SANDY SPRINGS SUP SHOWDOWN

Get Loose On The Hooch

Get ready for the inaugural Sandy Springs SUP Showdown — a premier 6-mile stand-up paddleboard race on the Chattahoochee River that brings competition, endurance, and community together in the heart of Sandy Springs, Georgia. Hosted in partnership with Murph’s Surf and Sandy Springs Recreation & Parks, this first-year event offers paddlers the rare chance to be part of something from the very beginning that was started by High Country Outfitters years ago — not just racing, but helping shape what we believe will become one of the Southeast’s premier paddle events for years to come.

Launching from Morgan Falls Overlook Park at the Murph’s Surf Paddle Shack on Bull Sluice Lake, this challenging 6-mile out-and-back course will test racers against real river conditions, including current, flow, endurance, and strategy. Whether you’re an elite competitor or a passionate paddler looking to be part of history, this race is designed to push limits while building a strong and inclusive paddling community.

With support from Catalyst Sports for adaptive kayak athletes, the Sandy Springs SUP Showdown celebrates competition, accessibility, and the spirit of the water. There’s something special about year one — this is your opportunity to help set the tone, continue the tradition, and grow alongside an event we plan to expand year after year.

MANDATORY RACE PACKET PICK-UP AND BOARD DROP-OFF

Date: Friday, August 14

Time: 4:00pm - 7:00pm

Location: Murph's Surf Paddle Shack, Morgan Falls Overlook Park, Sandy Springs, GA

EVENT DETAILS

Date: Saturday, August 15

Time: 7:00 AM – 2:00 PM

Location: Morgan Falls Overlook Park Dock, Sandy Springs, GA

Course Distance: 6-Mile Out-and-Back Course (3 Miles Downstream / 3 Miles Upstream)

Prior Registration Required: Yes

Entry Fee: $75

BOARD DROP-OFF & PARKING INFORMATION

Mandatory Race packet pick-up and Board Drop-Off
All race boards must be dropped off at Morgan Falls Overlook Park on Friday, August 14, from 4 - 7 pm. This requirement helps race staff efficiently manage equipment logistics and ensures participants can focus on race preparation rather than transporting boards on race morning. Complimentary overnight security provided. 

200 Morgan Falls Rd. Sandy Springs, GA 30350

Race Day Parking & Shuttle Service
Race day parking will be located at:

7840 Roswell Road, Sandy Springs, GA

A complimentary shuttle service will transport participants from the parking area to Morgan Falls Overlook Park before the race.

Important: The shuttle is not able to transport paddleboards or board equipment. This is why board drop-off is required the day before the race.

Following the race, participants will shuttle back to the parking lot, retrieve their vehicles, and drive to Morgan Falls Overlook Park to pick up their boards.

This transportation plan helps minimize congestion at Morgan Falls Overlook Park and ensures emergency vehicles and first responders maintain unobstructed access to the park throughout the event.

Note - Adaptive Athletes may park directly at Overlook Park

RACE DAY SCHEDULE - Saturday, Aug. 15

7:00 AM – Check-In Opens

7:55 AM – All Paddlers Must Be On The Water

The race will utilize a floating staggered start positioned perpendicular to the dock to reduce congestion and improve safety.

START TIMES

8:00 AM – Male Division

8:05 AM – Female Division

8:10 AM – Adaptive Athlete Division

Participants should remain behind the starting line until their division is released by the Race Timer.

COURSE MARKERS & SAFETY SUPPORT

The race course will be clearly marked with buoys and supported by safety personnel throughout the route.

Yellow Buoys: Start/Finish Line

Orange Buoys: 2-Mile Marker

Red Buoys: 3-Mile Marker / Turnaround Point

Swift Water Rescue personnel will be stationed at the turnaround point near the red buoys. Additional race staff and safety personnel will be positioned along the course should assistance be needed.

PERMITTED WATERCRAFT

The Sandy Springs SUP Showdown welcomes a variety of paddle-powered craft. Participants may compete using the following:

Unlimited Stand-Up Paddleboards (boards longer than 14')
14' Stand-Up Paddleboards
12'6" Stand-Up Paddleboards
Stand-Up Paddleboards under 12'6"
Inflatable Stand-Up Paddleboards (iSUPs)
Prone Paddleboards
Adaptive Kayaks for athletes with disabilities
Tandem Kayaks utilized by adaptive athletes and their support paddler
All watercraft must be human-powered and in safe operating condition.

WATERCRAFT NOT PERMITTED

The following craft are not permitted:

Motorized vessels of any kind
Electric-assist watercraft
Pedal-drive watercraft
Canoes
Surfskis
Inflatable recreational pool floats or novelty inflatables
Any watercraft deemed unsafe by race officials

Race officials reserve the right to inspect equipment and make final determinations regarding watercraft eligibility and participant safety.

SAFETY POLICIES

SAFETY FIRST

Everyone on the water is responsible for looking out for fellow participants. If anything appears unsafe or if someone is in distress, please disregard the race and provide assistance. Participant safety takes priority over race results.

