Nooga Loop 2025

Nooga Loop is doing the the Double Loop!  Paddlers can choose the 6.7 single loop - or - 10.9 mile double loop.  If you choose the 10.9 mile Double Loop you will turn around a buoy at the downstream end of the island and head back upstream for a second loop! 

Nooga Loop 2025 will be held on May 3rd, 2025, at the Suck Creek Boat Ramp (across from River Drifters), 7 miles from Downtown Chattanooga. The race course will be up the Tennessee River and around Williams Island. To make it fun, each paddler decides which direction they want to paddle around the island. Each paddler will be responsible for not colliding at the turn around the buoys at the furthest upstream and downstream points of the island.  

Important Notes on the event:

• If you are registering a tandem paddlecraft, each person must register separately. You will be able to designate your team during registration.

• PFDs & whistles are required on all paddlecraft.  Leashes are recommended, but not required. Pay attention to the conditions and plan accordingly. (PFD exception for prone paddleboard).

• Paddlers are required to know the course and behave in a sportsmanlike manner.  Caution must be exercised when maneuvering around the course buoys at the extreme upper and lower ends of the island so as not to collide with other competitors.  Please come to the assistance of fellow paddlers in distress.  

• Safety boats will be on-course supporting the race. If you need assistance, please signal one of the boats using your whistle & holding your paddle extended in the air above your head.

• No refunds.

• Awards will be based on craft category.  There must be at least 3 participants in a category to be awarded.  The top 2 finishers in each race category will receive medals.

• Food: A light lunch meal is included with your registration fee. There will be a selection of sandwiches, salads, fruit, and snacks along with drinks.

• Raffle: There will be some fabulous items that will be raffled off after the race. Tickets will be available for purchase on race morning!

• Nooga Loop is part of both the Southeast Paddle Sports Series (SEP) and the Southern Stoke Paddle Race Series. SEP Series craft categories and award points can be found at https://www.sepseries.com/classes.

• Swag: Race participants will receive a commemorative race shirt, Nooga Loop 2025 medallion, and stickers!

• Health and Medical Conditions: Make sure you and your body are up to the task!  Let us know of any medical conditions that might impact your performance or that our safety support boaters should be aware of.  If you are exhibiting any signs of communicable diseases, please stay home!  You are attending & paddling this event at your own risk.

Nooga Loop benefits WaterWays!

All net proceeds will go to Waterways.  WaterWays is a 501(c)3 non- profit organization working to improve watershed and community health in the Tennessee Valley and the Caribbean Islands.  Did you know that on average kids spend 7 minutes a day outside and 7 hours in front of a screen?  We hope you will join us in getting kids outside and finding solutions for cleaner water and healthier communities. This is the mission of Waterways, engaging community members to take positive, personal action in their watersheds leading to a healthier community.  We focus on encouraging the environment leadership skills of local youth, awarding community led stewardship, and performing countless restoration projects across the streams in the place we call home!  Our goal is to create long term solutions for watershed protection.  We all need clean water.  We all need to get outside.  Learn more at mywaterways.org.