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Nantahala Outdoor Center

Paddling SchoolTable of Contents Page

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Why

NOC

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Why NOCNOC Youth Paddling Team: Turning Paddling into LeadershipNOC Instructor ProfilesHow to Choose a Course Skill Level Group Size Course Selection Length of CourseThe BoofCourses Multiday Courses Private Instruction Youth Clinics Skills Workshops Discover River Kayaking Advanced Creeking Stand Up Paddling (SUP) ACA Instructor Training Raft Guide School CustomGear ReviewContact the Paddling SchoolNOC Nantahala Campus Lodging Dining Shopping EventsContact Us

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Why

NOC Over 40 years ago, NOC created the first whitewater paddling curriculum, a progression-based approach for learning the

skills used by the world’s best competitive paddlers.

Today NOC’s instructors are still proven paddlers teaching world-class techniques, but they are also trained educators. They recognize students’ learning styles, and they use proven heuristics and teaching strategies to create efficient and engaging learning experiences. NOC’s course offerings and private instruction classes take place on the most excting and beautiful whitewater rivers in the Southeastern United States, where reliable water and mild weather offer year-round paddling opportunities. And our unmatched range of permits gives our students access to the best rivers available for instruction, like the classic Chattooga River.

NOC’s diverse course offerings allow students to select the challenge, value option and peer-group size of their choice. And NOC’s iconic Nantahala River campus, with its on-site restaurants, lodging, river access and amenities is still the best basecamp for a multi-day learning experience. Students can enjoy post-paddling refreshments at NOC’s riverside bar, and enjoy live music on Friday and Saturday evenings in the summer.

Because NOC’s Outfitter’s Store sells most major brands of boats, Paddling School guests have access to a wide range of models during their lesson, and guests are encouraged to try different brands and models. NOC students recieve a special discount on gear in the Outfitter’s Store—an important benefit for paddlers looking to update their equipment. Additionally, NOC remains the epicenter of American whitewater paddling, hosting the largest and most diverse set of competitive paddling events across four disciplines: slalom, wildwater, freestyle and stand-up paddling. In 2013 NOC will host the 2013 International Canoe Federation Canoe Freestyle World Championships, crowning the world’s best freestyle paddlers right here in North Carolina. So, we hope you’ll consider joining us on the water. This guide will tell you more about who we are, the courses we offer and how to make a reservation. Ultimately, we’re dedicated to building the sklills and confidence of our students, and we’re eager to share the amazing experience of paddling whitewater rivers.

NOC Youth Paddling TeamTurning Paddling into Leadership

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In 2011, NOC Instructor and Adventure Programs Director Jon Clark created the NOC Youth Paddling Team (YPT). His idea was to sponsor youth paddlers in competitive events, foster community among young Southeastern paddlers and to encourage training and skill development. But Jon’s vision went beyond just promoting whiteawater paddling. He wanted to offer a paddling lifestyle that helps kids excel both in school and in their communities. To make this happen, Jon instituted rigid requirements for NOC YPT membership: members must maintain a 3.0 GPA, abide by a strict code of conduct and comply with an alcohol and drug policy. Students abiding by team standards are rewarded with YPT sponsored and coordinated paddling trips, and they may apply for event sponsorship. YPT paddling trips include classics like the Tallulah, Green, Gauley, Cheoah and Ocoee Rivers, giving students a major incentive to stay on the team.

Beyond these benefits, many team members have completed Swiftwater Rescue training and Wilderness First Aid certification. NOC extends these courses to team members to further their skills and to ensure that they grow to be responsible and educated paddlers—the next generation of on-the-water river stewards. The team also has weekly freestyle workshops with some of the best NOC Paddling School instructors. All in all, if team members play by the rules, they get a lot out of their affiliation. In 2011, the first-year YPT attended the Atlanta Outdoor Nation Summit as youth paddlesports ambassadors . At the summit the team applied for and won a $2500 grant and led kayak demonstrations introducing paddling to the local community at Sweetwater Creek Park. In the past two years the team has created and shared videos of their excursions and documented their experiences in blogs—sharing their love of paddling with their friends at home. So be on the lookout for these paddlers on the rivers of the Southeast, and don’t hesitate to say hello when you see them. They’re the next generation of river stewards, and they’re eager to give back to the sport that’s changing their lives.

Instructor Profiles


More paddlers learn from NOC’s Paddling School than any other whitewater kayaking school in the country. This means NOC instructors have extensive experience working with students and putting paddling theory and technique to work on the river.

