2014 NOC Special Events Sneak Preview

After a year like 2013, when NOC hosted US Freestyle Team Trials and the ICF Canoe Freestyle World Championships, it would be easy to write off 2014 as a gap year before the 2015 Wildwater Junior World Championships. However, that's not the case. The 2014 NOC events schedule offers a strong variety of revitalized on-the-water events and some all-new land-based races that we're excited to announce.

River Races and Competitions

NOC is excited to renew our commitment to the Nantahala Racing Club and to hosting more youth paddling events in 2014. With the help of our partners, we'll be rolling out new ways to get young paddlers involved in slalom, wildwater, and freestyle competitions and clinics, as well as hosting casual weekend paddling sessions run by professional instructors and coaches.  The highlight of the season will be the 2014 Junior Olympics (August 9th – 11th). Sponsored by USA Canoe/Kayak, this event features serious competition in all three whitewater disciplines alongside lighthearted games and social events.

Making friends and racing kayaks is what the 2014 Junior Olympics is all about.

In June, July and August, expect more clinics, quicker results, and of course a new 2014 T-shirt as Carolina Canoe Club, Georgia Canoeing Association and Nantahala Racing Club step up to help us expand and improve the Canoe Club Challenge. Best of all, Canoe Club Challenge proceeds will be donated to the partner paddling clubs for use in their programming and outreach.

NOC's biggest freestyle event of the season will take place September 4-6, as we once again host the international freestyle community, this time for the ICF Canoe Freestyle Pan-American Championships. The best paddlers from the Western Hemisphere return to show off the results of another year of training, and amp up for the 2015 Worlds.

New and Improved Events

Of course we’ll also be looking hard at the classic events like GAF and NOCtoberfest. Last year we listened to popular opinion and brought the GAF Used Gear Marketplace back to river left, which meant more space, more booths, and a better time had by all. Send suggestions for 2014 our way on NOC's Facebook page or by emailing events@noc.com.

Searching for sweet deals in the Guest Marketplace at GAF 2013

And runners take note, on April 5th, we're also debuting new races like our first half-marathon, the Nantahala Hilly Half & 5K in partnership with Run Bum Tours. And this Memorial Day, don’t miss NOC’s Adventure Dash – a fun 2K obstacle race suitable for the whole family, hosted right here at NOC’s Wesser Campus, featuring plenty of fun elements to shake things up.

Participants will enjoy challenging climbs, scenic views, and great singletrack at the Nantahala Hilly Half & 5K.

Stay tuned for the full 2014 Event Schedule! Check out noc.com/events to download the final events calendar and for more details on how to get involved.