NOC to Host First Youth Paddling Rendezvous this Spring

Last fall NOC's Paddling School Director Jon Clark received hundreds of applications from youth across the Southeast to join the 2012 Youth Paddling Team. Now in its second season, Jon has officially announced the members of the 2012 YPT and he has developed a calendar packed full of fun and engaging events, training sessions, and the first bi-annual Youth Paddling Rendezvous.

The 2011 Youth Paddling Team

New for the 2012 YPT season, NOC will host its first Whitewater Youth Rendezvous, bringing together young paddlers and providing them with the skills and awareness needed to become responsible and safe paddlers. This fun and free event is set for April 28th and 29th.

There will be two rendezvous each season, in the Spring and the Fall. The Spring Rendezvous will help provide youth paddlers the opportunity to freshen up their skills and meet new friends as the paddling season begins. The Fall Rendezvous session gives the team the chance to reunite and share all the great experiences had over the summer.

Hosted by NOC Paddling School instructors, participants will work one-on-one with some of the world's top paddlers. In just one weekend paddlers may: get their first kayak roll with Jon Clark, learn the basics of freestyle from Andrew Koch, perfect their boofs with Andrew Holcombe - and all while meeting lots of other paddlers!

Each day begins with classroom training sessions followed by two instruction sessions. Participants will have the option of choosing from different topics and concentrations to participate in. The weekend rendezvous includes activities for YPT parents too. Saturday evening is highlighted with the keynote speaker and Sunday everyone will participate in the closing ceremony.

Rendezvous team members, parents and family members are all encouraged to participate. Register early for the best availability in accommodations. NOC's Nantahala River location offers cabin, bunkhouse and inn-style lodging as well as a variety of dining options serving breakfast, lunch and dinner at River's End Restaurant and some quick bites and sandwiches from Slow Joe's Cafe. Don't forget, all YPT members receive a discount so don't forget to ask when making your reservation.

If you are interested in learning more about becoming a member of the Youth Paddling Team, check out the YPT webpages. Although the application process has closed for the 2012 Elite YPT, Jon is continuing to accept applications for the 2012 Junior Team. Apply here.

Click to view the 2012 YPT Junior Team Calendar and YPT Elite Team Calendar.

For more information on the YPT Spring Rendezvous and to RSVP please contact Jon Clark at Jon.Clark@noc.com.