2015 ICF Junior Wildwater Canoeing World Championships Come to NOC

Thanks to the success of the 2013 ICF Canoe Freestyle World Championships, the Nantahala Gorge has won another bid to host an international championship, this time the 2015 ICF Junior Wildwater Canoeing World Championships.

Winning the event keeps world-class athletes training in the Nantahala Gorge for the next two years. It also changes the spotlight to a new discipline after years of focusing on freestyle. Wildwater racing, one of nine officially-recognized disciplines,  is paddling's equivalent of downhill skiing; it's just a straight ahead race. There aren't any gates like in slalom paddling, and no style points like in freestyle.

Wildwater races feature two different race courses. The "sprint" course is usually 500 to 750 meters. This exciting race usually takes less than two minutes. These results from last year's junior worlds race in Lofer, Austria show times as low as 1:11 in the finals.

Video of a sprint run from the 2011 Wildwater World Championships in Augsburg. 

These close finishes point to exciting spectator events. The entire length of the course will likely be visible from the Founder's Bridge at NOC, and the finish at the 2013 Wave will be very intense, with some racers separated by only tenths of seconds.

The "classic" course is the long-distance counterpart to the sprint. This course is usually around five miles. Last year competitors finished the course in about 10 to 13 minutes in the individual race, and the finishes in the men's finals was still only separated by four seconds. The classic also features an interesting team event where three boats have to paddle together; the best time of the three boat teams wins.

So 2015 is going to be a another really interesting world championship year. But, you don't have to wait until 2015 to get into the wildwater scene. Two early-season Nantahala Racing Club events, the Glacier Breaker and the Bank of America US Open, will have wildwater components. The ACA Open Canoe Downriver Nationals will have a similar format--and this is an open competition (no pun intended--sign up and compete).  If you're interested in participating in a wildwater race for fun this year, come to one of NOC's Canoe Club Challenge races. And finally, the Junior Olympics, a multi-discipline paddling event that returns to the Nantahala River this August, will have several different wildwater competitions for aspiring athletes.

And for those just looking to get involved, the Nantahala Racing Club will be offering wildwater focused programming for youth and casual paddling sessions on the Nantahala. Stay tuned to the NRC website for more information on wildwater racing, as well as freestyle and slalom events.

Four Reasons To Spend Thanksgiving in the Mountains

We always have so much to be thankful for at NOC, and this November there are even more reasons to give thanks. Here's why NOC is a great place to be this November and over the Thanksgiving holiday:

1. Water all month long! Unlike in years past, the Nantahala will continue to have water releases through the month of November, making Thanksgiving an ideal time to go paddling. We're still offering rafting trips too, but we have to be flexible to catch the release times, which are only finalized three days ahead of time. If you want to add rafting to your November plans, give our reservations office a call (800.232.7238), and we'll work out the details with you. Boaters, plan your own trip using  Duke Energy's release schedule.

2. Fall offers new views for zip lining. As the leaves start disappearing from the trees, the Mountaintop Zip Line Tour takes on a whole new look. From any one of our ten zip lines you will be able to see for miles. Visit our website to book your tour.

Click here for a full-color photo album of zipping fun!

3. Relax and take in the cool mountain air. Kick back with your feet up by a fire and eat some s’mores! What better way to enjoy the holiday than under the stars by a fire in the mountains? For lodging recommendations, check out these options near our Nantahala campus.

4. Get all your outdoor gear for less! Coming to the mountains, doesn’t mean you have to miss out on all the Black Friday bargains. Catch NOC's Pre-Holiday Sale throughout November, and stop into any of our retail locations for major Black Friday and holiday promotions. On Black Friday shoppers will save as much as 50% off boats and paddling accessories at the Outfitter's Store, so it's certainly worth a trip to the mountains if you're shopping for a paddler.

NOC Paddling School: July Highlights

Named the "Best Kayaking School in the Country" by Outside Magazine NOC's Paddling School is dedicated to sharing a passion for whitewater paddling with as many people as possible. Every summer NOC Instructors teach a wide range of guests the joy of whitewater paddling and the skills to succeed at it.

