Whitewater Kayaking in North Carolina

What are the Best Whitewater Kayaking Spots in North Carolina?

Location: Swain County, near Bryson City and Cherokee.
Description: The Nantahala River is one of the most popular whitewater kayaking spots in North Carolina. It features Class II and III rapids, making it suitable for intermediate paddlers. The river hosted the 2013 ICF Canoe Freestyle World Championships and has a dedicated wave feature for kayakers.
Launch Sites: The main launch site is at the Nantahala Outdoor Center (NOC), which also offers various services and rentals.
Notable Features: The river includes the Championship Wave, a free park and play area for kayakers. The NOC campus is a hub for paddling activities and events.

Location: Near Asheville, running 218 miles from southern North Carolina into Tennessee.
Description: The French Broad River offers Class II and III rapids, suitable for beginners and intermediate paddlers. The river is known for its scenic beauty and challenging rapids like Big Pillow and Kayaker’s Ledge.
Launch Sites: Several launch sites are available near Asheville, with outfitters like Nantahala Outdoor Center and French Broad Adventures offering guided tours and rentals.
Notable Features: The river features a mix of calm and challenging rapids, with opportunities for swimming and rock jumping.

Location: Western North Carolina, near the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Description: The Pigeon River offers Class III and IV rapids, making it a favorite for more experienced paddlers. The river has undergone significant cleanup efforts and now offers some of the most beautiful and exciting whitewater rafting in the region.
Launch Sites: Launch sites are available along the Upper and Lower sections of the river.
Notable Features: The river includes rapids like Powerhouse, Roller Coaster, and Lost Guide, with popular playspots for surfing.

Location: Southeastern Tennessee, but close to western North Carolina.
Description: The Ocoee River is renowned for its Class III and IV rapids and was the site of the 1996 Olympic whitewater events. It offers reliable whitewater even during dry summer months due to dam releases.
Launch Sites: The main launch site is at the base of the dam.
Notable Features: The river features rapids like Grumpy, Broken Nose, and Double Trouble, providing a relentless and exciting experience for paddlers.

Minimum Age Requirement: 8 years old for most courses.
Types of Lessons:
Intro to Whitewater Kayaking: A full-day course focusing on whitewater essentials, including gear, instruction, transportation, and lunch. Suitable for new and aspiring paddlers.
Learn to Kayak: Two or four-day courses teaching the foundations of whitewater kayaking, including strokes, concepts, wet exits, rolling, and safety.
Class II River Kayaking: A two or four-day clinic for paddlers progressing from beginner to intermediate skill levels.
Class III+ River Kayaking: Courses focusing on stroke choice, timing, and navigating more powerful rapids.

French Broad Adventures: Offers guided tours and instruction on the French Broad River, with a minimum age requirement of 8 years old.
Tuckaseegee Outfitters: Provides milder, family-friendly trips on the Tuckasegee River, suitable for ages 4+ and up.

Costs:
Intro to Whitewater Kayaking: $155 (full-day course).
Learn to Kayak: $475 (two or four-day courses).
Guided Ducky Raft: $75 (half-day trip with a guide).
Schedules: Various schedules available depending on the course or rental.
Equipment Provided: NOC provides the latest gear, instruction, transportation, and lunch for most courses.
What to Bring: Participants typically need to bring personal gear such as a helmet, PFD, and appropriate clothing.

Costs:
Half-Day Tour: Starting at $65 (includes lunch).
Full-Day Tour: Starting at $53 (five-mile trip) to $96 (nine-mile trip).
Schedules: Tours are available with various schedules, including morning and afternoon options.
Equipment Provided: French Broad Adventures provides the necessary equipment for the tours.
What to Bring: Participants should bring personal gear and clothing suitable for the activity.

Number of Paddling Schools: Several prominent paddling schools and outfitters, including Nantahala Outdoor Center, French Broad Adventures, and Tuckaseegee Outfitters, operate in North Carolina.
Average Class Sizes: Class sizes vary but are generally kept small to ensure personalized instruction. For example, NOC’s courses are designed to be family-friendly and accommodate small groups.
Participant Demographics: Participants range from families with young children to experienced paddlers. The minimum age requirement for most courses is 8 years old, but some outfitters offer options for younger children.