Volunteer at the Head of the Hooch

The Hooch runs on volunteers. Join the team that makes one of the nation's great regattas possible.

Our volunteers travel from across the country to make this event possible. The Head of the Hooch is 100% volunteer-powered, and we wouldn't have it any other way. Whether you're a rower, a boating enthusiast, or simply someone who loves a great event and a great city, there's a spot for you on our team. We take care of our volunteers too:

• Official Head of the Hooch volunteer t-shirt
• Hospitality area with hot coffee, tea, cocoa, cold drinks, morning snacks, and a catered boxed lunch
• Restroom facilities with running water (yes, really — no porta-potties for volunteers!)
• A front-row seat to one of the best regattas in the country, surrounded by people who love the sport as much as you do

Volunteer shifts are available Thursday and Sunday afternoon (course setup/breakdown) as well as Friday–Sunday during the full regatta weekend. Age requirement: 18+, or 16–17 with parental permission.

Volunteer Opportunities

No Experience Needed

Awards

Congratulate top finishers by issuing medals at our awards desk. With 80 events and up to 9 competitors per boat, we need friendly, organized volunteers to keep things moving. Training provided.

Docks: Boat Safety & Flow (No Rowing Experience Required)

Perform boat safety checks, recover bow numbers, direct boats off the water, and keep the dock perimeter clear. The Dock Master will guide you. Great water views!

Merchandise Tent

Staff the official merchandise tent Thursday through Sunday. Duties include setup, sales, restocking, and breakdown. Shifts are six hours and fast-paced, expect to be on your feet.

Para Rowing: General Support (No Rowing Experience Required)

Meet and assist para-athletes throughout the regatta. Dock positions require moderate lifting and good balance; hospitality positions require a positive attitude. Contact pararowing@headofthehooch.org for more information.

Parking & Traffic

Help direct boat trailers and competitors to the venue efficiently. Experienced leads are in each area, and law enforcement provides additional support. No special experience required for most positions.

Registration

Help teams check in and receive their bow numbers Friday through Sunday. As racing concludes, assist with bow number collection for next year.

Safety & Support

Support the regatta behind the scenes with activities like assisting as Control Commission Support, distributing Hooch programs, or managing radio equipment check-out/check-in alongside a referee.

Timing

Track start and finish times using electronic timing devices alongside our experienced timing team. No rowing or prior timing experience required. For specific questions on timing, contact timing@headofthehooch.org.

Volunteer Tent

Volunteer Desk: Help volunteers check in/out, locate their assignments, and distribute t-shirts. Comfort with basic computer use is helpful.

Volunteer Hospitality: Greet and assist volunteers in the hospitality area. Show them where to find refreshments and make them feel welcome.

Weigh-Ins

Check competitor weights to ensure fair competition. A weigh-in manager will train and guide you throughout each shift.

Boating or Dock Experience Helpful

Course Setup

Prepare, install, survey, maintain, and recover race buoys and anchors on pontoon boats and jon boats. Moderate lifting required. Boating experience is a plus; rowing experience is not required.

Docks: On-Dock Positions

Assist boats on and off the docks. It’s physically demanding work with quick on-the-dock training provided. Rowing or dock familiarity is helpful but not required.

Experience Required

Launches: Outboard Driving Experience Required

Drive a launch on the water alongside a referee; it’s one of the best ways to experience the regatta. Outboard boating experience required; all drivers must agree to regatta safety guidelines. We have nearly 100 launch driving positions to fill. Watch this video for more information.

Para Rowing: Able-Bodied Rowing Partners (Rowing Experience Required)

Row a 2X with a para-athlete. You may transport equipment between Ross’s Landing and the GPS Dock and may have the opportunity to race alongside a para-athlete. Contact pararowing@headofthehooch.org for more information.

Ready to Volunteer?

How to Sign Up

Sign-ups are managed through SignUpGenius. A free account is helpful but not required.

• Have an emergency contact’s name and cell number ready when signing up.
• You’ll receive a confirmation email. Check your spam folder if you don’t see it.
• Volunteer questions: volunteer@headofthehooch.org
• SignUpGenius support: support@signupgenius.com

FAQs

Get Involved

Who can sign up to volunteer?

Anyone! The Head of the Hooch welcomes volunteers of all backgrounds and experience levels.

Do I need rowing experience?

Not at all. Most roles simply require enthusiasm: setup, parking, staffing tents and tables, and more. If you do have rowing or boating experience, there are specialized roles like timing and dock support. There's something for everyone.

How can my organization get involved?

Encourage your members to volunteer or come out and cheer! Email volunteer@headofthehooch.org to find out how your group can be part of the South's largest rowing event.

Are there opportunities before or after the regatta?

Yes! We need help with course setup, signage, tent assembly, equipment prep, and more in the days before the event, as well as breakdown and cleanup after. Every pair of hands helps.

How can I get more involved?

Browse the volunteer opportunities and sign up for as many shifts as fit your schedule. Most are 2–4 hours. Some roles are more physical (walking, lifting); others are desk- or greeting-based. Either way, leave yourself time to walk the bridges and take in the racing!

Are there year-round volunteer opportunities?

Absolutely. The Atlanta Rowing Club offers volunteer opportunities beyond the regatta. Cont volunteer@headofthehooch.org to learn more.

At the Event

Where do I park?

Several public parking garages are available in downtown Chattanooga. Street parking near the waterfront will be very limited. We recommend arriving 30–45 minutes before your shift to allow time to park and walk to the volunteer tent. (link to venue maps)

Where do I go when I arrive?

Head to the Head of the Hooch Volunteer Tent to sign in. You'll pick up your volunteer vest, get refreshments, and receive all the details you need: your assignment, team lead, location, and any role-specific instructions. (link to venue maps)

What should I bring?

Wear comfortable clothes and shoes suited to your activity. There's no storage on-site, so keep essentials in your pockets or a small bag. Check the forecast. The Hooch is a rain-or-shine event!

Do I need to sign in and sign out?

Yes, please. Signing in ensures you get the info you need to hit the ground running. Signing out gives us a chance to thank you, hear your feedback, and connect with fellow volunteers.

Who do I contact if I have a question on-site?

At arrival, the volunteer coordinators at the tent are your first stop. Once at your assignment, find your area team lead. They'll have a 2-way radio to reach the volunteer tent if needed.

Is there a lost and found?

Yes. The volunteer tent is the central lost and found. If you find something, turn it in promptly or notify the volunteer desk via radio.

After Your Shift

How does my affiliated organization get credit?

When signing up, note your affiliated organization. We want to recognize all volunteers and the groups that support them.

Who do I contact with other questions?

Contact volunteer@headofthehooch.org. We're happy to help.