Question 1

Is my boat classified as a Kayak or a Surfski?

Accepted Answer

The Chattajack “kayak” division is limited to boats that are 20”+ wide. The surfski style designs like the Epic V8 and Stellar S18S have features very similar to this so they are grouped with the Kayak division.

Tandem kayak and Tandem surfski divisions are differentiated solely based on width. If the vessel is 22” or greater we deem the vessel a tandem kayak. Anything less than 22” wide is considered tandem surfski.

Question 2

What type of SUP can I paddle? Inflatables?

Accepted Answer

You are required to paddle a race board (displacement hull) either 12’6, 14’ or Unlimited (>14’) in length.
We would prefer it if you do not paddle inflatable boards, but we won’t stop you.
As long as it is a “race” style inflatable, 12’6 or longer.
It is your responsibility to get across the finish line in 8.5 hours. An inflatable isn’t the most efficient way to accomplish that but if you are comfortable with it, it’s fine with us.

Question 3

If I want to paddle an outrigger canoe, can I use a double-bladed paddle?

Accepted Answer

No.

If you are racing in a Chattajack outrigger canoe division you may only use a single bladed paddle.

Question 4

Do you rent equipment like outrigger canoes, SUPs or kayaks?

Accepted Answer

No. Each athlete or team is responsible for bringing all of their own gear.

Question 5

Do all teammates need to register and pay in the multi-person divisions? Yes.

Accepted Answer

Yes.

HOW TO REGISTER AS A TEAM (TANDEM DIVISIONS & OC-6):
Please read carefully.
Only ONE team member needs to register initially to save the spots for the rest of the team.
That first person we will call "Team Captain" for the rest of this explanation. During registration, he/she will set up a Team Name and Password.
After the team captain registers, he/she can share the Team Name and Password with the other team member/s, so that they can register and join the team.
Each team member pays individually. The Team Captain is only required to pay for him/her self.
Determining who the Team Captain will be ahead of registration opening would be best to avoid multiple teams being created for the same people.
Since the spots for remaining team members are saved, they can register at their earliest convenience after the Team Captain has created the team.
ALL team members MUST be registered by September 15th.

Please contact us if you have any questions!

Question 6

How does my teammate register / join our team on Run Sign Up?

Accepted Answer

To add yourself to an existing team follow these steps:

Go here: https://runsignup.com/Race/TN/Chattanooga/Chattajack
Click the TEAMS tab at the top
Find your team name and click JOIN
Fill out the registration, sign the Waiver click Continue
You will need to enter the PASSWORD that the team captain created when you get to the "Join an Existing Team" Page
Continue through to payment and then you should be all set.

Please let us know if you have any trouble with team registration, we're happy to help!

Question 7

Is there a waiting list?

Accepted Answer

In the event that the race sells out, we will maintain a waiting list. If other paddlers cancel, we will contact individuals on the waiting list to register and pay. The waiting list is first come, first serve, regardless of division.

Question 8

What are my chances of getting in from the Wait List?

Accepted Answer

While we can not make any promises, we usually send registration invitations to approximately 100 names on the wait list. Some years less, some years more.

We do not use the wait list during the week of the race. There will be no more racers added during that week. Registration is totally closed.

Question 9

When is the last day I can change my division or swap a team mate?

Accepted Answer

All team members must be registered by September 15th.
Division changes may be made up to and at racer check-in.

Question 10

Can I use a friend's registration/bib? Or, can a friend transfer their registration to me?

Accepted Answer

No. The only transfers allowed are via the waiting list.

At check-in you must present your ID to receive your bib number. Only the person registered is allowed to race.

Question 11

I am registered but unable to participate, can I get a refund?

Accepted Answer

If there are paddlers on a waiting list willing to take your spot, we will offer a refund according to the following schedule:
Up to and including July 15th: 75% refund of registration fee (excluding Run Sign Up fee)
July 16th – October 2nd: 50% refund of registration fee (excluding Run Sign Up fee)
After October 2nd: no refunds
​If we do not have a paddler on the waiting list willing to accept a race entry, then we will not be able to offer a refund. The refund is only issued after someone on the waiting list accepts and registers for your spot.

​Chattajack does NOT offer racer-to-racer bib transfer or deferrals to the following year.

With the exception of wait-list transfers, entries are non-refundable and non-transferable. In the event the race is cancelled due to extreme weather, fire, or for some other unforeseeable event outside of our control, we cannot offer refunds.

Question 12

I am registered but unable to participate, can I deferr to next year?

Accepted Answer

No, Chattajack does not allow registration deferrals.

Question 13

Can I race and volunteer?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you absolutely can and LOTS of people do!

Volunteer shifts start on Thursday afternoon and continue until Sunday morning. A typical shift is 4-5 hours. There are also shifts all day on Friday, at the awards ceremony on Saturday and clean up on Sunday. The only time slots a racer can't volunteer is during the actual race!

Question 14

When does volunteer sign-up open?

Accepted Answer

We try to open registration for volunteers in July/August.
If you'd like to be among the first to know please email us at info@chattajack.com and we will make sure to send the sign-up link directly to you when it opens. THANK YOU!

Frequently asked questions