And while the Paddling School instructors value every one of their students, sharing the sport with kids is extra-special, since the kids represent the future of the sport, and have a lifetime to take advantage of the beauties and thrills of whitewater paddling. These two programs made this summer great for our instructors:

NOC Kids Week Kayak Camp - Five times this summer the NOC Paddling School hosted children from 9 to 17 years old in a week-long camp, teaching the basics of kayaking, building kids' confidence and encouraging the creation of life-long paddling friendships and acquaintances.

The highlight of the kids' camp is always the last day where all parents are invited to come see the progress their children have made throughout the camp.  Group parents and children paddle together, with "uninitiated" parents paddling the Nantahala River in "duckies" (inflatable kayaks).

Group shot of parents, children and instructors at Ferebee Park before padding the Nantahala River

Cherokee Choices Program - This summer NOC also worked with Cherokee Choices, an organization that teaches local Cherokee residents how to lead an active lifestyle and take advantage of area outdoor recreation opportunities. In one three hour session, NOC Paddling School Instructor, Bailey O'Sullivan, taught fifteen teenagers the basics of stand up paddle boarding.  Most of the students had never been on a paddle board before this program, but now they have the experience to get back out on their own to paddle board on their local lakes and rivers.

The group SUPing and swimming in Lake Fontana

To get a child you know the skills he/she needs to enjoy a lifetime of paddling, click here to read about NOC course offerings, or call NOC Paddling School directly at 828.488.7288. NOC can tailor instruction for all ages and skill levels.

Best Play Spots on the Nantahala River

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With the 2013 ICF Canoe Freestyle World Championships coming to the Nantahala Gorge in September, the 2013 Wave has become one of the most popular playspots on the Nantahala (and in the country).

But, where should paddlers go when they don't want an audience, are just learning to playboat or just want to explore new features on the Nantahala River?

NOC Paddling School Manager, Tosh Arwood, gives the inside scoop on the "other" top play spots on the Nantahala, where they are and what tricks paddlers can perform at these features. Here's what he has to say:

Location: Surfing Rapid

How to get there: Park at the pull-off just upstream of Pizza by the River.
Best for: Front surfing, back surfing and flat spins. (An aptly-named feature.) Look for "Surfers" to get even better as water levels increase. At high water it can be the best all-around play spot on the river.  

NOC's Paddling School Manager Tosh Arwood and Information Technology Specialist Raymond Brugger
at Surfing Rapid.

Location: Bridge Wave

How to get there: Under the Founder's Bridge at NOC. Park in the main river-left parking lot. 

Best for: Front Surfing, back surfing and flat spins. This wave appears and disappears with different water levels, but when it's there it's as good a place as any for beginner paddlers to log some surfing time. 

Raymond Brugger getting his surf on

Location: Whirlpool Rapid

How to get there: Two rapids below the rock quarry (no easy park and play access). 

Best for: Squirt Boating, front surfing and stern squirts. This rapid has pretty strong eddy lines, so it's easy to practice stern squirts here. Bring an old RPM for maximum fun. The surfing wave is stable too, but watch out for downriver traffic: the swirling eddy lines will eventually push someone into you.  

Tosh Arwood doing a huge stern squirt

Location: Nantahala Falls

How to get there: The last rapid on the Nantahala rafting trip. A well-marked pull-off directly above the Falls provides good access; it's the first pull off upstream of River's End Restaurant.

Best for: Downriver freestyle moves, loops, stern squirts and enders.

Trey Lawson pulling off a huge ender at the bottom hole of the Falls.

Location: Camel Hump

How to get there: Park at The Ledges rapid and walk the short trail upstream until you see a rock in the center of the river resembling a camel's hump.

Best for: Side surfing, spins and low-angle cartwheels. 

Jon Clark mid-cartwheel at Camel Hump.

So, next time you're paddling down the Nantahala keep an eye out for these opportunities. If you have any questions about playboating or if you're looking for some advice feel free to give NOC's instructors a call at at 800.232.7287.

NOC's Top 5 Facebook Posts of the Summer

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The first half of the summer has come and gone, so we wanted to recap our Top 5 Facebook Posts so far this season. Drumroll please!

#5 - June 28th - NOC  Pigeon River Discount Special
"As you're gearing up for the weekend, don't forget about our Pigeon River "Discount Special." Save $13 per person as you enjoy a late afternoon or early morning trip down the Upper Pigeon."