Here are the full-time core members of the NOC Paddling School. These teachers are complimented by over a dozen fully-trained affiliated instructors who teach on seasonal schedules. All NOC instructors are fully-trained and have been full-time Paddling School instructors at some point in their careers.

Tosh Arwood

Tosh Arwood

Jon Clark

Jon Clark

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Jimmy Holcombe

As NOC’s Adventure Programs Director Jon oversees whitewater instruction, wilderness medicine, survival instruction and zip line programs. Though this keeps him busy, he still finds time to teach. Jon first learned to paddle at Camp Mondamin, and as a young paddler he took lessons at NOC, eventually competing in freestyle paddling and mountain bike racing. Jon became an NOC instructor in 2002, and he now has a decade of instruc-tion experience. His current focus is expedition paddling, which combines his boating, climbing and photography skills. He has numerous first descents, notably Chile’s Las Truchas, and boasts expert skills in both canoe and kayak paddling.

Jimmy has been teaching kayaking ever since he was hired as NOC’s first em-ployee over forty years ago, making him the most experienced instructor in the Southeast. A veteran of the first Upper Gauley run, Jimmy also explored Western North Carolina throughout the 1960’s, logging likely first descents on many of the Southeast’s hidden creeks. Jimmy also holds one of the highest water runs ever on the Youghiogheny. While all NOC instructors work well with all students, Jimmy is known for his special rapport with kids and beginners.

Surprisingly, Paddling School manager Tosh Arwood’s competitive background is in downhill mountain biking. But once Tosh found paddling, he immersed himself in the sport. He’s now a regular on some of the Southeast’s steepest creeks. Today, Tosh spends his winters paddling around the globe and his seasons teaching kayaking and keeping the Paddling School running efficiently. Thanks to his experience as a paddlesports buyer Tosh has extensive knowledge of whitewater gear, boats and trends.

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Sara Hunter

Instructor Profiles


Will Norris

Will Norris

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One of NOC’s best competitive freestyle kayakers, and NOC’s leading SUP—or stand-up paddling—specialist, Andrew has been teaching paddling for five years. Andrew designs and oversees all of NOC’s SUP programs, and he often leads NOC’s Kids’ Week. Because he enjoys working with kids, he is involved with the Nantahala Kids Club and the NOC Youth Paddling Team, commitments that go beyond his day-to-day job in the Paddling School. Besides teaching paddling Andrew is an accomplished yoga instructor, raft guide and ocean surfer.

Another twelve year NOC veteran, Will is now in his fourth year with the Paddling School. Previously Will was the assistant manager for NOC’s Cheoah River rafting operations—arguably the most difficult commercial rafting trip in the United States. Will teaches the full range of courses, and he also specializes in rescue skills. Will’s students also appreciate his emphasis on the interpretive knowledge: he studies the river environment and sees it as a integral part of the paddling experience.

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Andrew Koch

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Jason McClure

A twelve-year NOC veteran and a seven-year team Pyranha paddler, Jason has helped thousands of students improve their paddling skills. Jason is a professional steep creek paddler, and he specializes in advanced private instruction and rescue techniques. Jason has considerable international paddling experience, and he has guided paddling trips to four different destinations. His favorite international destinations are Ecuador and Chile.

Anne started her career at NOC 19 years ago, guiding rafts on the difficult Chattooga River. After moving over to the Paddling School full-time 13 years ago, Anne has become one of NOC’s most experienced instructors, teaching constantly. She’s an excellent creek boater and a trip leader on NOC’s Costa Rica adventure travel trips. Sometimes tough, Anne challenges her students directly, giving them an extra push to improve.

A former Junior World Cup Freestyle Champion, Sara knows how to channel enthu-siasm into demonstrable development and success. Sara’s easy-going personality makes her popular with kids camps and beginner groups, but her dedication and focus make her a perfect model for advanced paddlers: she routinely heads back to the river after teaching a full-day lesson to work on her own skills.

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Skill Level

For group clinics NOC separates students into two skill levels, “Learn to Kayak” and Intermediate/Advanced. Students in Learn to Kayak clinics will learn enough skills and techniques to be comfortable and capable in easy whitewater. Students in the Intermediate/Advanced clinics will develop their skills with the support and challenge of NOC instructors.

