Swim the Suck is a 10-mile downstream open water swimming race in Chattanooga, TN hosted by the Chattanooga Open Water Swimmers (C.O.W.S.) and is sanctioned by United States Masters Swimming (USMS). The river course twists and turns making an “S” curve through the steep canyon walls of the protected Tennessee River Gorge.
See more about the Swim Course HERE.
The 13th Annual event will be held on Saturday, October 5, 2024 starting at the Suck Creek Boat Launch at 9:30 AM and finishing at Wohali Nvya (private property). The Friday night pasta dinner/race briefing and packet pick-up will be held on Friday October 4, 2024 at Miller Plaza in downtown Chattanooga and is a fun time to catch up with friends and meet your pilot (if you were assigned one).
Swimmers can be paired with a kayaker if needed for the race and kayaks rentals (if needed) and shuttles are coordinated by the race director. Every swimmer and pilot gets 2 full meals, a t-shirt, and an original local art award. Post-swim festivities include a taco bar and local brews on tap.
The swim starts at the Suck Creek Boat Launch at River Mile 453.3 on the right side of the river (North shore) and finishes at private property called Wohali Nvya at River Mile 443.55 on the left side of the river (South shore). Pilots drop their boats off at the swim start the morning before the race and then drive to the finish line to park. Swimmers and pilots park at the finish line in the morning and ride busses which transport swimmers and pilots to the start. The race begins at 9:30 a.m. and most swimmers arrive at the finish within 4-5 hours. Post race meal, drinks, and awards take place at swim finish where everyone parked their car. See timeline.
Swim the Suck swimmers each will have their own kayak pilot to guide and feed them over the 10 mile course. Swimmers either bring along someone to pilot for them or are paired with a volunteer kayaker.
The Wohali Nvya family (the family who owns the private property / finish line) are excited to share their amazing riverfront property and home with Swim the Suck. The post-race party features Old Man Rivers Table & Tavern kegs of 5Wits craft beer, and original art awards for every swimmer and pilot.
Current
Swim the Suck is a downstream swim on a dam-controlled river. The release is controlled by TVA Chickamauga dam. While we cannot predict what the current will be for a particular day in the future, we will be given an estimated release 2 days in advance. On the day of the swim, there could be zero cfs being released over the Chickmauga dam, or, there could be a lot or water if there has been ample rainfall in previous days. Previous current:
2010: 33,000 cfs. First place swimmer finishing in 3 hours and last place finisher in 5 hours.
2011: 18,000 cfs. Frist place swimmer finishing in 3.5 hours and last place finisher in 5.5 hours.
2012: 13,000 cfs for the first 30 minutes and 6,000 per hour after that. First place swimmer finishing in 3 hours and 22 minutes and the last place finisher in 6 hours 45 mins.
2013: 13,000 cfs, water temp 76.
2014: Average outflow of 28,000 for the day.
2015: 28,000 steady
2016: 0-7,000 with a strong headwind.
2017: 18,000 cfs during entire race
2018: 18,000 cfs during entire race, water temp 78, air temp 50/60s
2019:
2020 Cancelled due to Covid
2021:
2022: 18,000 cfs steady during entire race, water temp 72-73, air temp 54 at 9am, 69 at 30m
2023:
2024:
Check TVA's website to view release data from previous 48 hours and predicted for the next 48 hours:
Water Temperature
Unfortunately, there is no live online link to the water temperature in the TN River in Chattanooga.
2010: 70 F
2011: 74 F
2012: 75 F
2013: 76 F
2014: 76 F
2015: 74-75 F
2016: 78 F
2018: 78 F
2019:
2020: cancelled covid
2021: 76 F
2022: 72-73 F
About Being Assigned a Local Pilot
Swimmers can be paired with a volunteer kayaker pilot from Chattanooga if needed. Pilots will guide and feed the swimmer and be in contact with the motor boats throughout the swim. There is a fee for this service since we often rent the kayaks.
Those of you who requested volunteer pilots will receive an email in in late September introducing you to your pilot. You will get to meet them at packet-pick up.
Swimmers providing their own kayak/SUP or other pilot craft will not be charged the rental fee during registration.
Do you have a friend or family member coming to the event with you who could volunteer to pilot for another swimmer? Have them register! This has happened in the past and is a great way for them to experience the event! Keep in mind that they may not see you during the race.
If you have a situation where two family members would like to kayak for you, please let the RD know. Also, you will need to rent the extra equipment, and add extra meals for them during registration.
Swim Rules
You must be able to complete the swim in UNDER 6 HOURS. This means if there is ZERO current, you should be able to swim 1 open water mile in under 36 minutes (2 miles per 1 hour 12 minutes).
If you are not approaching the final mile of the swim within 6 hours, you may be pulled by the motor boat pilots and shuttled to the finish line. If you are close to finishing, you will be allowed to finish the swim.
It is advised that you complete at least a 4 hour training swim (8 or so miles) prior to attempting Swim the Suck.
It is advised that swimmers train in 70-77 degree water if possible to become acclimatized to swimming in water at this temperature. Swimmers can become hypothermic in 70 degree water. If you are showing advanced signs of advanced hypothermia, you will be pulled.
It is advised that swimmers practice feeding every 30 minutes.
If you have any questions about your ability to swim this event, please email the Race Director to discuss your credentials: karahnazor@gmail.com
STANDARD EQUIPMENT (ALLOWED)
We will follow the Marathon Swimmers Federation rules of Marathon Swimming
See rules here: https://marathonswimmers.org/rules/4_standard-equipment/
NON STANDARD EQUIPMENT (NOT ALLOWED)
See rules here: https://marathonswimmers.org/rules/5_nonstandard-equipment/
NON STANDARD EQUIPMENT that is allowed at Swim the Suck: GPS watches
You may request to use non-standard equipment by emailing the Race Director who will discuss the request with USMS officials. You may not be eligible for awards.
Results
Timing is done by Scenic City Multisport. Results are posted in real time on Its Your Race.
Awards
Awards Ceremony expected to take place at 4pm-ish.
1st Place Male/Female/GN - Free Entry to Swim the Suck
2nd PlaceMale/Female/GN
3rd Place Male/Female/GN
4th Place Male/Female/GN
5th Place Male/Female/GN
Longest in Water
Swimmer and Pilot Finisher Awards
All swimmers receive a Finisher Award, a handmade piece of art from a local Chattanooga Artist. This year's awards are pottery mugs made by Jonathan Clardy of 423 Pottery.
All Pilots receive a pottery mug made by local potter Susan Cordell of Front Porch Pottery (people always want to order more so here is her email: susan.cordell@gmail.com).
Swim the Suck Video
Every year we make a recap video of the event. All of or event videos can be found on the HOME page.
If you capture video footage on your GoPro or cell phone that you would like to show up in the official Swim the Suck Video, email it to karahnazor@gmail.com
Race Finish Photos
A photographer will be at the finish line. Photos will be shared on the Facebook Swim the Suck page as well as the website.