Click here to see the full post.

#4 - July 4th - Happy 4th of July from NOC!
"To all of our friends in the U.S., HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY! Wishing all of you a happy and safe July 4th. Get out and do something adventurous!"

Click here to see the full post.

#3 - July 2nd - Brevard is ranked the second best town to raise adventure-loving children!
"Look who is ranked number 2 for Outside Magazine's top 5 places to raise adventurous, outdoor-loving kids! All the more reason to come visit NC."
Click here to see the full post.

#2 - July 15th - NOC's Nantahala River Campus under a breathtaking rainbow.
"Look at the beautiful rainbow we saw over the Nantahala last week! It was a welcomed sight after a few days of rain."
Click here to see the full post.

And the Number One Post of the First Half of the Summer was on July 11th:
NOC Master Guide Brad McMillan paddles over a 45-foot waterfall in Oregon in his canoe.
"Check out NOC Master Guide Brad McMillan running a 45-foot waterfall in Oregon in his canoe! This is just a little taste of what some of our river-staff do during their down time..."
Click here to see the full post.

A video of Brad's run was posted on NOC's Facebook few days later.

With so many activities and events happening at NOC, the easiest way to stay in the loop is through our social media channels: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Youtube. You can also gain access to exclusive promotions, win free trips, and see cool photos from other outdoor enthusiasts and paddlers.

Spend Your Fourth of July Weekend with NOC

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From adventurous raft and zip packages to entertaining bands and brews, NOC is the place to have fun this Independence Day! We are gearing up for a great week of festivities and adventures with these highlights:

Raft and Zip Packages
Enjoy a full day of fun with the family and save some money by booking our new-for-2013 raft and zip packages:

• River to Ridge - Save $13 per person
  Nantahala Fully Guided Rafting + Mountaintop Zip Line Tour
• Float'N'Tarry - Save $13 per person
  Nantahala Fully Guided Rafting + Zip Line Adventure Park
• All Day Air - Save $25 per person

  Mountaintop Zip Line Tour + Zip Line Adventure Park

See all of NOC's Raft and Zip Packages.

NOC Outfitter's Store Independence Day Sale
Shop till you drop at NOC's Outfitter's Store! Save up to 40% on select brands from July 1st to July 7th.  Featured brands include leading manufacturers like The North Face, Patagonia, Mountain Hardwear, Keen, Chaco and others.

Also included in the sale, are some amazing deals for whitewater enthusiasts. The sale includes the following discounts:

• $200 in store credit with the purchase of a fully-priced boat
• 30% off on 2012 Jackson Rockstars
• 15% off on Esquif L'edge canoes
• Up to 20% off other select boat models

Kayaking Lessons and Mountain Bike Rentals
Looking for to expand your outdoor skill set? NOC's Paddling School is staffed with the top whitewater paddling instructors in the nation. If you've ever wanted to paddle a whitewater kayak there's no better place to start than NOC. Try an Intro to Kayaking lesson this summer.

NOC also rents high-end mountain bikes so you can enjoy one of the mountains best thrills. Tsali, Flint Ridge and Jackrabbit trail systems provide exceptional riding for riders of all skill levels. Stop by the NOC Bike Shop, and NOC guides will fit you with the right bike for your day on the trail.

Dining and Dancing for All
Big Wesser BBQ + Brew is hosting three great bands for Fourth of July Weekend! Be sure to hang around in the evening to dance the night away and unwind with some delicious food.


    •    July 4th - 8 to 11pm - Rick Rushing and the Blues Strangers
    •    July 5th - 7 to 10pm - Jean Ellison and the Treatment
    •    July 6th - 7 to 10 pm - The Broadcast

For more information about NOC festivals and events, click here.

So that's the plan for the 4th at NOC. We hope to see you on the river, but no matter what you do, we hope you have a wonderful holiday!

Heavy Spring Rain Brings High Water Adventures

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If April showers bring May flowers, what do May showers bring? High water raft trips!

The Southeast has been doused with rain this Spring creating optimal water levels for big whitewater rafting trips.  Most dam-fed rivers are releasing extra water to keep lakes at target levels, and all of our free-flowing rivers are running at or near five-year highs.