The guidelines below will help you determine which group is right for you. If you have any questions, call us at 828.488.7287, and we’ll talk it over with you. Because NOC usually runs Learn to Kayak and Intermediate/Advanced clinics simultaneously some students even alternate between the two clinics based on the day’s itinerary and their skill levels.

Learn to Kayak Paddlers: • Have never paddled a kayak • Have no whitewater experience • Paddled years ago and want to start again • Have paddled in whitewater, but do not know how to roll • Are paddling easy whitewater, but are tentative and nervous

Intermediate/Advanced Paddlers: • Currently paddle whitewater and have a flatwater roll • Currently paddle whitewater and are trying to perfect their roll • Paddled whitewater many years ago and had a roll • Have taken a Learn to Kayak course with NOC and are ready for more • Have taken various days of Private Instruction with NOC

“Learn to Kayak” or Intermediate/Advanced


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Because paddlers learn at different rates and in different ways NOC allows students to choose their preferred learning environment.

Group CoursesSometimes the most important benefit of taking an NOC instruction course is meeting other paddlers and making new paddling friends. And that’s why people love learning in groups; it’s often just more fun. But group learning provides many advantages besides camaraderie: other students ask good questions, they encourage you to try new skills, they provide additional en-couragement and you learn from watching them learn. And that’s what it’s all about: learning and having fun.

Choosing the Best Learning Environment

Private Instruction:Students looking to develop specific skills and students on a tight schedule generally prefer pri-vate instruction sessions. With private instruction paddlers get the undivided attention of their instructor, and they can custom-build the day’s intinerary. Note that a “P.I.” can have as many as four students, so it’s possbile to get the focus of private instruction and the shared experience of group paddling at the same time.


How to Choose a Course

Course Selection

Paddlers looking to generally develop their overall skills and to run new rivers should select one of our standard clinic offerings. Paddlers with different needs may enjoy one of our more special-ized courses; the Paddling School offers special programs for youth paddlers, value-oriented skills workshops, instructor certifications and introductions to specific paddling disciplines. We also regularly work with guests on built-to-order programs, so feel free to ask for a custom curriculum. Descriptions of standard and specialty clinics are listed here.

Picking the Best Option for You

Length of CoursesCourses range from half-day to week-long durations. Since much of skill development is practice and repetition, students tend to develop more in longer courses with plenty of river time.

Half Day • Private Instruction: 8:30AM to 12:30PM • Roll Workshop: 9:00AM to 12:00PM • River Runner Workshop: 1:30PM to 5:30PM

Full Day • Private Instruction: 8:30AM to 4:00PM

2 Day Courses – Saturday 9:00AM to Sunday 5:00PM • Learn to Kayak • Intermediate/Advanced • Advanced Creeking

5 Day Courses – Monday 9:00AM to Friday 1:00PM • Learn to Kayak • Intermediate/Advanced • Advanced Creeking

The Boof


One of the most important skills for advanced paddling, the “boof” is also one of the most misunderstood. A successful boof uses a river feature or a body movement to lift the bow of the boat over a ledge or drop.

While each of these boofs is executed slightly different, the underlying principle is the same – the boater is trying to land the boat flat, or somewhat flat, to carry as much of their speed from their approach to their landing, avoid holes or piton rocks, or set up an ensuing move.

Did you know that this technique was not always called ‘Boofing’?It was called ‘Ski-jumping’ and in the west ‘Pancaking’. Here is William Nealy’s explination of this tech-nique, some different variations of it, and his reaction to this revolutionary new way of running drops. As the story goes “Somewhere in Appalachia, an adrenaline crazed creek boater ran a big drop a little too fast and something funy happened.. and Ski- Jumping was Born!! We are forever indebted to this mysterious boater, whoever he/she is...” from KAYAK - published in 1986:


Private Instruction

The following is one technique that can be used to execute a successful water boof:1. Realize that you don’t need a lot of speed on your approach. Many people paddle as fast as possible towards the horizon line only to miss the actual boof stroke. Some speed is good but concentrate less on speed and more on “waiting” on the boof stroke.

2. As you approach the lip, edge and angle your boat slightly towards the side you will be taking the boof stroke on. With the boat edged an angled reach forward to the lip and do a slow forward stroke. The boof stroke is not a choppy, quick stroke – it’s controlled, slow, and deep.

3. Drive up on the left knee shortly after you plant the stroke and continue to lift the knees as you fall.

4. The boof stroke often causes the paddler to lean back. Be sure to adjust your weight forward again as you’re falling, so as to not land with your weight back in an unstable (and back ender-prone) position.

