Celebrate the Season at NOC's Spring Fling

Looking for a great way to kick start the season? Check out NOC’s Spring Fling, April 26-28! You can expect an action packed weekend at NOC with hands-on activities and contests, film screenings, and fun for the whole family.

Top athletes will be competing in the 2013 US Freestyle Team Trials for their chance to represent the USA in the 2013 ICF Canoe Freestyle World Championships, which will also be held here on the Nantahala this September 2-8. The Nantahala is the place to see world-class kayaking this summer, as DJ Brett Rock keeps the tunes coming and our announcers help to explain the moves and build excitement. This competition is open to everyone, so don’t be shy! Hop in a boat and be a part of it. Visit noc.com/shootout to register.

Spectators enjoy some world-class freestyle on the 2013 Wave here at NOC.

For those of you who prefer to paddle downstream (I number among you), the Nantahala Cascades and Upper Nantahala will be releasing from 10 am to 4 pm. Please remember Safety First as you head upstream to paddle this beautiful section of whitewater.

A paddler negotiates The Horns of God during the 2012 inaugural Cascades release.

NOC is excited to host the Reel Paddling Film Festival. After a day of excitement on the river, stop by and catch a film or two at NOC’s Welcome Center (near the railroad tracks) to check out some of the year's best paddling films from around the world. Films will be shown Friday through Sunday from 4 to 8 pm.

Be sure to stop by the NOC Outfitter’s Store over the weekend to check out the hot new paddling gear for 2013. Try out exciting new boat designs from Pyranha, Dagger, Jackson and Liquid Logic. The Outfitter's Store is offering free 1 hour demos for play boats (such as the Pyranha JED, Dagger Jitsu and Jackson Star) and 2 hour demos for creek/river runners.

Check out the vendor fair in front of the NOC Outfitter's Store for the inside scoop on the season's hottest gear.

For those of you coming with the whole family, check out our kids area near Slow Joe’s Café for face painting, bounce houses, hula hoops and games.

When it’s time to wind down after a long day, come on over to Slow Joe’s Café for some free live music Friday through Sunday. We have some great sets and a little something for everyone with The Archrivals, Marcus King Band, and Jonathan Scales Fourchestra.

NOC can't get enough of this steel pan trio. Don't miss Jonathan Scales on Sunday, April 28.