All of this rain gives high adventure fans the chance to experience the Southeast's most popular whitewater rivers at their very best. The Nantahala, Chattooga, French Broad, Nolichucky, Pigeon and Ocoee rivers are all at exciting high-water flows.

Kayakers run Nantahala Falls at high water in January 2013.

With rainfall expected this weekend and in the days to come, most of the high water will hold in the Southeast.  Outdoor enthusiasts who aren't exactly thrilled about the prospect of another rainy weekend should consider going on a paddling trip where the extra rain won't make any difference (except for adding additional excitement).

NOC recommends high water trips for those with previous whitewater experience or for paddlers looking for a new challenge in the the company of a trained guide.

Also, don't forget about the 2013 Cheoah River whitewater releases.  This exciting river is one of the most thrilling and difficult commercially-rafted rivers in the world.

The Insider: Big Wesser BBQ & Brew

NOC welcomes a new dining venue to the Nantahala River Campus: Big Wesser BBQ & Brew.  Formerly known as Slow Joe's Cafe, Big Wesser BBQ & Brew brings delicious home-style entrees with a wide selection of traditional southern sides to the Nantahala Gorge.

Smoked Chicken with Cornbread, Slaw and Mashed Sweet Potatoes

Executive Chef, Charlie McAlexander, spoke highly about the new venue and food selection available to guests.  Here are the top five reasons you should try the new food at Big Wesser BBQ & Brew:

1. Southern-Style Entrees - Who doesn't love a great barbeque sandwich paired with mac & cheese and green beans or delicious smoked chicken with greens and potato salad? At Big Wesser BBQ & Brew the menu is packed with traditional southern favorites to make you feel at home after a long day of adventure or travel. 
2. Made from Scratch Recipes - All the sauces and meals are made from scratch with simple ingredients to highlight the natural flavors of the food presented.  "Granted, we don't roll our own pasta, but we try to make as much of the food as possible in house and from scratch," explains McAlexander.
3. "Simple is Delicious" - At Big Wesser BBQ & Brew, the recipes are not over-complicated.  McAlexander is trying to focus more on "clean, feel good food" to try to make the southern home-style meals a bit healthier while still tasting delicious.
4. Quick and Friendly Service - With a new venue comes a new crew. Big Wesser BBQ & Brew is focusing on speedy service while presenting the food in a friendly manner.  With a whole new menu, the staff and cook crew are open to feedback from guests and want to present you with the best food and service they can. 
5. Array of Adult Brews - Big Wesser BBQ & Brew will serve a wide selection of adult beverages from local brews to top-shelf liquor to appease your palate this season.  Different from years passed, the venue will have a stock of liquor options as well as frozen cocktails to enjoy while you dance to live music and mingle with friends and family.

Big Wesser BBQ & Brew will host live music every weekend during the summer season to provide a family-friendly atmosphere while you unwind by the River. So there you have it, come on down to Big Wesser BBQ & Brew to taste the new food and beverages! To view the menu and event schedule click here or come visit us at NOC's Nantahala Campus.

Five Reasons to Plan Your Adventure Now

Weather is warming up, school is finishing, and adventure is waiting for you in the Southeast!  Spring is one of the best times to get outside and enjoy new adventures.  Here are five reasons to plan now:

NOC's Mountaintop Zip Line Tour features the exciting half-mile Mega-Zip.

1. New Adventures to Try - NOC's newest adventure, NOC's Mountaintop Zip Line Tour, is now open for the 2013 season. Over the course of the tour guests enjoy 360-degree views of Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Nantahala National Forest. The new tour features one of the longest zip lines in the country, the half-mile Mega Zip. With zips over 350' above the forest floor, guests soar to new heights on NOC's Mountaintop Zip Line Tour!
2. New Food - The former Slow Joe's Cafe has a new name and new menu! We just opened Big Wesser BBQ & Brew on the Nantahala Campus. Here, diners choose from delicious pulled pork, ribs, chicken and home-style sides like gouda mac & cheese, potato salad and green beans. Big Wesser has all of the fixin's to create a hearty meal to enjoy a hearty riverside meal.  Try out the new menu and enjoy live music every Friday and Saturday this summer at Big Wesser!
3. Warm Weather - The winter chill is gone and replaced by beautiful spring weather.  While the nights are still cool, the days are ideal for active outdoor adventures, whether it's mountain biking, zip lining, rafting or paddling, everyone should be comfortable and happy outside.
4. Mountain Flowers - The mountains are known for their foliage in the Fall and wild flowers in the Spring. If you haven't spent much time along the rivers and trails in the spring, you will be impressed by the Smokies fresh and vibrant spring flowers.  The popular Rhododendron and Mountain Laurel will be blooming along our Southeastern rivers from late May to early June.
5. More Water - Some of our rivers depend on rainfall, and the spring months offer ideal water levels, thanks to spring showers. It's been a wet spring, so remember that now's a great time to enjoy the excitement of a high-water trip on these classic southeastern rivers. 

