2nd Annual TVCC Ocoee River Race, October 16th
2nd Annual TVCC Ocoee River Race, October 16th
Plans for the 2010 TVCC Ocoee River Race are well underway. We are in the works on adding a raft division. Race date is scheduled for October 16th. Race registration forms should be available at
www.tvccpaddler.com by the first week of September
Race Course: The course if from the put in of the middle Ocoee to Hell Hole. Paddlers will be released at one minute intervals. Any person leaving the eddy prematurely will be disqualified. Once you cross the finish line, please catch the eddy at Hell Hole and check in with the time keepers to verify your race number. Winner in each division will be determined by fastest time. In order to comply with our Forest Service Permits, we ask for racers to paddle down to the private boater takeout. Shuttle service will be provided back to the put in for racers. Any paddler not returning their racing bib will be disqualified from awards and will be banned from all future Ocoee Races. TVCC reserves the right to deny race entry to any paddler for any reason.
Race Divisions: In the spirit of amateur competition, all professional, sponsored, or Olympians must race in the elite division. Divisions include:
Elite Long Boat (Over 8.5’)
Elite Men’s Short Boat (8.5’ and under)
Elite Women’s Short Boat (8.5’ and under)
Men’s Short Boat (8.5’ and under)
Women’s Short Boat (8.5’ and under)
AARP Short Boat (Age 50+, 8.5’ and under)
Long Boat (Over 8.5’)
Single Blade (C-1 and OC-1)
Hand Paddles
Junior Division (age 17 and under on race date)
Junior participants (age 17 and under on race date) must have a parent/guardian present. Other divisions may be added based on participant interest. A minimum of three participants per division is required to add a division. Divisions will be finalized by October 1. To add a division, contact the race director at
editor@tvccpaddler.com. For race updates check our website at
www.tvccpaddler.com.
Raft Division: Benefitting First Descents (
www.firstdesencts.org), a registered non-profit that works to cure young adults of the emotional effects of cancer and empower them to regain control of their lives through challenging adventure sports in a safe, fun and supportive environment. TVCC membership is not required for this division; however we do suggest a minimum donation of $50 per raft. The raft race course will begin with a mass start at Staging Eddy and will end at Hell Hole.
Registration: The race is free for all paid club members with current TVCC membership. You must be a club member to race. Membership applications can be downloaded at
www.tvccpaddler.com. All participants must complete the ACA Waiver & Release of Liability form. For non-ACA members, we suggest the $5 event membership option.
Safety: All paddlers competing in the race must wear an approved PFD and helmet. All boats are required to have appropriate floatation. On-water safety will be set up along the river at key locations.
Awards Ceremony and After Party: Awards for first, second, and third place will be given out for each division. Festivities begin immediately following the conclusion of the raft race. The after party will be held at O.A.R., 629 Welcome Valley Road, Benton, TN 37307. The race after party is a benefit for First Descents (
www.firstdesencts.org), a registered non-profit that works to cure young adults of the emotional effects of cancer and empower them to regain control of their lives through challenging adventure sports in a safe, fun and supportive environment. There will be suggested $5 minimum donation per cup at the keg party. Marlo Wright will be donating a whitewater painting to be auctioned off at the awards ceremony. Her work is amazing, so be sure and bring your checkbook. (
http://marlowrightpaintings.com/)
Volunteers: If you attend Paddle School, the training trips, and/or roll practice this year, here is your chance to support those who chased you down the river this summer. We need volunteers for registration, race marshals, on-river safety boaters, time keepers, shuttle, and photographers. To volunteer contact Emily Marsh at editor@ tvccpaddler.com.
Race Day Schedule: 9:00 Registration and number pick up
10:30 Safety meeting
11:00 Racing begins
12:30 Raft Race benefitting First Descents ** After party at O.A.R. following the race
Questions: Contact Emily Marsh at
editor@tvccpaddler.com.
