Paddling School Courses

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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 Dining Shopping Lodging 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 exciting and beautiful whitewater rivers in the Southeastern United States, where reliable water and mild weather offer year-round paddling opportunities. 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 receive 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 skills 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 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 whitewater 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

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 instruction 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.

Once a flatlander from Eastern North Carolina, Paddling School Manager Tosh Arwood is 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. The fifteen-year paddling veteran loves teaching, and he especially enjoys taking beginner boater to the inter-mediate stage. Thanks to his experience as a paddlesports buyer Tosh has extensive knowledge of whitewater gear, boats and trends.

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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.

Joining the NOC family in 2001, Will honed his leadership skills guiding rafts on our seven commercial rivers- all along building his kayaking skills to match. Will became part of our instruction team in 2004 and enthusiastically teaches kayaking, canoeing, SUP, rowing and our annual spring raft guide school. A Rescue 3 Inter-national swift water instructor as well, many of his weeks are spent “in” the river teaching recreational paddlers, fire/rescue professionals and elite military teams essential rescue skills. Will’s students appreciate his emphasis on the interpretive knowledge; he studies the river environment and sees it as an integral part of the river paddling experience. When the opportunities present, Will is always eager for another Grand Canyon trip, kayaking abroad or SUP’n in the Caribbean!

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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. 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. 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 in practice and repeti-tion, 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. The boater does this hoping to land flat and to carry as much of her speed as possible into the landing. The speed helps the paddler avoid holes and piton rocks, and to set up ensuing moves.

An early understanding of the boof can be seen in the illustrations (below) of William Neely, an NOC alumnus.

It hasn’t always been called “Boofing.”This move was once called “Ski-jumping” and in the west “Pancaking.” Read William Nealy’s explina-tion of this technique and his reaction to this revolutionary new way of running drops. As his story goes “Somewhere in Appalachia, an adrenaline-crazed creek boater ran a big drop a little too fast and something funny happened, Ski-Jumping was born!! We are forever indebted to this mysterious boater, whoever he/she is...” from KAYAK - published in 1986:


Private Instruction

One Way to Perform a Water Boof:1. Don’t paddle too hard; you don’t need a lot of speed on your approach. Many people paddle as fast as possi-ble towards the ledge 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 (let’s say the left side). With the boat edged reach forward to the lip and perform 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.Don’t 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 • This technique is usually appropriate for both lip boofs and water boofs. • All boofs are different, and sometime the technique changes. • If you’re launching over small or medium-sized holes sometimes taking a slow, vertical stroke early 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 - $369Make 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 - $369Students must have a Class II combat roll. Upgrade your paddling in this weekend course. Though you’ll be in comfortable, level- appropriate whitewater, you will be challenged to execute difficult moves. Skills covered may include, but are not limited to, dual-sided rolling, surfing, rapid scouting and running. You will also cover a variety of river safety techniques.

Five-Day Learn to Kayak Course - $793Ideal for new students who are committed to learning, this five-day course takes true begin-ners 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 CoursesFive-Day Intermediate/Advanced Course - $793This course offers the perfect mix of instruction and river running to take a good boater to the next level. Students will gain new skills, improve the ones they have and run some of the best rivers in the Southeast with the support of NOC instructors. A solid class II combat roll is required. Students leave with an enhanced skill set and the confidence to begin exploring new rivers on their own.

Private Instruction

Half-Day Base Rate - $149 Full-Day Base Rate - $239The Paddling School’s deluxe option, private instruction offers students the singular attention of an NOC instructor. It also allows students to build their own itinerary within the four-hour and eight-hour limits of the session. Students can even travel to an area river like the Ocoee, French Broad or Chattooga with an additional travel fee.

Private instruction courses at NOC give students exactly what they want out of the 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. The minimum age is eight years old.

