The Flying Fish team and others, showcased their exceptional prowess at the 2024 Chattajack Race, a grueling 32-mile SUP, prone, OC-1, OC-2, OC-6, surfski (solo and tandem), and kayak (solo and tandem) challenge that winds through the charming waters of Chattanooga, Tennessee. With their unmatched determination and skill, the team navigated the vibrant river currents and conquered the course, earning remarkable placements that turned heads and captured hearts. As athletes from across the region gathered to compete, the Flying Fish team emerged not only as fierce competitors but also as ambassadors of teamwork and passion for the sport of stand up paddling. Today on TotalSUP we interviewed all of the podium finishers, the top two women, and 2nd and 3rd place men were on Flying Fish Boards. Their outstanding performance at this prestigious event has set a new standard for future racers.
Be prepared! Get a lot of time on board, but be focused with your training. I like to do interval training during the week and a long paddle on the weekend. This also works with my work schedule as I don’t have as much time during the week. Also I am fortunate that my local paddle tribe does CJ so we often get together on the weekends for CJ training! I also cross train and spend 3-4 days doing CrossFit.
CJ pushes me each year to become a better paddler and set the bar a bit higher each year for myself! After my 1st CJ, I learned I can do hard things, and it’s pushed me to do other distance races like The Crossing for Cystic Fibrosis.
I love the community around CJ. I get to see friends from all over the world that I have met at past races and usually get to see only at CJ now! You meet other paddlers on the course and chat for a bit then see them at the finish line and it’s like they are your new BFF!
Have a plan that you have tried out in training with food and hydration. Don’t try anything new on race day! I use (2) 1.5L camelbacks that are both set up identical with my hydration/Gu/ChapStick/pickle juice all in the same locations. Halfway though, I drop one and put the other on, easy peasy!
2024 was my 4th year and I have done this course both solo and with working with draft partners. In my opinion it is by far much better to work with a group, if you can find one! I didn’t set out to work with anyone this year as I was feeling extremely good and confident. When our group of ladies formed, I thought ok, I will give this a go for a while and see how it works out. Then at 10 or so miles in, I started cramping and continued to cramp off and on for the remainder of the race. If it were not for my drafting partners, I would not have made it. Each time I pulled the draft, then dropped to the back I thought, just hang on one more time! The words of encouragement and the positive vibes were what got me to the finish line.
When we hit Hales bar, Lindsay, Deb and I had an all-out sprint to the finish! All 3 of us were within 9 seconds! It was so much fun!! Yes, after 32.5 miles we were having a blast on that sprint! I had my heart and goals set on the podium for 2024 and I am extremely happy with my 3rd place finish! These ladies were absolute beasts and such strong paddlers. I’m so grateful we met up on the Tennessee River!!
Hydration and nutrition! Have a plan and practice it way ahead of time during longer paddles that can simulate race day. I made a crucial mistake due to being unfamiliar with my hydration pack and not having a solid nutrition plan that cost me a lot of time. I will be better prepared next year in that regard.
Photo by Jeff Holubeshen
Forming bonds with the draft train you are in and working together to not only make it to the finish, but catch up to other racers is probably the most fulfilling aspect of the race. We are competing against each other but at the same time we’re working together and after crossing the finish line we are all stoked for one another and get to hang out at the awards ceremony, which is always a great time.
Photo by Jeff Holubeshen
The location of the event is perfect! You’re able to see many other paddlers in the days leading up to the race at the setup by the river and everyone is as stoked as you are to be there. It helps that so many people participate, and since it’s such a challenge of a race just to complete. I think the vibes are that everyone is that much more supportive of one another.
I would say that I’m still learning, but one thing you can do is talk to other people before the race! I had the fortune of paddling together with Tony Galang who has now completed Chattajack 10 years in a row! Don’t be afraid to ask for tips at the race. One specific thing I will say is that don’t prepare for 31 miles, prepared for 32 to 32.5 miles depending on how much you swerve going down the river. It would be 31 miles in a perfect straight line but you’ll need to mentally prepare for 32.
It’s a long race and there’s many paddlers on the water, so chances are you will find some paddlers around your similar speed. You’re better off working together in a draft train than being slightly separated, so don’t hesitate to communicate and team up! If you are ahead of someone similar in speed, it may be worth the time to slow down for the other paddler. On the other hand if you’re just behind someone, do your best to hammer and catch up! Then be vocal and communicate clearly. Set a plan, like swapping who pulls out front every 10 minutes for example.
Podium was my goal, and that’s really fulfilling to make it in a competitive field in a very tough race. I was very excited with the first couple hours of my race, but I fell apart with a nutrition mistake after that and feel like I left a lot on the table. All in all, it’s very cool to be satisfied with placement and learn an important lesson at the same time. I’m very motivated to come back with a bigger goal next year.
