Come out for a fun class I-II afternoon paddle with APEs on the beautiful Watauga River in Elizabethton, TN. The dam release is two generators, which makes for big waves, so please be prepared for very cold water and wear appropriate clothing (non-cotton insulating long sleeves or splash tops/paddling jackets are recommended.)

Required gear: whitewater kayak outfitted with floatation or sit-on-top kayak with thigh straps; helmet (bike helmets are not acceptable); personal flotation device (PFD); spray skirt; and paddle.

NOTE: Recreational sit-in kayaks without spray skirts are not permitted for this event.

We stop for a break about halfway down, so don't forget your power snacks! The group usually is off the water by 7:00 p.m. and back to participants’ vehicles at the put-in by 7:30 p.m.

Directions:

• From West Elk Ave. in Elizabethton, turn onto West Mill St. at the MISO Teriyaki House.

• Take the first left on Ash St.

• Follow Ash St. to the end and you will see the Watauga River.

• Turn left and pull into the small paved parking lot near a covered picnic area. Look for boats!

For more information or to see if others can provide extra cold-water gear, contact Debbie Briscoe by text or phone at 423.534.3636 or email her ldcakes@hotmail.com.