The Skulls & Hammer SUP Challenge is a 15 mile, time sensitive race down the Oostanaula River to beautiful, downtown Rome, GA. Enjoy a post-race beer, food, and fun at The Foundry Growler Bar for the awards party. First & second place awards for the top males and females; finisher’s medals to all who complete before the time cut off. Proceeds from the event will benefit our local CRBI to help preserve and protect our rivers.
Join us for the first annual Skulls & Hammer SUP Challenge on Saturday, March 23, 2019! (rescheduled date due to flooding) Be ready to test your skill and stamina in this 15 mile, stand up paddle board race down the Oostanaula River. Wind your way through picturesque farm land, paddle past rambling estates, and sprint through the heart of beautiful, downtown Rome, GA to finish at the confluence at Heritage Park. We can't predict the water conditions or weather, but we promise the distance will challenge you and you will have plenty of support from our team of volunteers and your fellow paddlers. Come out and make some new friends, paddle partners, and take home some unforgettable memories!!
Participants will have 3.5 hours to complete the course in order to receive a custom made finisher's award. First and second place medals will be handed out to the top male and female paddlers. Every participant will get a specially designed hoodie (if registered by Mar 10th) and access to the after party (think complimentary drink, food, music, and fire pit) down the street at a local favorite, craft beer joint, The Foundry Growler Bar.
Proceeds from the event will go to benefit our local Coosa River Basin Initiative to help care for and preserve our local waterways. Registration is $70.
Packet Pickup/Arrival Time & Location *CHANGES MADE*
Check in begins at 8 am at the Hwy 140 Boat Ramp near Adairsville, GA. From Hwy 27, turn onto Hwy 140, cross the Oostanaula and turn left at the first drive. From Hwy 53, turn onto Hwy 140, and turn right just before the Oostanaula River. (Around house number 1640)
You will be able to unload your board at the ramp and drive your vehicle down to the Heritage Park takeout where we will shuttle you back to the start line. The shuttles will leave Heritage Park at 9 am to transport paddlers only. The drive down is about 25 minutes. Please arrive at the put-in (Hwy 140) to allow time to reach the shuttle before it leaves. We will not be making multiple trips. If you opt to forego the shuttle, you will be responsible for your own transport back up the the put-in at the end. You can also have a family member or friend who can drop you off/pick you up. We need everyone to be assembled and ready to be on the water by 9:45 for a mandatory safety briefing.
Race Details
The race begins at 10 am. Participants will have 3.5 hours to finish in order to qualify for a finisher's medal. We will have a couple of boats and support SUP-ers on the river to help keep an eye on our paddlers, but this is a self-supported SUP paddle event. Stand up paddle boards only! Please bring your own hydration, nutrition, GPS, etc. We will require a PFD (personal flotation device) and leash in order to participate in the event. A cell phone is strongly encouraged for navigation purposes and to be able to call for help in case of an emergency.
There are two small islands along the race route. The second one is about half way. If for any reason you feel that you will be unable to finish or need to withdraw from the challenge, please pull off on the second island and flag down the boat that will be following the last paddlers down river. They will be able to assist you down to the takeout.
Each paddler will have a laminated number to attach to the top deck of their board with double stick tape during the race. The finish line will be at the Robert Redden Foot Bridge at the end of the Oostanaula River. Once you pass under the bridge, where timekeepers will be watching for your boards/numbers, you will then paddle to your right onto the Coosa River and take out at the Heritage Park boat ramp about 30 feet down on the right hand side of the river. Volunteers will be on hand to help you take out and load up. Please remember the weather and water temps at this time of year and dress accordingly! Neoprene or athletic wear is highly recommended.
No refunds will be given and the race will be held unless the weather/river is too dangerous to paddle. (i.e. lightning or dangerous current) The race will be held if it is only raining.
Our volunteers and river support teams will not be out on the water all day. We have the 3.5 hour time cap for a reason. Once time has been reached, we will begin clearing our crews and you may be alone on the water. Please do not sign up for this event if you are just wanting to float down the river. You need to be an experienced paddler who can put on a little speed. It's not an unattainable time, but it's also not a "float".
Awards
Placement awards will only be given out to the first and second place males and females. Finisher's medals will be given to those who complete in the 3.5 hour time cap.
Swag & After Party
Each participant who registers by Feb 10th, will receive a Skulls & Hammer SUP Challenge hoodie. After that date, you are not guaranteed a shirt. A complimentary drink, hot chocolate, and food will be provided at the after party at The Foundry Growler Bar (255 N 5th Ave, Rome Ga, 30165). Music and a fire pit will be waiting to warm you up!!
https://www.facebook.com/TheFoundryGrowler
Volunteer Opportunities
If you would like to be a part of the event, but don't want to paddle, please contact Mindy at SkullsandHammer@gmail.com We would love to have your help as we put on this special fundraiser to help save our rivers!! Volunteers will also have access to a complimentary drink, hot chocolate, food, music, and fire pit at the after party.
