Swim the Suck

Swim the Suck is an annual 10-mile (16-km) downstream open water swimming race through the scenic Tennessee River Gorge in Chattanooga, TN, hosted by the Chattanooga Open Water Swimmers (COWS). Sanctioned by U.S. Masters Swimming (USMS), and this year dually with USA swimming, this event requires each swimmer to have a dedicated kayak pilot. The event will offer 10 relay slots for 2026. Swim the Suck is a premier, community-focused race known for its beauty, strong camaraderie, and post-swim festivities.