What is a Fly-In?
What do I need to bring?
How much does it cost?
Who attends Fly-Ins?
What about kids, are they welcome?
I have never ridden a hydrofoil before, can I attend?
What is required to attend?
Is a Fly-In a competition?
Do I have to bring a boat?
What do I need to do to bring my boat?
Where are Fly-Ins located?
Where does everyone stay?
What is the cost for the rooms?
What is the best way to get there?
What about meals?
What is the dress?
Are adult beverages allowed?
Tell me about the lake.

What is a Fly-In?  A Fly-In is nothing more than a group of people getting together that share the same extreme passion for the sport of Hydrofoiling.  Along with the passion comes a lot of new friends that are more than willing to help you learn the sport and improve you riding ability.

What do I need to bring?  The absolute minimum is yourself (well maybe a change of clothes, it is a 4 day event).  Please bring your ski and all soft gear (gloves, ropes, etc.) if available.  And some spending cash.

How much does it cost?  The cost of registration is $60 per person for the event.  The registration is the same whether you are foiling or not and whether you attend the full 4 days or not.  The registration fee includes a catered BBQ dinner on Saturday night at the Raffle.  Registration, sales of T-Shirts and the Raffle help cover the cost of gas for the tow boats as well as operating expenses and any included meals.  Remember you are supporting the "Event".

Who attends Fly-Ins?  Everyone from people who have never even ridden a hydrofoil to the absolute best riders in the world.  All of which are willing to share their knowledge.

What about kids, are they welcome?  Every hydrofoiling event you attend, kids are welcome.  They are the future riders of the sport.  Attendees range in age from 3 to 89 years old.

I have never ridden a hydrofoil before, can I attend?  Absolutely!  Some of the people may be fighting over who gets to take you out on the boat and teach you to ride for the first time.  Most of the people at a Fly-In are just as excited to see a newbie get up for the first time as they are to land a 720.

What is required to attend?  You are required to be an active member of the USA Water Ski Association.  The USWSA sanctions this fun event and covers the insurance for all participants.  If you are not already a member, you can sign up the day of the event.  However, we recommend that you do this prior to attending so you will have your card.  Click Here to join.

Is a Fly-In a competition?  No.  It is not a competition, it is a fun event only.

Do I have to bring a boat?  No, there are always plenty of tow boats available.

What do I need to do to bring my boat?  First thing is contact Cliff or Lisa.  Second, you must have a minimum of $500K liability insurance.  There is also a short one page water ski towboat form you must fill out.

Where are fly-Ins located?  Fly-Ins are located all over the United States, Canada, Australia and Switzerland.  Visit our Other Fly-Ins page to locate a Fly-In near you.

Where does everyone stay?  Most everyone stays at the host motel, the The Ridges Resort.  Secondary housing locations are a campground located about 1 mile from the host hotel that is located on the lake.  And an Alternate Lodge that is located near the campground with no waterfront access.  We do not have any special rates at the alternate lodge.

What is the cost for the rooms?  All rooms reasonably priced.  Mention the GA Mountain Fly-In and receive the discount rate.  Condo rentals are also available if you have several people who would like to split the cost.  Check the 2010 Fly-In page for current rates for the event.

What is the best way to get there?  Check the directions page.  There are maps and driving directions from the closest 2 major airports.

What about meals?  Most people just fend for themselves.  There are several restaurants located in town or at the resort.  Most people will get together and go as a group.  Saturday night there is a catered BBQ dinner at the pavilion.

What is the dress?  As casual as you want to be.  This is a very small and laid back community.  Fun World is right next door, so you may want to dress for that.  August in Georgia is pretty warm and humid.  Bring plenty of sunscreen.

Are adult beverages allowed?  This is a USAWS sanctioned fun tournament.  No alcoholic beverages will be allowed on towboats.  If you have been drinking during the day, you will not be allowed to ski that day.  So please enjoy them after foiling is done for the day.

Tell me about the lake.  Construction of the earth-filled Chatuge Dam, across the Hiawassee River about three miles southeast of Hayesville, North Carolina, began July 17, 1941.  By February 12, 1942, the reservoir was filling up.  The length of the dam is 2,950 feet and the reservoir is 13 miles long, and covers approximately 7,200 acres at normal summer pool level with 130 miles of shoreline.  In addition to power generation, Lake Chatuge is an important component of TVA's (Tennessee Valley Authority) integrated regional flood control system, which accounts for the fluctuation of water levels during the year.  There is a single turbine with peak output of 13,800 HP.  According to the TVA, the targeted summer lake  elevation ranges between 1,923 and 1,927 feet.  The January 1 target level is an elevation of 1,910 feet.  Half of the lake shoreline is split in ownership between TVA and the U. S. Forest Service.  A few miles are used for county parks and commercial and industrial development.  Both TVA and the Forest Service provide various recreational opportunities; including public boat launch areas, picnic and camping facilities, as well as beach areas.  Lake Chatuge provides fishing opportunities for sunfish; white, smallmouth, largemouth, hybrid, and spotted bass; catfish, crappie, and the occasional trout.

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