The Three Rivers Regatta by Paddle Knoxville   -  Saturday, August 3rd 2024

REGISTRATION FOR THE 2024 THREE RIVERS REGATTA IS NOW CLOSED.  Registration will remain open until July 31st, 2024 or until roster fills to 150 boats.

Welcome to the 5th 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.  Responding to feedback from past paddlers on our hot, Summer race our course distances have been changed for 2024.  Our long race is now 12 miles with the shorter race following our weekly HD7K course of 4.2 miles.  Both races will be on the upper section of the course comprised of 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.  

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
• Vaikobi PFD's

RACE Distances: 

Short       4.2 mile race - Around Dickinson Island 

Long        12 mile race - Will pass by Dickenson Island, circle Pickle Island on the French Broad River, Circle Boyd Island on the Holston River and return past Dickenson Island to our Start/Finish line at Gov. Ned McWherter Park. 

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:  12 mile race only - Minimum SUP length = 12'-6" / minimum kayak length = 14'   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)
• 
  
• 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.