Renting either a standup paddleboard or kayak in Chattanooga is easy. And what’s even better is the scenic, downtown location of L2 Outside.
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L2 Outside offers paddle rentals in downtown Chattanooga right on the Tennessee River. This paddling location is one of the best in the city because of the scenery. Keep reading to learn more about why L2 Outside is one of the best options for a paddleboard or kayak rental in Chattanooga, TN.
L2 Outside
L2 Outside is a local Chattanooga rental and retail shop. Their mission is to help people enjoy Chattanooga outside. They offer standup paddleboard and kayak rentals as well as these items, accessories, and more available for purchase in their retail shop.
Opening in 2011, L2 Outside was one of the first standup paddle board rental and retail shops to offer this service on an inland waterway. Over the years the business has moved and evolved into what it is today. Their name meaning “Live Life Outside” embodies what one of the many facets of Chattanooga’s culture is all about.
The Tennessee River in Downtown Chattanooga
Downtown Chattanooga has one of the best sections of the Tennessee River making it a beautiful destination for many people. Seeing downtown from the river’s perspective gives you an entirely new appreciation for the Scenic City. Paddling under the Market Street Bridge and Walking Bridge really shows you how tall these iconic Chattanooga structures are. And visiting Maclellan Island or the cliffs under the Art View Bluff District can make you question if you’re even downtown anymore. But look around and Chattanooga’s architecture will remind you of your current location.
Sightseeing on the Tennessee River in Chattanooga
When you try a paddle rental from L2 Outside, you must check out these places.
Maclellan Island
Maclellan Island sits in the center of the Tennessee River in downtown Chattanooga just north of the Walking Bridge. Part of the island is directly under the Veteran’s Bridge. This island can be best viewed from an aerial distance on the corner overlook in the Bluff View Art District. But what’s even better is getting to see and explore it first-hand. I’ve been dying to do this since I moved here, and I can say it does not disappoint.
This island is nearly 20 acres in size with 1.5 miles of hiking trails, beaches, and what they call a “rain shadow desert.” This is the area beneath the Veteran’s Bridge that causes basically a desert because of the lack of rain and sunlight to this part of the habitat. Maclellan Island is a wildlife refuge owned by the Chattanooga Audubon Society and can only be reached by watercraft. It’s a must-see on your paddle rental trip.
Caves in the Bluff
The Art View Bluff District sits upon, well, bluffs. Hence its name. But did you know there are caves underneath that the Tennessee River has carved out? You can paddle to these caves and check them out. And while you’re there, you can also climb up the side of the bluff and jump into the water below.
Abandoned Yacht
It looks a little spooky in person, but this abandoned yacht is near Maclellan Island on the mainland shore, just past the bluffs. Most of the windows are broken in and the paint is fading. Seeing it up close from the water make the boat look huge. Do not trespass though because this yacht is private property.
How to Prepare for Your Paddle Adventure
L2 Outside offers online reservations which I highly recommend. This way you can be sure to get the date and time you want. You’ll also be able to watch the instructional video and fill out the waiver before you go. This will save you time when you arrive so you can get right on the river. Of course, L2 Outside also welcomes walk-ins but availability may be limited, especially on the weekends and holidays. So, I suggest always planning your trip in advance. Plus, you can save 15% off your rental if you reserve online with my code: ExploringChatt15
This discount is good towards:
When you make your reservation online, they will give you all the info you need to be prepared for a successful day on the water. Be sure to read everything so you are aware of how to plan and avoid potential issues.
What You Can Expect Renting from L2 Outside
L2 Outside requires you to be at least 13 years old in order to man your own craft. Life jackets and paddles are included in the rental. Life jackets are required by Tennessee state law for SUPs and kayaks. They only have to be stored on the vessel; however, I suggest wearing it because it is near impossible to put on a life jacket when you’re in the water.
Keep in mind that weekends and holidays are the busiest so be sure to reserve well in advance if you want to paddle on one of those days. And if you’re concerned about the weather, L2 Outside will make sure you’re taken care of. Even at the last minute, they can reschedule your paddle, if weather is the issue, at no additional cost to you.
1 or 2 Hour Rentals
The easiest way to experience downtown Chattanooga from the river is with a 1 or 2 hour paddle rental. However, I suggest the 2 hour rental because there is so much to see and do in this area. For reference, it took my friend and I about 20 minutes from getting onto our paddleboards, getting used to them, and paddling to the tip of Maclellan Island. If you’re new to paddle boarding or kayaking, account for the extra time it might take you to adjust before you really start out on your trip. Whether you choose SUP, single kayak, or tandem kayak, you can use my code ExploringChatt15 for 15% off your rental.
Sunset Tour
Unlike the self-guided rentals, this 2 hour tour is led by L2 Outside and takes you to highlighted areas on this section of the Tennessee River. And to top it off, you get to watch the sunset from the water! I have yet to try this but it’s next on my list. If you get to try it before I do, let me know what you think in the comments below. And don’t forget, you can get 15% off this experience by using my code ExploringChatt15 at checkout for the sunset tour.
24 Hour Rental
I can’t offer a discount code for this one, but I want to let you know that this is an available option. You can rent a standup paddleboard or kayak for 24 hours. And the beauty of this rental option is that you can take it off site. All other rentals must be kept on the Tennessee River where they launch and return at Coolidge Park downtown. But with this option, you have 24 hours to paddle anywhere you’d like in Chattanooga.
Paddle Pass
Do you enjoy paddling but have no way to store or transport a board or kayak? Then the Paddle Pass is the deal for you! When you purchase a Paddle Pass, you get access to make a reservation anytime for an entire year! This is good for a 1 or 2 hour rental. Once purchased you’ll receive a code to use at checkout each time you make a reservation. The clock starts for the day that you make your first reservation. This a great alternative to equipment ownership because it’s worry-free with no maintenance, storage, loading, or unloading required. You are also not subject to cancellation fees. And if you want to do a 24 hour rental, you get a discount for one. The 24 hour rental is not included in the Paddle Pass.
L2 Outside Shop
Paddle rentals aren’t all that L2 Outside offers. They also are a licensed Bote dealer which means you can buy Bote products directly from their store. Standup paddle boards, kayaks, apparel, and other accessories are just a few of the things they have in store for you. And water sport equipment isn’t the only thing they stock. They also have longboards, one wheels, disc golf, and more if staying on land is your preference.
Conclusion
L2 Outside offers one of the best paddle rental experiences in Chattanooga, TN. They have one of the best locations being downtown on the Tennessee River where the scenery is unlike any other area of Chattanooga.
My paddle boarding experience was amazing, and I highly recommend it. And if you want to see for yourself what it was like, watch the video.
Don’t forget to enter the giveaway! Until next time, enjoy Exploring Chatt.
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