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Stand Up For The Hooch

Stand Up For The Hooch Race
CANCELLED!
WE LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOU NEXT YEAR!

High Country Outfitters is proud to bring you our “Stand Up for the Hooch” race for the 9th consecutive year! Paddle the famous Chattahoochee River, just minutes from downtown Atlanta. All ages and ability levels are welcome, and there will be a free kids’ race. First time paddlers are encouraged to participate, and experts will enjoy the chance to experience one of the biggest races in the southeast! Family and friends are welcome to watch from the start at Morgan Falls Overlook Park in Sandy Springs, GA. We’re excited to be a point qualifying race in the Southern Stoke Paddle Series again for the 2020 season. This year’s race will have 2 courses: a 2 mile race and an 6 mile race. SweetWater Beverages at the after party, located at High Country Outfitters in Buckhead!

NEW for 2020! Long course divisions include Surfski, Kayak, Canoe, & Outrigger Canoe!

Stand Up For The Hooch
Stand Up For The Hooch
Stand Up For The Hooch

The Stand Up For The Hooch Race is a single-use plastic free event! Please bring your own refillable container. We will have hands-free refill stations of water to keep you hydrated.

Example of Schedule:

7:00 am:     Packet pickup opens
8:00 am:     Packet pickup closes
8:30 am:     Racers meeting
8:45 am:     All Canoes, Kayaks, Surfskis must be on the water and staged
9:00 am:     6 mile SUP race begins (Wave 1: Canoes, Kayaks, Surfskis, Prone, Wave 2: SUPs)
9:10 am:     2 mile race begins
10:00 am:   Cutoff time for long course turn-around buoy
11:00 am:   Kids race sign up at dock!
11:15 am:     Kids Race (minimum age of 6, max age of 12)
11:45 am:     Post Race Party and lunch at High Country Outfitters
12:30 pm:   Awards for all Categories

This year’s Stand Up For The Hooch will benefit the Sandy Springs Recreation and Parks Scholarships.

Location:
Morgan Falls Overlook Park
200 Morgan Falls Road
Sandy Springs, GA 30350

Race Categories:

2 Mile Race:

-14′ SUP
-12’6 SUP
-SUP under 12’6″

6 Mile Race:

-SUPs 14′ & Under
-Kayak
-Canoe
-OC-1
-OC-2
-Surfski

Kids Race (Minimum Age – 6 Max 12):

– Any style board
– 500 yards race

Prices:
2 MILE………….$45.00
6 MILE………….$65.00
KIDS RACE…….FREE


Board Rentals:

High Country is offering our rental boards at a discounted rate on race day! Your rental board will be ready for you at the High Country Paddle Shack at 7:30 AM. You must return it by 11:30. Check availability and reserve one NOW, BEFORE you register for the race, so that you know what board size to select during the registration process. Rent a board below.

RENT A BOARD

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FAQ'S

When Can I Register for the Race? How Much Does it Cost?

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.

Where Should I stay?

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

How do I Know which race to sign up for?

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.

What if there is inclement weather?

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.

What should I wear?

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.

What time should I get to the race?

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.

What and where is the race party & award ceremony?

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!

What is the kids' race?

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!

Do I have to have a PFD (Personal Floatation Device)?

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.

Do I have to wear a leash?

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

I forgot my board/paddle/leash/fin/PFD! Where can I get one?

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.

What happened to the Masters Class?

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

Where is the race?

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.

Will there be prizes?

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

Can I register day of?

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

Is there on-site parking?

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.

How long will the race take me?

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.

Wait, what do you mean there is a cutoff time for the long course?

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!

What is the race course like?

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!

How about food?

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.

Can I bring my dog?

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.

Will someone take my picture?

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.

I dont have my own board! Can I rent one?

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

How much does a rental on race day cost?

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!

I'm not racing, can I volunteer?

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!

Who can I contact for further questions about this event?

John Sloan, General Manager of High Country Outfitters and Race Director, is available to answer any of your race-related questions.
john@highcountryoutfitters.com, 404-483-0598.
The amazing crew at High Country Outfitters can also be reached at 404-814-0999.