The Three Rivers Regatta by Paddle Knoxville   -  Saturday, August 5th 2023

Registration for the 2023 Three Rivers Regatta is now open. Registration will remain open until August 1st, 2023 or until roster fills to 150 boats.

Welcome to the 4th running of the annual Knoxville's Three Rivers Regatta!   Once again, the first Saturday in August will see paddlers challenge  the three rivers of the headwaters of the Tennessee in Knoxville in one of the Southeasts most challenging Summer races. With three rivers to choose from and the same location for the Start and Finish lines there are no portages and no support vehicle shuttling.

Come join us and test your skills on our three beautiful rivers.

Paddle Knoxville will host two races that will start and finish at Gov. Ned McWherter Park in Knoxville TN. Paddlers will travel on portions of the Tennessee, French Broad and Holston Rivers.  These are deep water races suitable for any style craft. Although conditions may vary, typically the current on this portion of the Tennessee River makes the course more lake-like, with current under 0.5 mph. The French Broad and the Holston rivers are more 'wild cards' and can vary their current speeds hourly.  Half of the course will wind through downtown Knoxville, past Neyland Stadium and the University of Tennessee. The upper section of the course is scenic and undeveloped sections of the three rivers. Channel width ranges from the open expanse of the Tennessee River to sheltered (and shaded) 120' wide blueways. There will be no commercial traffic on the river during the race and very little powerboat traffic.  The upper half of the course is very underpopulated by boat traffic of all kinds.  

Pictures, video and more info on our Facebook page:   https://www.facebook.com/KTRRegatta/

Trophies will be awarded three-deep in all races, all divisions.

Thanks to our sponsors all entrants are eligible to win door prizes to be distributed at the awards ceremony. You must be present to win.

Door prizes include:   

• Llama S-rack
• Epic wing paddle
• Paddle Dynamics gift cards
• Little River Trading - gear basket

RACE Distances: 

Short       6.0 mile race (around Dickinson Island and up to the confluence of the three rivers)

Long        24 mile race 

RACE DIVISIONS:  Race divisions are mostly based on the 2019 sound rowers system of length to width ratio. Men's and Woman's classes in all divisions and Mixed in Tandem divisions.  Note:  24 mile race only - Minimum SUP length = 12'-6" / minimum kayak length = 14'  NEW FOR 2023 - PLASTIC BOAT DIVISION.  Tired of pitting your 50 pound V7's and PRS Surfski's against lightweight carbon boats?  Any rotomolded boat that's 14' or longer fits in this division.  (24 mile race only).  Custom divisions - This sport grows every year with new styles of craft gaining in popularity. For many alternate types of craft, Once we get 3 or more boats in a division not listed below, we will create a new division for them.  Contact race director for any division questions.

• SUP - 12'-6" and under  (shorter than 12'-6" for short race only)
• SUP - 14'
• Sup - Unlimited
• Prone - All (short race only; all sizes, all genders)
• C-1 - ALL - (short race only; all sizes, all genders)
• Recreational - Any kayak 14' or under in length (recreational kayaks in short race only)
• Plastic division - Any rotomolded craft, any size. (Long race only)
• Kayak - 14.1' to 18.0'
• High Performance / Open - Most 18.1' kayaks plus ICF K1 and Wildwater boats
• OC-1 - Single blade
• OC-2 - Single blade*
• Tandem - Any tandem canoe or kayak - must have 22" or greater beam*
• HPK Tandem - Any tandem canoe or kayak under 22" beam*

*For tandem entries - Both paddlers much register.

There are no age-based divisions. Paddlers age 10+ may be a part of a tandem team with their parent as a partner. Solo paddlers must be 16*. (*Younger paddlers may be eligible pending race and paddle experience. Please contact race director.)

If you have any questions about boat divisions, please contact race director.  Some boats blur the lines between divisions so if you have any doubts, just ask.  Of boats that we have had in the TRR for example:  The Think Zen is over 18' long, but is wide enough so that it belongs in the kayak division.  For returning TRR racers, note that divisions have changed slightly from previous years - kayak division has been expanded to include all above 14' to 18'. Rotomolded kayaks and surfskis now have their own Plastic Division.

HOTELS:  Paddle Knoxville / Three Rivers Regatta has discount blocks with the Best Western Suites - Knoxville Downtown.  This is just a few miles from the launch site and has ample high vehicle parking. Hotel booking link here: https://www.bestwestern.com/en_US/book/hotel-rooms.43166.html?groupId=5Z9AT6N4

Best Western Suites - Knoxville Downtown

5317 Pratt Rd

Knoxville ,TN

865-687-9922