional Activities Council. In 2022, I became an L2 Certified Coastal Kayak Instructor and in 2023, I was endorsed as a Paddlesports Safety Facilitator. I have developed my own unique and effective teaching methods over the years, and I would love to help you develop the skills you need to enjoy this sport at your best level. Schedule your class or tour today. If you have questions please post tKayaking! I am happy to discuss anything related to kayaking!