A lifelong outdoor enthusiast inspired by childhood adventures with his father and grandfather, David Flowers now shares that same love of nature with his family. As the founder of Outdoor Adventures Chattanooga, he explores the region’s waterways and helps others experience the wild beauty of Tennessee.
What fostered your love of being on the water?
I grew up in the Memphis area, and some of my fondest childhood memories are fishing with my father and grandfather. Later, my dad took up canoeing, and we spent weekends paddling the small rivers nearby. Now, I’m enjoying a similar experience with my two sons and daughter-in-law — a tradition I hope they continue.
What are your favorite water sports?
We love fishing, exploring shallow backwaters, and running rivers that bigger boats can’t access. We started out kayaking - it was affordable, portable, and gave us access to hard-to-reach areas, but after years of tweaking and motorizing them, we hit a wall. Fishing kayaks max out at around 7–8 mph, and we wanted something more versatile.
Recently, we took delivery of three custom hybrid micro-skiffs from SUP Customs, developed by David and Austin Craver near Clearwater, FL. They modify Live Watersports paddleboards with motor mounts, deck plates, and performance enhancements. These catamaran skiffs hit 20+ mph in just 3” of water and can paddle in less, weigh only 65 pounds, and handle rugged terrain thanks to their tough undercoating. They’ve opened a whole new level of exploration for us, and we fish where others can’t, go further, and get there faster.
Through Outdoor Adventures Chattanooga, we’re excited to offer people a chance to try out these micro-skiffs and our other rigid and inflatable vessels as well as provide guided overnight camping trips and other outdoor experiences.
What tips do you have about navigating local waterways?
Safety always comes first. Wear a personal flotation device and carry a whistle—they’re required by law. Bring a first aid kit, sun protection, light, rope, hydration, and a fully charged phone with a battery bank. A GPS or fish finder with maps is helpful, as cell service can drop. I use a Garmin Inreach as a backup communicator. The TWRA, www.tn.gov/twra, has all the information you’ll need for laws, licensing, and vessel registrations.
If you’re new to watersports or exploring, study maps beforehand, stay near the shoreline, and avoid unfamiliar areas. It’s always better to go with a group.
What areas do you recommend for exploring?
We’re incredibly fortunate to live in an area surrounded by beautiful waterways. While the Tennessee River is well known, it’s just the beginning of what’s out there.
For fishing and gentle exploration, I recommend Wolftever Creek, Harrison Bay, Chester Frost, Soddy Creek, Opossum Creek, Sale Creek, and North and South Chickamauga Creeks. These spots are calm, accessible, and full of fish.
My personal favorite is the Hiawassee River. Just 40 minutes from Chattanooga, the upper section near the Appalachia Dam offers relaxing Class I & II rapids, trout fishing, and gorgeous views. The middle section transitions to deeper water, with great bass fishing and access points like B&B Marina, which also has a fantastic restaurant, and the Charleston and Hwy. 58 ramps. The lower Hiawassee flows into the Tennessee River at the Wildlife Refuge, a fantastic spot for birdwatching and wildlife. Bass, crappie, and catfish are abundant here.
What else is important for explorers to know?
Join Facebook groups like “Chattanooga Area Paddlers” and “Waterfalls and Backroads of Tennessee.” They’re great for tips, shared locations, and community support. There are countless state parks within a 100-mile radius offering amazing waters, waterfalls, and hiking trails.
Whether you're into hiking, kayaking, boating, camping, or just scenic drives, this region is packed with outdoor opportunities. We’re lucky to live in such a beautiful place. Get up. Get out. Go live.
For more information, visit oanooga.com and follow Outdoor Adventures Chattanooga on Facebook and Instagram.
While the Tennessee River is well known, it’s just the beginning of what’s out there.
-David Flowers