Every SUP Racer Should Volunteer at a SUP Race

This past weekend we made the 9-hour drive to Chattanooga, TN for Chattajack, the 31 mile endurance SUP race through the Tennessee River Gorge. It's the first time we've been back since 2016, but this time we weren't racing.

Two of our friends made the decision this summer to volunteer, and that inspired us to follow suit. It had never occurred to us to go such a distance to volunteer instead of race, but we're so happy they inspired this experience.

We've never volunteered at a SUP race before, especially one of this size. Sure, we've helped time finishes at a few local races, but that was usually because one of us was injured and had to sit out while the other competed. We don't count those as true volunteer hours.

This was different. And what we learned is that at some point, every SUP racer should volunteer at a SUP race. Here’s why:

As racers, we tend to have tunnel vision. We’re preoccupied by the course that lays ahead, the conditions we’ll face, and how we’re going to perform. It’s all about our own experience, and it’s easy to lose sight of the puzzle pieces that have to come together so that you can even have that experience in the first place. Race directors weave an intricate pattern of logistics and elements both in and out of their control, and they do this without racers even knowing.

As racers, it’s also easy for us to articulate what we think did or didn’t work well for us and how we could have or would have done something differently. It’s a lot harder to criticize the show once you’ve peaked behind the curtain.

Volunteering at a race like this is also an important reminder that, while you play an important role in the execution of an event, it’s just a small one. You can’t have an ego and you’re probably going to have to set aside some opinions and just get the job done. Get humble and do what you need to support the racers - period.

We most definitely had FOMO sitting on the sidelines this time around. Though, it’s hard to really envy anyone who puts themselves through a grueling feat of mental and physical agony. But yeah, we had that a little bit too. What made up for it was seeing so many familiar faces from across the country all in one place for just a few days.

Thanks, Julie and Bernie, for motivating us to volunteer with you. The four of us will be back in Tennessee next year - most likely in the race line up!

Have you volunteered at a race before (SUP or otherwise)? Tell us your takeaways in the comment section!