Maritime Throwdown Returns to Inland Marine Expo
The Maritime Throwdown (MTD) is set to make a comeback at the Inland Marine Expo (IMX) in Nashville, Tennessee, where it will host its finals for the 2024/2025 season. A total prize pool of $10,000 will be awarded to the top three competitors. Established in 2017 by Captain Kenny Brown, the competition will kick off on May 28, coinciding with the opening of the showroom floor at IMX. Participants will face a range of tasks such as line-throwing, line-handling, and knot-tying, all while wearing life vests. Competitors will be judged based on their precision and speed in completing these challenges.
Wildcard Qualifier Opportunity
For those aspiring to compete in the finals but who have not attended any previous MTD events, a wildcard qualifier is scheduled for May 27, just before IMX commences. Six wildcard entrants will compete for a chance to join the finalists in the main competition on May 28. The prize distribution includes $7,000 for first place, $2,000 for second, and $1,000 for third. MTD aims to cultivate skilled maritime professionals, motivate seasoned mariners to enhance their abilities, and promote values such as teamwork, confidence, and safety, as highlighted on the MTD website.
New Maritime Throwdown Experience
This year introduces an exciting addition to the event: the Maritime Throwdown Experience, which will welcome all IMX attendees to join in starting May 29. “There’s been a strong desire for attendees to engage and try their hand at line-throwing, but we lacked an official participation event until now,” Brown noted. This experience allows non-competitors to discover what it’s like to work as a deckhand. Instructional sessions will occur every two hours, encouraging attendees to jump in and participate actively.
Scoring and Prizes in the Experience
Participants in the Maritime Throwdown Experience can earn between one and seven points during their rounds. All participants begin with one point, and success in the first round grants an additional three points. Completing a second round successfully yields two points, while a third gives one point. At the conclusion of their three attempts, participants receive raffle tickets for each point earned, providing them a chance to win a $1,500 electric bicycle. Since its inception, MTD has awarded over $60,000 in prizes, thanks to generous sponsors and supporters.
Incentives for Skill Development
Brown emphasized the initiative’s goal to motivate mariners to practice skills that are often overlooked in their daily routines. “Most people don’t engage in these activities outside of work unless they have a genuine passion for it. This event allows companies to identify dedicated mariners and invest in their development as future leaders,” he explained.
Upcoming Season Developments
The MTD will commence its 2025/2026 season in August, introducing a new “Incentivized Training Program for Towing Operators” and a “Collegiate Training Unit.” In collaboration with Central Boat Rentals, MTD will develop a prototype of the Collegiate Training Unit, designed to provide college students an immersive experience within the maritime sector. This prototype will remain at Central Boat Rentals.
Promoting Leadership in the Maritime Industry
“We aim to attract a new generation of mariners and present the industry positively,” Brown remarked. He pointed out that the maritime sector often only attracts attention during negative incidents such as accidents. “We’re striving to change that narrative,” he added. Brown further noted, “Captains are trained to operate vessels, not necessarily to lead crews, but the most valuable asset onboard is the team and the atmosphere they create. Through Maritime Throwdown, we instill leadership skills. Poor leadership often drives people away. Even those not in formal leadership roles can learn essential skills to enhance their own experience and that of their colleagues.”
Contact Information for Participation
For further details about MTD or to reserve a spot in the wildcard qualifier, interested individuals can reach out to Brown at 601-551-0321 or via email.
