Registration is at PaddleGuru. There, you will need to create a profile (don’t worry, it takes 20 seconds). Once your profile has been created, you can register for the 8th Annual Stand Up for the Hooch Race. Online registration will close at 10 pm on July 25th, 2020. Registration is $45 for the short course and $65 for the long course.

The hotel that we recommend is the amazing Westin Hotel in Sandy Springs. Call (770) 395-4028.

If it is your first race, we strongly recommend the 2 mile recreational course. If you are confident in your paddling abilities, and have no problems paddling 6 miles, hop in the elite race! All you fast paddlers, stay in the elite. No one likes a sand-bagger… If you are riding a “SUP under 12’6” (also known as a recreational board) we strongly recommend the 2 mile class.

The race will go on rain or shine. We will monitor radar for thunder storms. If we must, we will postpone until we have a large enough window to get the races in. SUP racing in the rain is a blast! Bring a towel and a change of clothes, just in case. If the weather is so bad that we must cancel, the party will go on, and we’ll transfer your registration to the 2021 Hooch Race.

Anything you would wear when you exercise outside. Temperatures in June are still comfortable, but may be hot on any given day. Plan accordingly. A light colored shirt, with wicking material and comfortable shorts are ideal. Don’t forget sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses with retainers such as Croakies. If it is your first race, wear something that you don’t mind getting wet! Barefoot or low-profile shoes are recommended. Please be careful if you choose to go barefoot.

All participants need to be at the race site between 7 AM and 8 AM. This is when you will pick up your jersey, race info, and your race #. After you have done so, please get all of your equipment ready and familiarize yourself with the race site. At 8:30 AM, there is a mandatory “Racers Meeting.” If you miss this meeting, you run the risk of disqualification. Important info and course updates will be discussed during the meeting. All participants should be on the water and ready to go by 8:55 AM! First race begins promptly at 9:05 AM. Second race will begin at 9:10 AM.

By popular demand, the after party and award ceremony will take place at our Buckhead Location immediately following the race! We have a bit more freedom in our 6,000 sq ft store, and our large parking lot shaded by a tent (not to mention we have air conditioning…) Lunch will be served starting at 11:30 AM. The Award Ceremony will begin at 12:30 PM. Lets have a big ol’ time! Check your registration packet for race day coupons! High Country will also have special deals on SUP boards and equipment for all who attend!

This is a short .25 mile course for kids to try. Ages are 6-12 years old. If wind or current is present, the race director may have to cancel the kids race! This race is free, and all participants must sign up the day of the event between 7 AM and 8 AM. See our “packet/jersey pickup” table that morning. Good luck kiddos!

Yes. The State of Georgia requires that everyone has a PFD on the board. You do not have to wear it unless you are under the age of 14. All other participants must have one on the board at all times. Failure to do so will result in a fine from the DNR and disqualification from the race.

You are not required to wear a leash, but it is strongly encouraged for safety purposes.

High Country Outfitters in Buckhead is located just 5 miles from the race course, and is a fully stocked SUP shop! We will have everything you need. The High Country Paddle Shack, located at the Race Site, will be open before and during the race.

We removed the Masters Class to keep registration costs down, while providing an opportunity for other watercraft to join the event.

Stand Up for the Hooch takes place on the wonderful Chattahoochee River, at Morgan Falls Overlook Park, where our Paddle Shack is located. The address is 200 Morgan Falls Road, Sandy Springs, GA 30350.

Yes! 1st-3rd in each category and gender.

Nope! Online registration will turn off at 10 PM May 16th. There will be NO day-of registration.  Register now at Paddle Guru.

Yes. Parking is free and is right next to the park. Race volunteers will be there to direct you. If parking fills up, we will have an area for you to drop your board, and you must park in the lower parking lot by The Morgan Falls Dam. A High Country Volunteer will shuttle you to the race site.

If it’s your first time in the 2 mile recreational race, plan on paddling for 30-45 minutes. Elite paddlers will finish the 6 mile race between 1 hour and 1.5 hours. Please bring adequate amounts of water with you during the race.

If you do not reach the long course turn-around buoy (3 miles up river) by 10am, you will be asked to turn around, and given a DNF for the race. The long course buoy will be pulled at 10am and the buoy official will “Sweep” the course. If you are asked to turn around, please do so. This is for your safety!

Stand Up for the Hooch is a visually exciting, flat water race with some tight turns and gentle current. Depending on conditions, there could be up to 2mph current, but generally it is flat. Plan on varying conditions!

High Country will provide fruit and water before the race. All participants will receive a “lunch ticket” that gets them lunch (catered by a local restaurant!) at the race party & award ceremony, starting at 12 PM at our Buckhead Location. We will also provide water and refreshments courtesy of our favorite local brewer, SweetWater Brewing. If you are not participating in the race, you may purchase a meal ticket for $10 at the Race Party.

Sure! The dog must be on a leash at all times. Race with your pooch! Makes for great photos! If you are using a High Country rental board, it will be up to our discretion if the dog may be on the board. This is due to various size and behavior.

Oh yeah! We are all about some quality SUP shots! And you should be too! This is one of the most visually exciting water sports, and we want you to cherish the race forever. A professional photographer will be in and around the water snapping shots all morning. These photos will be accessible for free via High Country’s Facebook page.

Yes! High Country Outfitters rents recreational SUP’s, as well as racing SUP’s. Check out the next question!

High Country will give any race participants a killer discount off their board rental for that day ($30.00 race day rental). You can pick up the board from the HC Paddle Shack the morning of the race. Here you will see a choice of recreational boards, and race boards! Hurry, as we will run out of equipment. All rentals include an adjustable paddle and personal flotation device. Please go to the HC Paddle Shack to pick up your board between 7 AM and 8 AM the morning of the race. The Shack is located on the right side of the parking lot – you can’t miss it! You can rent a board on this page!

Yes! We’d love to have you on board to help with pre-race and race-day activities. It takes a small army to pull off a fabulous event, and we couldn’t do it without our beloved volunteers. All volunteers receive a race t-shirt and lunch! Sign Up coming soon!