A high water run earlier in the year on the Nantahala River.

So join us on area rivers or trails and enjoy springtime in the mountain South!

For more information about NOC and activities, click here.

NOC Paddling School: Spring Special

Dust off your gear or put away your dry suits, springtime is here and NOC Paddling School is ready to get you back on the water.  To add to the warm weather, new fleet of boats and top instructors at NOC Paddling School, we are offering you a "Spring Special" to motivate you to get back out, or in, to the paddling world:

• Reserve select 2013 multiday paddling clinic or full day private instruction clinics for two or more people by the end of April and save 15% off your reservation! Same courses, great instructors, top of the line gear, just at a special Spring price. Click here for details. 

NOC Paddling Instructor teaches student the basics on Fontana Lake

 So why should you learn from NOC Paddling School?

1. Top instructors in the nation -  NOC Instructors are trained to recognize different learning habits in paddling students to help them excel in paddlesports, and we have a core group of instructors who thrive on seeing someone "hit their first roll" or paddle their first class III rapid. Since our instructors are teaching professionals as well as great kayakers, you will be learning from someone who was once in your shoes and understands the ups and downs of learning and excelling in the paddling world.
2. Gear and paddling resources - NOC Paddling School stocks our guests with the best and newest gear on the market, and we just got in our 2013 fleet of boats.  Our huge inventory of demo boats gives you the opportunity to really figure out what fits and best suites your paddling goals.
3. Location, Location, Location - NOC's Nantahala Campus is an epicenter of paddling in the southeast.  With everything from beginner rivers to advanced creeks within miles of campus, you'll have access to premier whitewater that suits your ability levels.  From sweet play spots to classic southeastern rivers, you can run it all with NOC's Paddling School.

Paddling School's 2013 Dagger Mamba Fleet is ready to hit the water

 For more information about NOC Paddling School click here.

View the 2013 NOC Paddling School Course Book here.

2013 NOC Events Preview

Let’s not beat about the bush: the biggest thing going on at NOC this year is the 2013 ICF Canoe Freestyle World Championships. Top freestylers from around the world will be coming right here, to the Nantahala Gorge, to put years of training to the test and show us their best moves. Last year’s ICF Canoe Freestyle World Cup Final on the Nantahala saw record-breaking rides in both the men’s and women’s K1 classes, and the premier of a state-of-the-art digital scoring system that got the crowd jazzed up like never before. This year, we’re pulling out all the stops for a first-of-its kind outdoor festival here in Western North Carolina.

Spectators line the banks during the 2012 ICF Canoe Freestyle World Cup

What to expect: 300 top whitewater athletes from around the world. Appalachian Heritage Expo with artisan demonstrations of regional folk crafts, traditional Cherokee tribal dances, fun hands-on educational activities for kids, great live music, and plenty of contests, demos and games to get you moving and laughing, even if you don’t know how to do a Space Godzilla.

Curious? Check out the USA Canoe/Kayak Freestyle Team Trials this April 26-28 for a sneak preview as America’s best vie for their chance to represent their country at the Worlds this September. Enjoy a real Appalachian hoedown at NOC's Spring Fling with craft fair, free film screenings by the Reel Paddling Film Festival, kids' activities, Roller Derby demos, and a special release of the Cascades & Upper Nantahala.