Courses


Youth ClinicsNOC is dedicated to introducing children as young as nine to whitewater paddling through special sum-mer youth camps. These unique camps show kids the excitement and fun of whitewater paddling, while introducing important safety and environmental stewardship concepts. Lodging, meals, transportation and gear are provided in the all-inclusive youth clinics.

Five-Day All Inclusive - $1405NOC’s wildly successful Youth Weeks are unlike any other summer camp. Kids spend an entire week on the rivers and lakes of Western North Carolina while making new friends along the way. In addition to the highest level of whitewater instruction, NOC’s instructors provide 24-hour supervision on and off the water. Youth Week is open to paddlers of any experience level.

Time on the lake focuses on learning new skills and refining the ones students already have through fun drills and games. Rivers paddled will depend on the skill level of the group, but the regular lineup usually includes some of these favorites: Nantahala, Tuckaseegee, Little Tennessee, Chattooga, Ocoee, Pigeon, French Broad, Nolichucky and Hiawassee.

On the final day of Youth Camp, families are invited for a Friday “Family Paddle” and lunch. Families paddle a short section of the Nantahala to see their young paddlers show off their new moves. Parents who don’t have their own kayak and gear can rent an inflatable kayak at a discounted rate and join the group on the water.

Courses


Youth ClinicsFive-Day – Day Camp Only - $793NOC also offers a Day Camp option for the popular Youth Week. Young paddlers canstill enjoy all of the activities of Youth Week, making new friends and gainingpaddling skills, but they stay the night with their families somewhere in the area. This is agreat option for vacationing families and locals. Young paddlers can still join the overnight group for meals too. The only difference between day camp and all inclusive camp is the lodging.

Seven-Day Youth River Leadership Camp Ages 14 – 17 - $1766Must be an Intermediate level kayaker

NOC’s River Leadership Camp is an all-inclusive course designed to help young paddlers develop the necessary skills to be leaders on the river. Young paddlers learn important hard skills such as swiftwater rescue and wilderness first aid early in their paddling career, making them safer and more prepared boaters. NOC instructors also emphasize critical soft skills such as good judgment, decision making, awareness and leadership. During camp students practice putting their new skill sets to work in challenging river-based scenarios that confront students with difficult situations. Instructors will evaluate student performance and give feedback on the students’ decisions. NOC’s goal for the camp is to develop highly trained youth paddlers who will become role models in the sport.

Sample ItinerarySunday Afternoon paddle and leadership discussion

Monday Learn to teach basic kayaking skills

Tuesday Wilderness First Aid/CPR with outdoor overnight camping component

Wednesday Wilderness First Aid/CPR with outdoor camping component

Thursday Swiftwater Rescue and raft guide introduction

Friday Swiftwater Rescue and practice rescues

Saturday Outdoor activity: biking, climbing or hiking (to be determined) with leader-ship component

Sunday Personal goals, kayak training and debriefing

Courses


Skills WorkshopsSkills Workshops are offered every Saturday from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Skills workshops are half-day programs for developing beginner/intermediate paddlers. Minimum age is 16 years old. - $99.00

Roll Workshop – 9:00am to around 12:00pm.Almost everyone on the river needs help with his/her roll, and this regularly scheduled workshop is a great place to get an expert’s evaluation and attention. Learning is hands-on as instructors stand beside students in the water, spotting and giving advice. Paddlers of all skill levels attend this clinic, but prior experience in a kayak and familiarity with the wet-exit is suggested.

River Runner – 1:30pm to around 5:00pm. In this half-day clinic guests spend the afternoon paddling the Nantahala River with an NOC instructor showing the lines and suggesting skill-building challenges and maneuvers. The group stops at Nantahala Falls (class III) to scout and learn the different lines down the river’s biggest rapid. This course helps students at a class II/III skill level prepare for bigger rivers like the Ocoee.

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Discover River Kayaking

Wesser - $125 Pigeon - $107A one-day introduction to whitewater kayaking, the “DRK” day focuses on the joys of paddling more than the hard skills. The day begins with a morning session on the lake where students learn basic strokes, boat control, and safety maneuvers. After a lakeside lunch, students head to a skill-appropriate river to see how they like paddling. Intended for those curious about whitewater paddling, this program emphasizes scenery, companionship and fun.

