LaFayette Rec gets on board with paddle boarding

LaFayette Recreation Department, in a push to expand recreational opportunities for residents, held paddle boarding demonstrations Tuesday, July 25.

A crew from L2 Outside in Chattanooga gave free introductory lessons on paddle boarding from 4-7 p.m. at the dam of Queen City Lake near LaFayette High School on Round Pond Road.

About 20 people were receiving lessons on the lake at the start of the event and more arrived as the day progressed.

All it takes is a little water safety basics and patience, Seth Bigham of L2 Outside said.

According to LaFayette Parks & Recreations Director Jason Shattuck, the goal is to expand recreation in the city and, with enough interest, bring L2 Outside back for another demonstration in the near future.

Planning for the event started just two weeks ago.

L2 Outside sells a variety of paddle boards that are used for fishing, touring and recreation. It is the only paddle board dealer in Georgia, Tennessee and Alabama and has a shop in Walker County where residents can either buy or rent paddle boards and gear.

L2 Outside is located at 100 Market Street in Chattanooga. The local shop is at 286 Lake City Drive in Flintstone.

Bigham said paddle boarding is fairly simple. The demonstrations included participants trying the variety of board models, while learning how to get up on the board, stand and paddle.

Bigham said most people trying it out for the first time wobble on the board at first, but after some time practicing they are able to grasp the technique.