If assistance is needed, seek the attention of a safety vessel by waving your paddle overhead. Racers are encouraged to carry a whistle for emergency situations.

OPEN WATERWAY

The Chattahoochee River is an open waterway, and other boaters, anglers, and paddlers may be present during the race. While boaters are encouraged to reduce their wake around paddlers, there is no guarantee that water conditions will remain calm. Participants should remain alert and aware of their surroundings at all times.

Water levels and current conditions on the Chattahoochee River may vary due to dam releases and environmental factors. Participants should be prepared for changing river conditions and exercise caution throughout the race.

REQUIRED EQUIPMENT

All participants must wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved Personal Flotation Device (PFD) at all times while on the water.

Board leashes are required for all participants.

All equipment must be in good working condition prior to launch.

PHYSICAL EXERTION

Stand-up paddleboarding can be a physically demanding activity. Participants should paddle at a pace that is comfortable and sustainable for their fitness and skill level. All racers participate at their own risk.

If you begin experiencing difficulty, stop paddling and request assistance from a safety vessel if needed.

EXPERIENCE & SELF-RESCUE

Participants should be comfortable paddling the race distance in open-water conditions and capable of independently remounting their board after a fall.

If you fall into the water, remain calm, stay with your board, and remount when it is safe to do so.

ACCOUNTABILITY

Event staff will not officially close the course until all racers have returned and checked in at the finish area.

Participants who choose to withdraw from the race must notify a race official or safety vessel immediately. Do not leave the race course at any location other than the designated finish area without informing race personnel.

INCLEMENT WEATHER

Event staff will closely monitor weather conditions. The race may be delayed, postponed, modified, or canceled if weather or water conditions create safety concerns.

If forecasts indicate a need to postpone or cancel the event at least 24 hours in advance, participants will be notified via email and social media whenever possible.

HYDRATION & HEAT SAFETY 

August in Georgia can be extremely hot and humid. Participants are encouraged to train in similar conditions prior to race day.

Hydration packs and/or water bottles are strongly recommended.

Participants displaying signs of heat exhaustion, heat illness, or other medical concerns may be removed from the course by race officials for their safety.

COURSE COMPLIANCE

Participants must remain on the designated race course and follow all instructions from race officials, safety personnel, and law enforcement officers.

Failure to comply with safety directives may result in disqualification.

RACE ETIQUETTE & PARTICIPANT GUIDELINES

At the Start
Listen carefully to the Race Director's instructions before launching. Participants will receive information regarding the course, safety procedures, weather conditions, and any last-minute updates.

Allow adequate space between boards at the start to avoid collisions. Maintain control of your board and paddle at all times.

If you anticipate paddling at a competitive pace, position yourself toward the front of the field. Recreational paddlers should consider starting farther back to reduce congestion during the initial portion of the race.

During the Race
Stay alert and aware of your surroundings. Other paddlers, boats, wildlife, floating debris, and changing water conditions may be encountered along the course.

When passing another paddler, announce your presence by stating "On Your Left" or "On Your Right." Give fellow competitors adequate space and avoid sudden changes in direction.

Approach turn buoys with caution. Congestion is common around turns, and paddlers should expect other boards nearby. Maintain a safe distance and avoid aggressive maneuvering.

If you fall into the water, remain calm. Stay with your board, remount when it is safe to do so, and continue paddling when ready. Your board provides flotation and is often easier for safety personnel to spot than a swimmer in the water.

If you observe another participant in distress, stop and render assistance if it is safe to do so. Safety takes precedence over competition.

Natural hazards such as shallow areas, submerged rocks, downed trees, and other debris may be present along portions of the river. While every effort will be made to guide participants away from hazards, paddlers should remain alert and aware of changing water conditions.

Water shoes are recommended for added foot protection when launching, landing, or if dismounting in shallow water.

Know your limits. Do not hesitate to slow down, rest, or request assistance if needed.

FINISH LINE PROCEDURES

The official timing mats will be located on the dock at the finish line.

To receive an accurate finish time, participants must cross the timing mat with their right wrist timing chip directly over the timing pad.

Please use caution when approaching the dock. Participants are encouraged to drop to their knees as they near the dock to improve stability and reduce the likelihood of contact with the structure.

After crossing the timing mats, continue moving toward the far end of the dock as directed by race staff. Please be patient and courteous while other participants are exiting the water and completing their race.

Please check in with race officials after returning to the dock so that all participants can be accounted for before the course officially closes.

POST-RACE REFUEL & AWARDS

Following the race, participants are invited to visit the Refuel Station located near Murph's Surf Paddle Shack.

Water, snacks, and light refreshments will be available for participants.

The awards ceremony will take place near Murph's Surf Paddle Shack following the conclusion of the race.

AWARDS

Awards will be presented to:

Top Male Finisher
Top Female Finisher
Top Adaptive Athlete Finisher (non-gender specific)

Congratulations on completing the Sandy Springs SUP Showdown!