The Head of the Hooch is in Chattanooga this weekend
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) — The Head of the Hooch event is back again, with over 2,000+ boats in the water, and 9,000 seats being rowed.
The Head of the Hooch is a yearly event that is held on the first Saturday and Sunday in November.
This event is also known by the name the Head of the Chattahoochee and ‘The Last of the Great Fall Regattas’.
It had been run for the first time in 1982 by the Atlanta Rowing Club.
Many competitors were buzzing with excitement today, as the community came together to support their favorite teams.
William Martin, from the Montgomery Bell Academy Crew Team says, “On the river, it’s really just like you versus your own mind. You can do it, and if you commit to it, and know that you can do it, then you’ll do great. It’s just a big mind battle out there.”
Participants are known to come from all over the states, and even other countries, including Australia, Sweeden, and Germany.
It’s a special event that attracts many athletes, groups of family and friends traveling, and local residents who want to come out and enjoy a fun event.
It’s a very exciting sporting event, as almost 80% of the competitors are High School/College crews.
This event is considered one of the world’s largest rowing regattas, with 2,000+ boats in the water, racing over two days, with more than 9,000 seats being rowed.
Polina Calderon, a team member of the Miami Beach Rowing Club says, “I say it’s really fun and competitive and that we just all listen to each other and since we all are in the same movement, we just feel each other’s energy. We’re just able to power through. It gives us motivation and it’s just really fun. I love it.”
One of the most exciting facts about this rigorous sport is that almost 80% of the competitors are High School and College crews.
Buck Meyer, lead on recovery docks, states, “The thing that impresses me always are the junior rowers. They are the nicest kids, the most appreciative, most well-behaved kids that you will ever come across. It’s a real credit to the parents and coaches. Their behavior is just exemplary.”
Of course, there was food, drinks, and music to enjoy, but it was also just a great place to come together and support the young and old participants in bringing home a team’s win, as it’s been recognized by national magazines as the regatta to attend.
Claire Mayer, another team member of the Miami Beach Rowing Club says, “Being motivated, believing in yourself, having endurance, you know, being confident in yourself, and appreciating the friendships you make along the way help a lot. You don’t want to give up, because you know that you’re all in it together.”
If you missed the event today, it will continue on tomorrow.
You can click here to find The Head of the Hooch’s schedule.