Advanced Creeking

Two-Day Advanced Creeking - Not currently scheduled for 2014. With demand, it will return in 2015 – please call if interested. Students must have a reliable Class III combat roll.

The Southeast is home to some of the nation’s best creek boating, and we’ll paddle two of the area’s best creeks during the weekend, focusing on skills specific to low volume, high gradient paddling. Boofing, water reading, creek-specific safety, and gear selection are topics typically covered during this course. A reliable Class III combat roll is required.

2014 Dates – Nearby Creek ReleasesTwo-Day Advanced Creeking courses are offered on two of the most exciting creek runs in the Southeast. Choose between the Cheoah River and the Nantahala Cascades for challenging whitewater runs.

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 rainy spring season. These courses are for intermediate paddlers looking to build whitewater creeking skills. The minimum age is 18 for these courses.

Cheoah Upper Nantahala/CascadesMarch 15 -16 May 3 - 4April 5 - 6 May 17 - 18April 12 -13 May 24 - 25April 26 -27 June 28 - 29

April 26 - 27 August 16June 21 September 27-28 July 2July 19

Courses


Stand Up Paddling (SUP)Stand up paddle boarding (SUP) is the fastest growing sport in America for good reason. Gliding over the water offers the paddler a totally different experience than sitting: the entire body is free to move, the view into the water is better and the constant challenge of balancing keeps the body and mind focused.

Half-Day Lake -$85Starting in the calm and forgiving flat water of the lake helps paddlers learn balance and board maneuvering techniques. Learning basic skills in flatwater environments makes pad-dling on moving water much easier. On the lake, students learn getting the board to and from the water, getting on and off the board, balance, board exit strategies, and board and paddle techniques.

Half-Day River - $85Navigating a mostly flatwater river on a stand up paddle board is similar to the lake, but pad-dlers get the added fun of riding current. Most of the skills students know from flatwater will be used on the river. The river course teaches safety skills and river knowledge that will help paddlers realize their true SUP potential. The river course gives an introduction to current, reading water, kneeling and standing through rapids, board exit strategies in whitewater (both kneeling and standing), and logistics.

Full Day - $110This full-day course combines the half-day lake and river sessions to give paddlers the ul-timate SUP experience. By the end of the day students will have mastered basic board and paddling techniques, becoming very comfortable on flat water and familiar with river cur-rents and basic rapids. Students also get a packed lunch on the full day trip , so they can eat by the lake (or even on their boards on the water).

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ACA Instructor Training

Five-Day ACA Instructor Training –$793NOC’s training certifies participants up to Level Four ACA Kayak Instructor. Potential students 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 whitewater. Lunches and transportation are included in this program. Throughout the course you will refine your teaching skills for efficient tech-niques and river running while also focusing on river management skills, rescue prevention, and hands-on rescue, both in and out of the boat.

Raft Guide School

Five-Day Raft Guide School - Spring Only - $450NOC pioneered river guide school in the whitewater industry. Our students learn from the top raft guides in the nation at NOC Raft Guide School. Students learn to read whitewater, maneu-ver rafts, strokes, knot tying, raft rigging, river signals, communicating with paddling crews, basic operations of a rafting trip, basic river rescue, equipment maintenance, risk manage-ment and emergency river procedures. Lodging, meals and transportation are included.

CustomHave Your Own Idea?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 828.488.7287 to discuss setting up custom instruction.

NOC kayak instructor training courses are designed to give kayak guides the professional skills needed to teach whitewater kayaking for fun or for profit.

Train to work as a river rafting guide for commercial outfitters, camps, clubs, schools and more. Minimum age for guide school is 17.