Extra Thoughts • Lip boofs and water boofs often use this similar technique • All boofs are different; this technique doesn’t apply to all of them – it doesn’t even apply to all water boofs • On sloping rapids with small to medium sized holes I’ve found that taking a slow, vertical stroke earlier than you think and “holding” that stroke throughout the entire move works well.

Courses


Multiday CoursesNOC’s Paddling School recommends multiday courses so students get more time on the water.Both novice and intermediate/advanced boaters have a choice between weekend courses (two days) or week long courses (five days). The minimum age for all multiday courses is 18, but if accompanied by an adult, students can be as young as 14 years old.

Two Day Learn to Kayak Course - $349Make the most of your weekend and learn the necessary skills to paddle safelyin class I-II whitewater. Each day is split with mornings on the lake and afternoonson a river. On the lake students learn correct techniques, and on the river they practice these skills on beginner-level rapids with NOC instructors’ guidance and support. This course gives beginning paddlers the ability to enjoy basic whitewater and builds a solid foundation for skill development.

Two Day Intermediate/Advanced Course - $349Step up your paddling in this weekend warrior course. Class II combat roll is required for this course. You will be challenged to execute hard moves in water you are still comfortable in. Skills covered may include, but are not limited to, dual sided roll, surfing, rapid scouting and running. You will also cover river safety techniques as well. This two day course is great if you need to tune up your paddling or take it to the next level.

Five Day Learn to Kayak Course - $749Ideal for students who are decisively committed to learn paddling, this five-day course takes true beginners all the way to basic proficiency on Class II/III whitewater. Each day is spent working on whitewater kayaking skills such as paddle strokes, boat handling, rolling, river maneuvers and running rapids. This course is a great opportunity to gain significant skills in a short amount of time, while building relationships with other beginner paddlers.

Courses


Multiday Courses

Five Day Intermediate/Advanced Course - $749The perfect mix of instruction and river running to take your paddling to the next level. By adding new skills and improving the ones they have, students will be able to run some of the best rivers in the Southeast. A solid class II combat roll is required. Spend five days in this course and you will leave with the knowledge and confidence to begin exploring new rivers on your own.

Private Instruction

Half Day Base Rate - $149 Full Day Base Rate - $249NOC provides one-on-one instruction where you receive the maximum attention to your spe-cific learning style and goals. You can choose to conquer whitewater alone with your instruc-tor or with a group of friends. NOC offers half-day or full-day instruction courses. Half-day courses last about four hours while full-day courses last around eight hours including lunch.

A private instruction course at NOC lets you get exactly what you want out of your session. From beginners to advanced boaters, Private Instruction benefits every level of paddler. Prices vary depending on how many people you have in your party. Minimum age is eight years old.

Courses


Youth ClinicsNOC is dedicated to introducing the paddling world to children as young as 9 years old in youth clinics. These camps provide an outlet for children looking to get outside and engage in an extreme sport. Youthclinics will get their feet wet at a young age and help them build relationships with other children withsimilar interests. Lodging, meals, transportation and gear are provided in the all inclusive youth clinics.

5 Day All Inclusive - $1299NOC’s Youth Weeks continue to be one of our most popular whitewater kayak offerings. Active kids love spending an entire week on the river and lake, making new friends along the way. NOC’s Instructors provide 24-hour supervision, in addition to the highest level of whitewater instruction and on-river safety. Youth Week is open to paddlers any experience level, novice through advanced. Lodging, meals,transportation and equipment are all included. Time spent on the lake will focus onlearning new skills or refining the ones you already have. River access will depend on the skill level of the group. Some of the rivers commonly used are: Nantahala,Tuckaseegee, Little Tennessee, Chattooga, Ocoee, Pigeon, French Broad, Nolichuckyand Hiawassee. After around 4-6 hours on the water, the group will return to campus to enjoy dinner and evening activities.

On the Final Day of Youth Camp, families are invited for a “Family Paddle” and lunch. You will paddle a short section of the Nantahala to see your young paddler show off their new moves. If you don’t have your own kayak and gear, you can rent a “ducky,” an inflatable kayak, at a discounted rate.