As with any endurance oriented event I think you will see different goals for individual participants and each give a tremendous value to the race integrity and longevity. At a time where we see many paddle events (SUP in particular) struggle to maintain strong numbers, Chattajack is thriving. There were over 700 participants and almost 200 were stand up paddlers this year. The first group is those that are trying to make each cut off and have a goal simply to finish the race. Afterall, it’s 32 miles and just standing for that long of a race can be a challenge for an intermediate paddler. Then there is a group of paddlers that make it a destination, an end of the season paddle celebration and they may be a little competitive but emphasize a bit more fun for 32 miles. Lastly, there is the competitive group that is going to push it 32 miles. At least on the men’s side they tend to be from Canada…haha.
Photo by Jeff Holubeshen
I’ll speak to the competitive crowd and the other participants can use the same information, perhaps just watered down in intensity. As far as training goes there is no way around it, it’s 32 miles and you need to make that the focus for at least 3-4 months leading up to the event. I think having a coach and specific training program is helpful with 3-4 progressive long paddles at least getting to 2/3rds of the distance of Chattajack. It is important to remember, despite it being an endurance oriented event, the first 5 kilometers is intense and tends to set the lead pack in motion for the duration of the race. It’s a messy start with that many paddlers, so it is important to be able to jump right into action at a high intensity and stay with paddlers you want to work with that are of similar skills and goals. Beyond just the paddle training that is necessary, you also need to think about hydration, nutrition, sun protection and proper clothing for the event. I’ve seen every possible condition (freezing- literally, heat, rain, intense fog, strong winds and no wind). One year a late tropical storm literally blew by while we were on the water. Regarding all these variables it is a good idea to try your hydration, nutrition and all this stuff before the race. Nothing but the conditions should be new to you on race day. There are hydration and nutrition pit stops along the river, but if you are in the competitive pack you are not stopping for a water break.
Chattajack has taught me a lot about myself. An important question for the paddler of any ability prior to Chattajack is “what are you willing to give up to be as prepared as possible come race day?” As with most paddlers at Chattajack I am not a professional paddler. I’m a middle aged active individual trying to squeeze paddling into life (work, relationships, kids, etc). Over the years training for Chattajack has been a nice break from crazy life circumstances that we all deal with on a daily basis. Having the race at the end of the season for many of us on the east coast can serve as a barometer for how the season went. At the end of the race if you did all your homework to the best of your abilities it is an incredible challenge to overcome. I am sure it is similar to long distance running or cycling in that you are going to have highs and lows emotionally and physically on the race course. Managing these variables is critical to success. Like Mike Tyson said- “everyone has a plan until you get punched in the face”… At Chattajack everyone has a plan until you hit mile 25. That’s when you need to reset mentally and ignore physical pain and push through the final 10 kilometers. Going through this challenge I have met incredible paddlers, athletes and individuals. Walking (or limping) away with the bond of completing a successful Chattajack is pretty special.
Photo by Rick White
If there is wind try to avoid it and if there is river flow try to find it! Beyond that it is pretty obvious where you are going during the race. This year was difficult in terms of having very little help from mother nature. The river flow was minimal and the head winds were common around every corner. Your board selection for the race is important. The start is so important and having some stability in the messy race start can go a long way. SUPs usually start first so during the race you will be passed by a number of other craft (surfski, OCs- single, double and 6 man). Between the wind, those paddlers going by and a reasonable amount of boat traffic this year we encountered some messy conditions even after the start. My legs were surprisingly sore by the time we arrived at the finish line. There was a lot of river grass this year and a weed fin is important. This year I used a 22″ wide Flying Fish Freedom board with a stock Bump 37 fin.
I have always had the goal to meet up with the lead group and communicate a plan for drafting. At home I tend to paddle alone so paddling at Chattajack is a real treat to be with others, practice drafting and suffer together. I’ve done the course with other paddlers together and I’ve done it alone the entire 32 miles. Working together with other paddlers is definitely preferred in my opinion. I learned early on paddling this race with Larry Cain that an honest pull goes a long way earning the respect of your paddle peers in a draft train. I’ve met so many great people and paddlers via the Chattajack experience. There is something different every year as individuals and as a group we face during those 32 miles. It is definitely a bonding experience.
