About the Swim

Announcement (07-2010)!  The first annual “Swim the Suck” 10-mile open water swim through the Tennessee River Gorge hosted by Outdoor Chattanooga will be held on Saturday, October 16, 2010.  The start of the swim is at Williams Island and participants will swim 10 miles downstream through the beautiful river canyon surrounded by the Cumberland Mountains and finish at the Historic Pot House in Suck Creek.  Although this is a downstream swim, there is not expected to be much current in October, but you never know, there could be some if TVA is lowering the lake levels or if it rains.  Expected time of completion of the swim is 4 - 7 hours (would take 5 hours if you can swim 30 minute open water miles in fresh water).   

Experienced kayak pilots to be provided for each swimmer.  Pilots will guide you, feed you, and be in contact with the motor boats throughout your swim.  You can also bring your own pilot (we have kayaks and gear if you need them).  Swimmers will be park at the end of the swim at the Pot House and will be shuttled to the start.  There will be post swim refreshments, showers and awards at the Pot House. 

Expected water temp is 70 degrees. Expected air temp is 60 - 70 degrees.  We will follow the English Channel swimming rules so wetsuits and swim aids are not allowed.

FRIDAY Swim and Registration

On Friday, October 15th, at 5:00 p.m. we will meet for a quick swim at Coolidge Park next to Outdoor Chattanooga in downtown Chattanooga.   This is also a good time to meet and practice with your pilot.  At 6:30 p.m. there is a required registration and pasta dinner which will be held at Outdoor Chattanooga.  If you are coming from out of town, we recommend staying on the floating hotel - the Delta Queen - which is anchored at Coolidge Park near where you can go for a swim in the river and next to Outdoor Chattanooga and is giving a special swimmer discount rate!