Team Popp Takes On 31-Mile Chattajack Paddle

Dr. Tom talks about the history of Chattajack on WGOW FM Talk Radio's "Outside With Cindy!"

Dr. Tom is one of two paddlers to have entered all seven years of the race's existence.

The first year that the race was held, in 2012, Dr. Tom was the only Team Popp member to compete. There were approximately 35 racers that year. Dr. Tom raced in a wildwater boat, and let's just say that that was the last time he ever did that! The race has grown tremendously... this year, there are over 600 paddlers entered!

The next year, 2013, Dr. Tom's oldest daughter, Haley, raced with him.

Haley and Dr. Tom completed the 31 miles in 2014, as well!

In 2015, both Dr. Tom's daughter and youngest son, Bryson, entered the race with him.

In 2016, Bryson, Haley, and Dr. Tom all completed the race again!

Last year was a cold and rainy day giving the paddlers miserable racing conditions. The temperature dropped approximately 15 degrees during the race!

There will be 4 Team Popp members paddling this year! For the past 6 years, I, Dr. Colton, have been out-of-town in dental school from 2012 to 2016 and pediatric specialty training from 2016 to 2018, so this will be my first year competing in this 31-mile treacherous race! My sister, Haley and I will be paddling a tandem kayak together! My brother, Bryson will be paddling an outrigger canoe, and Dr. Tom will be paddling a single-person kayak!

Come out to Ross's Landing this Saturday, 10/27/2018 at 8:30 A.M. to watch the start of the Chattajack Race and support Team Popp and all of the other paddlers competing!

See you on the Tennessee River!