Courses


Youth Clinics

5 Day – Day Camp Only - $749NOC offers a Day Camp option for the popular Youth Week. Your young paddler canstill enjoy all of the activities of Youth Week while making new friends and gainingpaddling skills. The only difference is they will stay the night with family. This is agreat option if you are vacationing, or living in the area and would like to save somemoney and have family time in the evening. The young paddler will still havetransportation to all of the destinations the group goes to along with lunch everyday. The only difference between day camp and all inclusive camp is the lodging.

7 Day Youth River Leadership Camp /age 14 – 17 - $1649Must be an Intermediate level kayaker

NOC’s River Leadership Camp an all-inclusive course designed to help young paddlers develop the necessary skills to be leaders on the river. It is important that young paddlers learn hard skills, such as swiftwater rescue and wilderness first aid early in their paddling career. During this process, it is equally important to learn the soft skills such as good judgment, decision making, awareness and leadership. During this camp, we will combine seven days of paddling with a Swiftwater Rescue and SOLO Wilderness First Aid certification course. Each day we will practice using both hard and soft skills in river-based scenarios. Our goal for this camp is to develop highly trained youth paddlers who will become role models in the sport.

Possible Itinerary: Day 1: Warm up day – paddle class III/III+ while working on skills developmentDay 2/3: SOLO Wilderness First Aid course followed by afternoon paddleDay 4/5: Swiftwater Rescue training including water-based scenariosDay 6: Paddle on area riverDay 7: Paddle on area river with some rescue scenarios. Finish with lunch around 1:00pm

Courses


Skills WorkshopsSkills Workshops are offered every Saturday from Memorial Day to Labor Day. They are half day workshops to help you learn the basic skills of whitewater kayaking. Minimum age is 16 years old. - $99.00

Roll Workshop – 9:00am to around 12:00pm.You will be outfitted in a comfortable kayak and load up with the group and headto the lake. You will spend the whole morning working on mastering one of themost critical skills in whitewater kayaking – The Eskimo Roll. Prior experience in akayak and familiarity with wet-exit is suggested but not required.

River Runner – 1:30pm to around 5:00pm. In this half day clinic you will spend the afternoon paddling the Nantahala River with a trusted instructor to show you the lines and easiest routes down the river. You will stop at the Nantahala Falls (Class III) to scout the rapid and learn the different lines down the biggest rapid on the river. This course will leave you feeling confident in reading and maneuvering through class II/III water.

Courses


Discover River Kayaking

Wesser - $119 Pigeon - $89.99 This full day course is a great introduction to whitewater kayaking. DRK starts with a morn-ing session on the lake where you learn basic strokes, boat control, and safety maneuvers. After lunch you will head to the appropriate river and start using your new skills. This course not only focuses on the basics of whitewater kayaking, but emphasizes scenery, companion-ship and fun.

Advanced Creeking

2 Day Advanced Creeking The southeastern US is home to some of the nation’s best “creek boating.” We willpaddle two of the area’s best creeks during the weekend focusing on skills specificto low volume, high gradient paddling. Boofing, water reading, creek specificsafety, and gear selection are topics typically covered during this course. Class IIIcombat roll required.

5 Day Advanced CreekingKayak Creek Week is an intense, five-day program designed to give paddlers the skills to go from good to great. We’ll progress from perfecting Class IV strokes in easier water to running the steep stuff by the end of the week. We’ll practice boofing, running vertical drops, scout-ing, paddling efficiency and basic river rescue. Class III paddling skills are required for this program. The week includes lodging, meals, transportation and any kayakinggear you may need.

Introduce yourself to the world of whitewater paddlesports with a Discover River Kayaking course at the Nantahala or Pigeon River outposts. Minimum age for this course is 8 years old.

Advanced Creeking courses are offered only in the spring season. These courses are for intermediate pad-dlers looking to really advance in whitewater creeking. Minimum age is 18 for these courses.

Courses


Stand Up Paddling (SUP)Stand Up Paddle Boarding (SUP) is the fastest growing sport in America and for good reason. There is noth-ing quite like standing on a board on the water. The view you get is like nothing you’ve experienced. Plus, the relaxed position of standing while viewing the watery world around you is surreal.

Lake -$79.99Starting in the calm flat water of the lake is a great way to help learn balance andboard maneuvering techniques. By learning your basic skills in a flat waterenvironment it will allow for an easier transition into moving water. What you willlearn in the flats is getting the board to and from the water, getting on and off theboard, balance, board exit strategies, and board and paddle techniques.

