The 10-mile course twists and turns through the steep canyons of the protected Tennessee River Gorge. (Chattanooga Open Water Swimmers) and Outdoor Chattanooga.
Swim the Suck is a premier 10-mile open water swim race through the Tennessee River Gorge in Chattanooga, TN, and hosted by the Chattanooga Open Water Swimmers and held in October. Swimmers are provided with a kayaker, shuttles, gear, 2 full meals, t-shirt, an original art award and kegs of local beer at the end. Swim the Suck is a part of the annual RiverRocks Festival in Chattanooga, TN and is hosted by The C.O.W.S.
09/06/2026
The only nibbling reported was from a motel 6 over in tiftonia last year during swim the suck. While you are swimming you may pass a gar. They have a lot of teeth. They are pretty much a living fossil. They also bond to people swimming in the river so if you happen to see a few around you just make very quiet screaming noises under water*
*none of the descriptions of fish are endorsed by management or trained fishologists.
09/05/2026
And I leave you this for your Saturday Morning - Johnny Cash had some history centered around the area. What would that be? Answers Below. You will win 14 Internet Points for knowing random bits of history.
Well - You're approximately one month out. You should be eating a donut and darting across at least 4 lanes of traffic twice a day to gear up for Swim The Suck.
09/03/2026
So you're coming into Chattanooga and WHAT IS THERE TO DO? It took a lot of coordinating but the Walnut Street Bridge is re-opening that weekend. It's about a half mile long walking bridge downtown. It's been closed for a bit getting a new coat of Blue paint that half the people in town hate because "it's too blue". The party will be over by the end of the suck BUT go for a walk at night end enjoy the views of Downtown.
The countdown has begun — after a major restoration project that included more than 200,000 pounds of steel, the historic Walnut Street Bridge is just one month away from welcoming you all! 🎉
Walk your first steps on the bridge since 2025 on Saturday, Oct. 3 and make this the biggest celebration Chattanooga has had yet, from the South to North end. We'll be joined by local businesses, artists, and so much more — save the date and stay tuned for details!
08/29/2026
And as we finish up this practice swim sponsored by brawndo and gas station energy pills........Time draws near for Swim The Suck
08/29/2026
We got a little bit of early morning swim the suck training happening. I haven't had to whack anyone with my paddle. Double bonus I've only been yelled at once.
We have a lot of swimmers whose pilots have not registered. Please ask your pilot to register ASAP!
Swimmers - if you requested a volunteer pilot, assignments just went out! Check your email.
Swim the Suck past winners - What awards did you get and what were your favorite? We're shopping for this year's awards. We always provide locally made awards for our swimmers!
08/15/2026
It's that time of year again! We are around 45 pilots short of our goal. Please share the word that we need folks in kayaks for Swim the Suck on October 3rd! It's free to volunteer. You get a free shirt, pilot mug and post-race meal.
Also, got a motorized boat? Got a friend that has a motorized boat? We'd love to have you on the course supporting the race. We give you all of the above plus gas money. Please come on out! Email [email protected] if you're interested.
Swim the Suck 2026 The Swim the Suck 2026 is on Friday October 2, 2026 to Saturday October 3, 2026. It includes the following events: Swim the Suck - U.S. Masters Swimmer Registration (age 18+), Swim the Suck - Pilot Registration, Swim the Suck - Volunteer Registration (Non-Pilot), Swim the Suck - Age Group Registrati...