Gear ReviewOur Recommended Beginner BoatWhat’ the best beginner boat? NOC instructors face this dilemma every morning when we outfit our novice kayakers in their boats. Here are our go-to recommendations. Remember that you should always paddle a boat before you buy it, and you should always try different sizes to make sure you get the right fit. NOC’s Outfitter’s Store carries an extensive collection of demo boats for paddlers to test before purchasing.

• Best Beginner River Runner: Liquid Logic Remix You’ll like this boat if: You’re a beginner looking to get down rapids right- side up. The Remix is not quite as stable as the Mamba (below), but it’s fast, and speed helps beginners push through rapids. Importantly, if you only want to buy one boat ever this is a great candidate; you’ll never outgrow it.

• Best Do-Everything Beginner Boat: Fun Series You’ll probably like this boat if: You’re looking for a boat that will help you figure out your paddling identity. This thing pretty much does it all on class II-III rivers: you can run rapids, drop ledges, surf, perform basic freestyle moves and catch eddies. If you become an expert you will eventually want a more specialized boat, but this kayak does live up to its name.

• Honorable Mention: Dagger Mamba You’ll probably like this boat if: You want a stable river runner that will get you from point A to point B. Also, it’s super-easy to roll. This is many paddlers’ primary criteria in a learning boat. Consequently this kayak has been a favorite of Paddling School students for years.

• Honorable Mention: Pyranha Burn You’ll probably like this boat if: You know you want to run steep creeks one day. The Burn offers enough control and stability for beginner paddlers, and its flat hull makes surfing a breeze. The boat’s hard edges make rolling more difficult than the other options here, but one day you’ll appreciate its turn-on-a-dime agility.

Gear Review


Contact Paddling Schoolthe

If you have any questions about what a lesson or clinic could do for your paddling, give us a call at 828.488.7287. We’re very proud of the programs we offer and the results we produce for our students.

Who should you talk to?

Tosh Arwood – Paddling School ManagerFor specific inquiries about skills, gear, equipment and custom instruction plans, call Tosh at 828.488.7287, or send an email [email protected].

Jae Jackson – Paddling School Assistant ManagerFor inquiries about standard Paddling School courses listed in this catalogue and other general questions call Jae at 828.488.7288 or email her [email protected].

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DiningRiver’s End RestaurantProviding warm meals to exhausted outdoor enthusiasts since 1972, River’s End Restuarant sits at the intersection of the Appalachian Trail and the Nantahala River. The restaurant serves up a full menu of sandwiches, burgers, pizza, vegetarian fareand daily specials.

Big Wesser BBQ & BrewFocusing on bringing good old-fashioned southern meals to the Nantahala Gorge, Big Wesser BBQ + Brew is a quick and convienent location to dine and unwind after a day of travel or adventure. Delicious home-style meals are accompanied by a wide selection of sides and beverages, providing guests with hearty meals to enjoy on the banks of the Nantahala River. Big Wesser BBQ + Brew hosts live music every weekend from May to September and boasts of a family-friendly atmosphere and a comfortable setting to relax and take in the beautiful surroundings.


Located at the intersection of the Appalachian Trail, the Nantahala River and Fontana Lake, NOC’s Nantahala River Campus is the southeast’s permier outdoor lifestyle destination. NOC’s event schedule provides over 50 days of free outdoor-centric entertainment including live music, races and festivals. Guests have on-prop-erty access to whitewater paddling, lake paddling, mountain bike trails, and the Appalachian Trail. Nearby opportunities include the class V Cascades, the class III/IV Upper Nantahala, mountain biking at Tsali National Recreation Area and additional hiking on the Bartram Trail. Guests can also enjoy NOC’s three restaurants, multiple retail stores, convenient lodging and free wireless internet access.

NOC’s Nantahala River Campus

NOC Nantahala Campus

ShoppingOutfitter’s Store

Click to Shop store.noc.com

This is it. NOC’s legendary outdoor store. Boasting one of the most comprehensive whitewater gear selections and an unmatched set of demo kayaks in the country, the Outfitter’s Store has been recognized as “the best paddling store” by Men’s Journal. Not to be overlooked, the store’s large camping and footwear sections keep Appala-chian Trail thru-hikers equipped on their way through the gorge.