I’ve paddled Chattajack now 6 times. I’ve won it once and been on the podium 4 times. You might say this race fits my personality- a bit stubborn with a willingness to paddle through pain. That said, this has been a challenging year on my end. One year ago I missed Chattajack after having 2 neck surgeries in September. The first surgery did not go well, damaged a nerve and led to significant weakness in my left chest and triceps. It’s been a tough recovery from that. Getting back on the water paddling has helped me recover physically and deal with the mental stress of the experience. I’ve been fortunate to get a lot of my strength back. My dexterity in the arm and endurance is slower to return. I’m not making any excuses, but that was the unfortunate reality for my training leading up to Chattajack. Michael Booth is my paddle coach and he did a great job working around my issues. I knew Tim Oliver was going to be there and my primary goal was to meet up with him in the first 5K and work together as long as I could. He and I have had some great battles (along with Larry Cain of course) on the Tennessee River. Tim is an incredible athlete and we work really well together. We tend to give honest 10 minute pulls and alternate until somewhere close to the end. Then we pick a spot and yell “ok, go!” This year in particular I’m proud of myself for overcoming a difficult injury and showing up to compete. My pulls were not as strong as Tim’s, but we stayed together and concurred the Tennessee River once again. Tim deserved the win, but I hope to be back and stronger next year!
Wash riding is the number one essential skill needed to be successful in this race. It is a long race and even longer if you are by yourself. I spent countless hours working with my PSP team learning how to ride both from behind as well as side wash. The side wash riding was really crucial at the start and finish of the race. Working collectively with the girls in my draft pack for the duration of the race was what got us all to the finish line. Another essential skill needed in this race is building endurance and stamina. Ensuring you have the fitness level to endure the hours it takes to complete a 52km course on SUP which could be anywhere from 6-8 hours to complete, that is not to say you need to practice 6-8 hour pieces prior to the race but you should be doing at least a few 2.5 to 3.5 hour practice runs, testing your equipment, hydration, and nutrition at this time.
The most rewarding aspect of this race is this great sense of accomplishment you feel when completing it. This was my first time doing this race on SUP, it is scary and daunting but when I was on the river and knew I was going to make it to the finish in a good position this gave me a charge of energy and excitement. Completing this race, the longest race I have ever done, is character building. It leaves you with confidence and the feeling that if you can do this, you can do anything.
Photo by Jeff Holubeshen
Chattajack is the largest race on the east side of the country, a community of 700 paddlers descending on the city of Chattanooga paddling together 31 miles/ 52 kms together down the Tennessee river. It’s hard to describe the atmosphere, it’s electric, there is so much energy in the air, infectious, and charges you up for this event. You connect with all your paddling friends and always leave having made new connections from far and wide. The organizers provide such a great network of volunteers. Everyone is so supportive. You feel like you are part of something really big and exciting.
Photo by Jeff Holubeshen
I suggest studying the map of the river, know where some of the landmarks are, have a GPS so you know how far you’ve come and what distance is left, this is important so you can gage your intake of fluids and nutrition. Number one thing is to ensure you have enough fluids and nutrition to get you to the finish line and add a little extra to be on the safe side. Know where the shallow weedy sections are and steer clear of them, track the weather and wind conditions leading up to race day. In my history of doing this race it is always been cooler in the morning but can get quite warm by later in the day, dress accordingly so you don’t overheat. Talking to others who have done the race and taking in any advice you can so that you feel prepared.
Photo by Jeff Holubeshen
Paddling solo can sometimes be a mental struggle to stay energized and motivated to maintain your pace. If you are able to paddle with others during a long distance race like Chattajack you feel so fortunate to share the load, work as team, it truly elevates your physical and mental energy level. I was so lucky to paddle with three incredibly strong women, I remember thinking “I don’t even know these girls but I love them so much right now!!”. We encouraged and supported each other, telling each one who took a turn pulling “great job” and “thank you”. We chatted along the way learned each others names, where we were from, about kids, and pets. It made 6 hours and 17 minutes go by so much faster and distracted us from the discomforts we were feeling. It doesn’t always work out that you can work with others during a race but what a huge difference it can make to your state of mind and ability to push to the end. Connecting with other paddlers and building commaderie is truly the best part of this sport, I will be forever be indebted to Michelle, Kathryne, and Lindsay!
Going into this race my goal was just to finish and hopefully finish in the top 10. The stars aligned, I had a great start, found three amazing women to work with, and my mind and body held up. It was incredible to make the podium but honestly I was a little surprised. I have to say though what made it even more exciting was being up there with both Michelle and Lindsay who shared the work for the duration of the race, we helped each other get to the finish line and were so lucky to be able to share this experience together, how great is that!! To make the podium in this division meant a lot, it’s a highly competitive field of incredibly strong women so I felt very proud to be paddling and standing alongside them. A heartfelt thank you team PSP, friends, and family who all supported and encouraged me on my journey.
There are a bunch of things to consider when doing prep for this race. I think the first is knowing who is on the start list and who you have a potential to work with during the race. This can then really determine how you can approach some portions of the training. For me this year, I know there were going to be some solid guys to work with during the race so my training included some good drafting sessions and repeat efforts to simulate how the race would feel. This also dictated my equipment strategy. Last year I did the race on a Starboard Sprint because I know I was going to attempt to do the entire race on my own. This year I opted for an Allstar so that I could be super comfortable relaxing in the draft and saving energy. I think the other very important strategy I used was a very specific nutrition plan. The science for endurance sports really now shows that being able to take in a ton of carbs enables athletes to maximize performance on race day so I have trained my gut to take in 120g of carbs per hour without feeling sick. For a 5 hour race it really makes a difference having that many carbs in the system.
