More than 50 Paddle Boarders got out Saturday morning to race in "The Dig Downtown" on the Tennessee River.
It was the first of the Southern Stoke Paddle Series.
There was a 2, 4, and 8 mile option.
Paddlers started at Ross's Landing across from the Tennessee Aquarium. They paddled under the Walnut Street Bridge, and around the island. The more miles they were doing, the more times around the island.
Paddle Boarding was named the most popular sport for new comers last year, and is just starting to become popular in Chattanooga.
Mark Baldwin, the owner of L2 Boards, brought Paddle Boarding to Chattanooga about five years ago. His love for the sport started on 30A in Florida.
"I grew up in Florida around the surf all the time. I'm a water baby," said Baldwin. "I found Stand up paddling and thought it would be a good way to bring a taste of Florida to Chattanooga."
L2 also offer rentals, lessons, and various group options for stand up paddling and kayaking.