River - $79.99Navigating a river from a stand up paddle board is similar to the lake but you getthe added fun of riding nature’s conveyor belt - current. Some of the skills you havelearned from the lake we will use on the river. The river course will teach specisafety skills and river knowledge that will help you explore true SUP potential. What you will learn on the river is an introduction to current, reading water,kneeling and standing techniques through rapids, board exit strategies inwhitewater (both kneeling and standing), and logistics.

Full Day - $99.99 This full-day course combines our lake and river sessions to give you the ultimateSUP experience. Starting in warm flat water your instructor will teach you all thebasic skills needed to master your balance on the board as well as boardmaneuvering. You will soon find yourself paddling around the lake in no time. After lunch we go to the river and you will find that most of the skills learned onthe lake will apply to the river. The river is like the lake except you have the addedadvantage of nature’s conveyor belt - current. Once you learn the skills needed forthe river you will soon find that standing on a board, floating through pristinewilderness is like nothing you have ever experienced before.

Courses


ACA Instructor Training

5 Day ACA Instructor Training –$719NOC’s training will certify participants up to Level 4 ACA Kayak Instructor. You’ll need to be able to confidently paddle Class III-IV+ whitewater, with the ability to self-rescue and help with group rescue in Class III. Lunches and transportation are included in this program. Throughout the course you will refine your skills for efficient techniques and river running with a focus on river management skills, rescue prevention, and hand on rescue – both in and out of the boat.

Raft Guide School

5 Day Raft Guide School - Spring Only - $450.90NOC pioneered river guide school as a place to get training from the top raft guides in the nation. From this guide school, you will learn reading whitewater, maneuvering a raft, stroke techniques, knot tying, raft rigging, river signals, how to communicate with your crew, basic operations of a rafting trip, basic river rescue, equipment maintenance , risk management, and emergency river procedures. Lodging, meals and transportation is provided for the dura-tion of the course.

CustomNone of the programs fit what you are looking for?NOC Paddling School will accommodate groups of various sizes and paddlers of all levels. If you are looking for a specific experience that was not described in the courses listed, NOC can customize your instruction to fit your needs. Call 800.232.7238 to discuss setting up custom instruction.

Our Kayak Instructor Training Course is designed to prepare you with the professional skills needed to teach whitewater kayaking for fun or for profit.

This classroom on the river will train you to work as a river rafting guide for commercial outfitters, camps, clubs, schools and more. Minimum age for guide school is 17.


Gear ReviewBest Beginner BoatThe short answer to this question is the Jackson Fun; the long answer is, well, longer. Because everyone is different, a great beginner boat for one person may be a horrible beginner boat for another. This is the dilemma we face every morning as we outfit our novice kayakers in their boats. Here are a few suggestions, remembering of course that there is no substitute for paddling the boat before you buy it. (We have free demos of all these boats at our Outfit-ter’s Store)

• Best Beginner River Runner: Liquid Logic Remix If this boat was a car it would be the: Jeep Wrangler You’ll probably like this boat if: You’re a beginner just learning eddy turns or an old hand looking to do attainments, harder fairies, or classic enders. You probably won’t like this boat if: You want to get into playboating, you’re a fast learner, you want a responsive/sporty boat.

• Best Do-Everything Beginner Boat: Fun Series If this boat was a car it would be the: Mini Cooper You’ll probably like this boat if: You’re looking for a boat that will offer a wide variety of play options while still being very easy to roll and stable while moving down river. You probably won’t like this boat if: You are a beginner who does not want the added risk of flipping or if you are looking to perform advanced play boating moves. Creek Boating is also not recommended for this series.

• Honorable Mention: Dagger mamba If this boat were a car it would be: Dodge Ram You’ll probably like this boat if: YYou want a stable river runner that will get you from point A to point B with absolute confidence. This boat is also very easy to roll. You probably won’t like this boat if: You’re looking for a boat that offers play boating features.

Gear Review


Contact Paddling Schoolthe

Contact the NOC Paddling School Management Team directly with questions specifically about courses and offer-ings in whitewater instruction. Their expertise will guide you towards selecting the correct course and prepare you with knowledge of what to expect from NOC Paddling School. NOC Paddling School will also accommodate special requests as best as possible, so don’t hesitate to call!

Who should you talk to?Tosh Arwood – Paddling School ManagerTosh Arwood loves to talk anything paddling related! If you have special needs or inquires about NOC instruction programs, want to know about the latest in white-water designs and offerings, or have any questions about paddling progression, Tosh is the one to call.