Relia’s GardenRelia’s Garden offers standard options and custom menus to NOC’s group visitors. A private dining space with a full-service kitchen, Relia’s handles everything from camp buffets to gourmet dining experiences. Be sure to check out the restaurants beautiful herb and flower garden during the summer season.

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NOC offers on-site lodging and other nearby accommodations. Pricing varies with seasonal demand. NOC’s lodging options are designed for heavy use by outdoor enthusiasts; all units are clean, comfortable and convenient to the trail and river, but guests seeking a high-end experience should inquire when making a reservation. We will gladly refer you to our luxury cabin partners just outside of the Nantahala Gorge.

NOC CabinsNestled in the woods at NOC’s Nantahala River Campus, 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 kitch-en, coffee maker, microwave and toaster. Satellite TV with DVD player and courtesy phone are in the living area. All units offer a deck with a charcoal grill for enjoying an outdoor barbe-cue. Cabin guests are a short walk away from the Nantahala River and NOC’s on-site restau-rants. 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: A motel-style cabin with the maximum occupancy of 37 people. The cabin may be rented by room. Each motel room has a private shower and restroom located in the room or across the hall.

On-Site Lodging



On-Site LodgingBasecamp - $17/person/night An outdoor-adventure hostel, 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. Basecamp is basic, convenient and very affordable. Occupancy: 2-8, depending on number of beds in the rooms. Maximum occupancy: 86 people

Platform Tents - $8/person/night Enjoy comfortable camping in these basic waterproof canvas tents on wooden platforms. Tents are big enough to accommodate five people. Amenities include a fire ring. Toilets and coin-operated showers are within walking distance of site. Occupancy: Min. 10 people, max. 26 people (site max. 40 people) site available only to larger groups.

Riverstone Cabin and the Nantahala Inn are located 1.5 miles upstream from the Nantahala Campus. These

units offer a private setting to relax and enjoy the Nantahala River Gorge within minutes of campus.

Riverstone CabinA deluxe one-family cabin, Riverstone offers guests a hot tub, full kitchen, satellite TV, outdoor grill and central heat and air. Nantahala InnThe Nantahala Inn offers comfortable motel-style lodging in a beautiful mountain cove. All rooms have central heat and air, satellite TV, refrigerator, microwave and coffee maker. Guests enjoy Nantahala Gorge evenings on the welcoming porche’s rocking chairs.

Off-Site Lodging

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EventsNRC Glacier Breaker • March 8-9Nantahala Racing Club hosts slalom and wildwater athletes in the first competitive event of the year. The beginner-friendly slalom course is open to racers of all skill levels.Bank of America Whitewater US Open • March 22-23Nantahala Racing Club hosts this Southeastern classic at Nantahala Falls.Traditionally attended by top US athletes from around the country, this popular race includes slalom and wildwater components.AT Founder’s Bridge Festival • April 4-5NOC’s Appalachian Trail celebration offers gear repair, survival skills workshops, live music, and Trail Magic. This year, NOC partners with the Appalachian Trail Conservancy to offer phenology training and establish a permanent phenology site on campus.Nantahala Hilly Half Marathon & 5k • April 5Don’t miss the first-ever 1/2 marathon hosted at NOC. Challenging climbs and exquisite views make this a race to remember. NOC Spring Fling • April 26-27Join NOC as we kick off spring with live music, gear specials and demos, contests, family activities and of course the premier freestyle event in the USA.

World Kayak Hometown Throwdown #1, #2 & #3 • April 26, June 28 & July 20Enjoy a day of camaraderie, whitewater, and good old-fashioned fun at this free, beginner-friendly free-style event hosted by World Kayak.Smoky Mountain Relay • April 25-26Join NOC as we support an epic running adventure! Teams of 12 runners race 205 miles from North Mills River, NC to finish at NOC - an accomplishment to celebrate.NOC’s Summer Music SeriesMay to September: What better way to end a day in the mountains than relaxing riverside at NOC’s Pourov-er Pub, enjoying good friends, a cold drink and great tunes by favorite regional bands.