The week leading into race day was a disaster for me haha… I had done a local 20km race the weekend before and planed one last hard session on the Tuesday before Chattajack as my final tune up before the event. Unfortunately, as soon as I had finished the Tuesday session I started to feel sick. By that evening I had a fever and cough along with the tell tail body aches and joint soreness and I knew I was in trouble. I tried to stay positive and hoped it would pass quickly but even Thursday night I was still feeling quite rough. I wasn’t quite ready to give up and decided to get on my flight Friday morning to head to the race to give it a try. Race morning rolled around with me still feeling pretty terrible but I just wanted to see if once I was moving I would come around. My plan was to keep it really conservative off the start and link up with some guys to draft and work with. The shotgun went off and within about 500m I linked up with Blake Carmichael and John Batson and the three of us started taking 10 min turns at the front. We carried on this way for about an hour and a half…. There was not much flow in the river at all and there was basically a head wind all the way so the speeds were quite low. At one point an unlimited SUP caught up with us and this got on my nerves a bit so for my next two turns at the front I pushed the pace harder and this unintentionally resulted in just John and I being on our own out front. From there on we grew our lead little by little until the end and I was able to take the win.
I have always loved training high volume so for me putting in some 3 hour distance paddles has been on my program for some time. I think the bigger task this time around was the mental challenges that Chattajack posed for me. I really had to compartmentalize the race into trying to survive 10 minutes at a time. As soon as I would start to think about how bad I was feeling, I would circle back to the next 10 min either in the wash or in the lead and just surviving that. This is a proven strategy for endurance and it seems to work for me… whether it’s trying to get through an interval workout or a 5 hour suffer fest.
The key to success for races like Chattajack is coming up with a system that will work for you and testing it out well ahead of race day. You need to figure out what works for fuel and practice it. You need to know how much fluid you will need in a hot worst-case scenario and figure out how to carry it on your board. I think the more time you can spend replicating what race day will be like the better. I think the other very important thing to do is talk to folks who have done the race and find out what has worked for them. You can get so much insight from people who have experience both good and bad and use that to come up with your own race plan. Finally, I think hiring a coach would be help with training and prep for an event like this. I have worked with Larry Cain for quite a few years now and he is the GOAT when it comes to racing Chattajack and paddle technique so who better to get advice from than him!
I am very lucky that this is my third win at Chattajack! I think that winning the race a few times now has opened up some great opportunities for me with Starboard, my board, and paddle sponsor. I also really feel that just being a part of such a big race with so many cool people reminds me of how lucky we all are to be on the water and having fun. When you really think about it, picking any goal and working towards achieving it is where the fun really lies and I think at Chattajack whether you are first across the line or last, you will come off the water with a story to tell. That was my motivation to even attempt the race while I was sick. Had I listened to the doubt in my head Friday at the airport, I would not have been able to share this story with you!
Time on board is obviously a huge proponent, especially training for an endurance race like CJ. Anticipating the unavoidable moments of being truly uncomfortable on your board after say, a 5 hour session, when you know all the aches and pains start to surface, and knowing what you need to do to push through the moments of discomfort via training and recovery.
Not going to lie, I was nervous as hell lining up at the start. I was anxious about a rough start, falling into freezing water, or just falling behind. But I was confident in how I prepared for this race and I’m glad I didn’t let my nerves get the best of me. If anything, they’re what pushed me to work harder.
Photo by Jeff Holubeshen
I’m no stranger when it comes to endurance training. Before I started paddling, long distance running had been (and still is) my primary sport. The mental fortitude and muscle memory you develop from long hours of repetitive movement translated seamlessly from paved roads to seemingly endless waterways. Instead of “one foot in front of the other” my mantra changed to “one stroke at a time.”
Train how you play! It’s never a good idea to try out a new electrolyte powder or taping your fingers up for the first time on race day. Smooth out the kinks in your training sessions leading up to a big race so there’s no surprises when you least want them, and don’t be afraid to push yourself. The nerves on race day can work to your advantage if you let them. You’re stronger than you think you are!
Photo by Jeff Holubeshen
I’m not a very competitive person, especially when it comes to this sport where there’s no limit of talent on the water. I did a lot of deep diving over those 6 hours and the few women I got to paddle with truly made my CJ experience that much more meaningful. Paddling is a team sport in so many ways, and by far one of my favorite things about this community. I’m very humbled by my racing experience at Chattajack and excited for where paddling will take me.
Let’s give a round of applause to all who made the podium at Chattajack! We celebrate your success and look forward to Chattajack next year (October 25th 2025)!
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