Jae Jackson – Paddling School Assistant ManagerJae Jackson is the glue holding NOC Paddling School together. From setting up schedules and courses to hucking boats on top of a van and running shuttle, Jae does it all. By contacting Jae you are guaranteed a friendly, reliable and timely response to all inquiries regarding courses and opportunities within paddling school. Although she is not an instructor, Jae has grown up on the water and can guide you in the right direction in setting up your adventure in the whitewater paddling world.


NOC N

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NOC offers on-site lodging along with lodging less than 2 miles up the road. Pricing varies with the season,please visit http://www.noc.com/noccom/lodging-a-dining/stay-the-night/ for more information.

NOC CabinsNestled in the woods at NOC’s Nantahala Resort, our cabins offer a cozy experience for a small family, as well as a great gathering spot for larger groups. All cabins have a full kitchen with dishes, utensils, cookware, coffee maker, microwave and toaster. Satellite TV with DVD player and courtesy phone are in the living area. There is a deck with a charcoal grill for enjoying an outdoor barbecue. With the exception of Cabin E, which has central heat and air, the cabins are heated and have fans.

Cabin A: 2 Bedroom, 1 Bath - one queen, two twin bedsCabin B: 3 Bedroom, 1 Bath - one queen, two sets of twin bedsCabin C: 6 Bedroom, 3 Bath - two queen, nine twin beds Cabin E: 2 Bedroom, 1 Bath - one king, one queen, one double bed. Cabin D: This cabin is a motel style cabin with the maximum occupancy of 37 people. The cabin can be rented as is, or it can also be rented by room. Each motel room has their own private shower and restroom located in the room or across the hall.


NOC Nantahala Campus

Lodging

Basecamp - $17/person/night Stay where the Appalachian Trail hikers stay! Basecamp offers shared bunk lodgingwith electricity, baseboard heat and fans. When staying at basecamp, you have access to a community building with a dining hall, kitchen, charcoal grill, restrooms and showers. It is basic and very affordable. Occupancy: 2-8, depending on number of beds in the rooms, Maxi-mum occupancy: 86 people

Platform Tents - $8/person/night Basic waterproof canvas tents on wooden platforms. There are five tents: one sleeps six people and four sleep five people each. Amenities include: a fire ring, porta johns on-site, and flush toilets and coin operated showers within walking distance. Occupancy: Min. 10 people max. 26 people (site max. 40 people)

Off site LodgingRiverside Cabin and the Nantahala Inn are located 1.5 miles up the road from theNantahala Campus. They offer a private setting to relax and enjoy the NantahalaRiver Gorge.

Riverside Cabin2 Bedroom, 1 Bath – one king, one double, pull out couch, Jacuzzi tub Includes a full kitchen with dishes, utensils, cookware, coffee maker, microwave and toaster. Satellite TV with DVD player and courtesy phone are in the living area. There is adeck with a charcoal grill for enjoying an outdoor barbecue. This cabin is has central heat and air. There is not a land-line phone at this cabin, but cell service is good. Nantahala Inn1 double, 1 queen bed. Cozy rooms feature en suite bathroom, central heat and airconditioning, satellite TV, mini refrigerators, microwave ovens and coffee makers. Rooms are located off a welcoming porch with rocking chairs to enjoy evenings inthe Gorge

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River’s End RestaurantThe legendary year-round home of outdoor lovers in North Carolina, River’s End serves up a full menu of sandwiches, burgers, pizza, vegetarian fare and daily special entrees. Stretched out alongside the rafting takeoutof the Nantahala River, every seat provides a greatview of the river.

The Pourover PubIn the evening Slow Joe’s Café (typically April to October) converts to a pub offeringlocal microbrews and, on summer weekends, live entertainment. The perfect place to relax with friends after a long summer’s day of outdoor fun!

Slow Joe’s CaféFor all of NC’s warm-weather months (typically April to October) Slow Joe’s Café serves up sandwiches, wraps, barbeque, tacos and more in an open-air setting next to the Nantaha-la River. From the riverside porch diners can enjoy all the busy goings-on of paddlers and rafters.

Relia’s GardenSpecializing in large group meals, “Relia’s” offers standard options and customizedmenus in a dedicated group facility. Occasionally Relia’s hosts special gourmetdinners with visiting chefs open to the public via reservation.



