Stand up paddleboard race hits "The Hooch"

SANDY SPRINGS - If you've tried stand up paddleboarding, you might have been less concerned about speed and more worried about staying dry. At the 7th annual "Stand Up for the Hooch" race, there was plenty of speed to go around.

"I'm 56, I've been married 36 years, we have 5 kids, 4 grandkids. It's fun to find something I can go back and compete in," said racer Lynn Duble from Lookout Mountain. "I used to be an athlete. Now I can still be one a little bit."

About 200 racers of all skill levels came to the event Sunday morning, which was hosted by High Country Outfitters and raised money for the Sandy Springs Youth Foundation.

"I find most people are a little bit nervous out on the water by themselves," said race director John Sloan from High Country Outfitters. "When you're out there with 200 people, at first it's intimidating, but it gets pretty exciting."

There was a 2-mile course and a 6-mile course, with large inflatable ducks serving as markers for the racers. It was certainly a workout -- racers raced out from the start/finish line and back, meaning they went against the current for half the time.

"When you're on the paddleboard you get tired, but you feel better when you get off of it," said Jack Fitzstevens from Maryville, Tennessee.

While most of the racers were just having fun, there were serious competitors as well, traveling from all over the Southeast. For those considering the sport, experienced paddlers have advice.

"If you haven't paddled, get out there and do it because standing on the water is the most peaceful, relaxing, exhilarating thing I've ever done," said Duble.