Sandy Springs SUP Showdown 2026 — Atlanta, GA

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