ShoppingOutfitter’s Store

Click to Shop store.noc.com

NOC Outfitter’s Store on the Nantahala River has been called “the best paddling store” in the country by Men’s Journal. The two-story gear shop features an incredible selection of equipment, apparel and accessories for the outdoor world. From high-performance kayaks to the latest trail shoes, the Outfitter’s Store carries top brands and selections of innovative gear you won’t find anywhere else. The experts working in the Outfitter’s Store will outfit you with the top rated gear to make your adventure as safe and com-fortable as possible.


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EventsNRC Glacier BreakerFeb 23: Nantahala Racing Club hosts slalom and wildwater athletes in the first competitive event of the year. Beginner-friendly slalom course is located at the Nantahala Bridge Gates.

Bank of America Whitewater US OpenMarch 23-24: Nantahala Racing Club hosts this southeastern classic at the Nantahala Falls, traditionally attended by top US athletes from around the country. Race includes slalom and wildwater components.

AT Founder’s Bridge FestivalApril 3-6: NOC’s Appalachian Trail celebration: gear repair, survival skills workshops, live music, and Trail Magic! This year, NOC is partnering with the ATC to launch an ongoing phenomenology study.

Smoky Mountain RelayApril 19-20: Runners, don’t miss this incredible adventure! Teams of 12 runners traverse 205 miles along some of Southern Appalachia’s most breathtaking trails and celebrate the finish at NOC.

NOC’s Freestyle Shootout & Spring FlingApril 26-28: This year’s Freestyle Shootout will also be the 2013 US Freestyle National Team Trials! Top athletes will vie for their chance to qualify for the 2013 World Championships. Come out to enjoy the show, plus: live music, Outfitter’s Store sidewalk sale, and catch some films in the Reel Paddling Film Festival.

NRC Junior Olympic QualifierMay 12: Regional youth paddlers are invited to attend this youth-only slalom race on the Nantahala Bridge Gates to earn a spot at the 2013 canoe/kayak Junior Olympics.

NOC’s Summer Music SeriesMay 24-Sept 21: What better way to end a day in the mountains than enjoying free live music by the river. Fridays and Saturdays, join us at the Pourover Pub to hear a variety of music by great local bands.



EventsNOC’s Canoe Club ChallengeJune 15, July 13, Aug 18: Come be a part of the most popular citizens’ race in the country. This friendly, open competition takes place right here at NOC.

Southeastern Bike Trials ChampionshipsJune 22: NOC welcomes top bike trials athletes from across the region to vie for the title of Souheastern Champion here in the beautiful Nantahala Gorge.

NOC’s Sizzlin’ 4th of JulyJuly 4-6: This holiday, celebrate with an all-American good time at NOC. Enjoy BBQ, Alpine Tower specials, cool off with a family-friendly raft trip on the Nantahala, and unwind with live music at the Pourover Pub.

NRC Southeastern Youth ChampionshipsJuly 7: Nantahala Racing Club is proud to welcome regional youth paddlers to this 1st annual youth Nantahala River race-off.

2013 ICF Canoe Freestyle World ChampionshipsSept 2-8: Don’t miss the world’s most prestigious freestyle competition, right here on the Nan-tahala! Top freestyle athletes from around the world will compete for the title of World Champi-on. There’s plenty for everyone at this river festival: incredible freestyle moves, Appalachian arts and crafts, live music, and family activities.

NOC’s Guest Appreciation FestivalSept 27-29: A big “Thank you!” to our great guests. Enjoy three days of live music, competitions and prizes. Plus, NOC’s end-of-summer blowout sale: unparalleled deals on new and used boats, bikes and gear.

NOCtoberfestOctober: Celebrate our colorful Appalachian autumn with a Bavarian-style beer garden, live music, and family fun at NOC’s Pourover Pub. Plus, don’t miss the legendary, the one and only, Great Pumpkin Pursuit!

Flint Ridge Fall 5-MilerOctober 26: What better way to enjoy the fall colors than on foot – atop NOC’s sometimes steep and always lovely Flint Ridge Trail. This 5-mile race begins at the trailhead and finishes riverside near Slow Joe’s Café.

Contact Us


To speak with a NOC reservationist by phone to book your adventure,call us toll-free (866) 552-5989Reach NOC locally, at 828-538-1932

NOC Nantahala Campus:Nantahala Outdoor Center13077 Highway 19 WBryson City, NC 28713

Visit us at www.noc.com

NOC Paddling School

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