NRC Spring Racing Series #1, #2 & #3 • May 11, May 25 & June 8Join us for this all-ages slalom race and South-Atlantic Regional Team Qualifier at the Nantahala Bridge Gates course, hosted by the Nantahala Racing Club. Come out for a fun, friendly event.NOC’s Adventure Dash • May 24This 2K adventure race boasts live music and obstacles to get the whole family moving and having fun. Kids aged 12 and under race free and get a prize.Bike Trials Nantahala Open • June 14Bike Trials are a dynamic, agility-based biking competition. This spring, top athletes from across the region will be facing off in the Nantahala Gorge.ACA Open Canoe Downriver Nationals • June 17 - 19Join whitewater canoe enthusiasts from around the country for three days of canoeing and camaraderie on the Nantahala River.NRC Celebrates Olympic Day • June 21The Nantahala Racing Club introduces kids of all ages to the excitement of Olympic sport, including white-water canoe and kayak. NOC’s Canoe Club Challenge #1, #2 & #3 • June 29, July 19 & August 17Welcome paddlers of all stripes! Social, beginner-friendly races encourage you to meet friends, get your heart rate up, and improve your kayaking to boot.



EventsNOC’s Sizzling 4th of July • July 3 - 5When summer gets HOT, make a splash in the Nanty! Celebrate 4th of July with live music and specials at NOC’s Adventure Center and Outfitter’s Store.

NRC Family Weekend and Races • July 5-6Join Nantahala Racing Club for a weekend of racing, games, and family fun on the river. Paddlers of all ages are invited to participate in Sunday’s races and events.

Alzar School’s Camp Cup Challenge • July 14-15Local and national summer camps make new friends and compete on the Nantahala in freestyle, slalom, and downriver.

Lake Fontana Paddle Grapple • August 1 - 2Don’t miss this first-annual SUP / Surfski race on beautiful Lake Fontana. Participants can choose the distance and class that best fits their personal paddling goals.

NRC hosts: 2014 Junior Olympics • August 9 - 11Calling youth paddlers from around the nation to SUP, freestyle, slalom, downriver, raft, and in general goof off and have a great time on the Nantahala!

World Kayak Pro-Am • August 23Paddlers! Come out to the Nantahala for a unique opportunity to have fun with your friends, compete with the pros and help raise money for First Descents.

2014 Freestyle Pan-American Championships • September 4-6Everyone is invited to participate in this international freestyle competition on the Nantahala River. Come match your skills against the best in the Western Hemisphere.

NRC SE Youth Championships • September 14The Nantahala Racing Club hosts this Southeastern Youth Slalom Championships on the Nantahala Bridge Gates. Youth of all abilities welcome!

Guest Appreciation Festival (GAF) • September 26 - 28Don’t miss the granddaddy of all gear sales. Inviting outdoor enthusiasts of all stripes to catch up, catch a few eddies, and score sweet deals on new and used gear.

NOCtoberfest • October 25Join us this October for the beloved Great Pumpkin Pursuit, kid’s activities, all-ages contests, seasonal brews and free live music at Big Wesser BBQ + Brew.Flint Ridge Fall 5-Miler • October 25Beautiful scenery and challenging climbs make this a must-do autumn race. Earn raffle prizes for finding pumpkins along the trail, and watch out for the Yeti...he’s out there.

NOC Cyclo-cross • November 8Cyclo-cross returns to NOC. Great venue, spectator amenities, and a challenging course make this event one to mark down on your calendar for 2014.

Contact Us


Thanks for considering a visit to NOC. If you have any questions call us toll-free at 828.785.4989or visit us online at noc.com. See you on the river!

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