2014 Chucktown Showdown Preview

CHARLESTON, South Carolina - This year's Chucktown Showdown (chucktownshowdown.com) will be held September 11-15 at Brittlebank Park in historic Charleston, South Carolina. The inaugural race took place in 2013 with approximately 130 racers participating. According to the Race Director Joey McQuaid, this race was put together for a number of reasons; to have a challenging race course; to raise money for charity; to have the best race in South Carolina; and to reconnect with old friends and meet new ones. The race committee tries to keep a central goal and vision that this is a race put on by paddlers for paddlers.

This year's event offers a full slate. Registration will run Friday from 3-8 PM and the Pre-Race Party will be on the Rooftop Bar of the Charleston Marriott from 5-9 PM. Saturday will kick off with an 8 AM racers meeting; 9 AM race starts; 11 AM lunch; 1 PM MHL/Atlantic Esthetics Kid Race; and 3 PM awards presentation. There will also be post race bash at the Craftsman Tap House starting at 6:30 and lasting well into the night.

Clinics

A multitude of clinics will be available for all interests and levels and will span the entire event.

Thursday - Paddlefit Level 1 with Brody Welte.

Friday - John Denney's Paddling From the Heart Workshop
Race Tip Clinic with Danny Mongno
Zulu Board Race Strategy with Packet Casey
Paddlefit Level 2

Saturday - Training Techniques and Race Tips with Larry Cain

Sunday - Youth Sup Clinic with Dawn Ehman
Flowga Paddelboard Yoga with Dawn Ehman

Monday - Paddlefit Level 3

Races

The 9-mile Harbor Course will be targeted at Elite Racers. According to Race Committee Member Jeremy Whitted, while racers will have amazing views of one of America's most beautiful cities, they will want to pay attention to windage, shipping traffic and strong currents brought on by the confluence of the Ashley and Cooper Rivers. The Harbor Course will be the "Money Race" for this event with 14 Men and 12-6 Women Divisions receiving payouts. Cash Prizes for both genders are $1000 (1st), $500 (2nd), $250 (3rd), $125 (4th) and $75 (5th). There is also an alternative payout for 12-6 Men and 14 Women of $500 (1st), $250 (2nd) and $125 (3rd).

The 4-mile Battery Course will be targeted at Recreational Racers. According to Race Committee Member Damon Licari, this course will still have amazing views of Charleston but will keep racers in the more sheltered waters of the Ashley River. Non cash prizes will be awarded for the Battery Course for the top finishers in each division.

Divisions

This year's race will feature a division for almost everyone. Men and Women will race with their respective genders and can compete in the Surf Class (12-2 and under), 12-6 Stock, 14', Unlimited, Prone, Surfski, Juniors (17 and under) and 50+ (AKA the Geezer Class).

Accommodations

The Charleston Marriott will serve as the headquarters hotel and will also provide board storage for all Chucktown Showdown racers. There are a number of other hotels in Downtown Charleston within close proximity to the race venue, including, The Hilton Garden Inn, Holiday Inn Express, Spring Hill Suites and the Charleston Harbor Resort and Marina.

The Low Country SUP Crew has really turned it up over the last few years, as Charleston is quickly becoming another Mecca for Paddleboarding along the Southeastern Coast. Its inland waters allow for exceptional flatwater paddling and its local beaches allow for good downwinding and entry level surf conditions.

If you know anything about Charlestonians and their penchant for all things festive, you probably do not want to miss this one. The hospitality will be second to none and the local crew will give you a run for your money.

Aloha Y'all,

Haywood Newkirk