Emily Jackson rides the feature at the 2012 ICF Canoe Freestyle World Cup

For those of you who want to get in on the action, the Nantahala Racing Club will be putting on two slalom races this spring – the NRC Glacier Breaker and Bank of America Whitewater US Open. Come out to cruise down the course with some of the best slalom paddlers in the world, or just to cheer them on. NRC is also hosting two youth-specific slalom events in 2013, the NRC Youth Regional Team Qualifier and the NRC Southeastern Youth Championships - a great time to get your little ones out having fun on the water with kids their own age.

 Kids being kids at a Canoe Club Challenge

You won’t want to miss the Canoe Club Challenge, the nation’s most popular citizen’s whitewater race. The whole family will enjoy this fun, low-pressure excuse to splash around in the Nantahala on a hot summer day. Camaraderie, good-natured competition and raffle prizes are followed by live music at Slow Joe’s Café / Pourover Pub.

Other events we’re excited about:  

• AT Founder’s Bridge Festival, April 4-6, features wilderness-themed film screenings, live bluegrass, AT slideshows, group hikes and phenology education with the Appalachian Trail Conservancy.  

 The AT Founder's Bridge Festival caters to thru-hikers and day-trippers alike.

• NOC’s Summer Music Series: Memorial Day through GAF weekend, enjoy live music, cold brews and good company at Slow Joe’s Café / Pourover Pub following a day on the river or the trail.

 

 Dirty Bourbon River Show plays the Pourover Pub in 2012

• We're always excited about thanking our guests for a great season! Come out to NOC's Guest Appreciation Festival, September 28-30 for blow-out gear sales, live music, beer specials, dance parties, bicycle pump-track, rock tower, story-telling, kids' activities, GAF Gates Race & World Kayak freestyle competitions, and a bounce house!

Bikers, kayakers, hikers and lovers of good times enjoy a GAF afternoon at Slow Joe's Cafe

• NOCtoberfest! This October, we’ll be serving seasonal brews in a German-style beer garden by the river while we jam out to the Autumn Live Music Series. On the 26th, don’t miss our Halloween celebration, including the Great Pumpkin Pursuit, costume contests and kids’ activities.

Kids show off their creations at NOCtoberfest 2012

4 Reasons to Book Early

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As the saying goes, the early bird gets the worm! Unfortunately NOC does not have a worm for you, but we do have 4 benefits to booking early:

Early Bird Rafting Special
If you book your rafting trip before November 21st with offer code THX12, you will save 15% on your reservation. There is no catch to this deal, all trips are still staffed with our professional guides on our beautiful southeast rivers. For more details about how to secure your reservation and save some money, click here.

Most Popular Dates
Holiday weekends are a great time to get out on the water with friends and families making them our most popular weekends. By booking now you can secure your favorite dates before it is too late and they are booked up!

Kick Start Your Summer
Why wait to book your trip to wash away your end of summer blues, when you can book in the beginning of summer and kick start the season!  The end of summer tends to be much more busy, so beat the crowds and consider booking in the earlier months to get in the summer swing of things.

A Full Season of Activities
By planning a trip in the early summer, this gives you an opportunity to fill your summer with a variety of trips on different rivers. Or you can get hooked early in the season to grow and explore endless outdoor opportunities with NOC.

Fall Season: Best Time to Zip

Fall is perhaps the most beautiful time of the year in the Nantahala Gorge.  And with the leaves changing and cool breezes blowing, it is the perfect time to get outside for an adventure. So, if you haven't been on NOC's "ZLAP" before, it's time to try the new Zip Line Adventure Park at NOC!

NOC is offering a Fall "Add-On" special for the Zip Line.  If you make a reservation with NOC for an activity besides the Zip Line Adventure Park, you can add on a ZLAP reservation and save $15 per person!  All you have to do is call 800.232.7238 and mention the Fall Zip Line Adventure Park add-on special while making your reservation over the phone.

What other activities can you do with NOC in the Fall?
Whitewater rafting

• Go rafting down the Nantahala River; it's a family friendly, class II/III river.  It makes for a perfect afternoon trip after zipping in the morning!  Even if it's brisk outside NOC has splash jackets and pants included with the trip to keep you warm on the water. If you book a rafting trip and the Zip Line Adventure Park, you can save $15 and have a full day of fun!

Mountain Biking

• NOC also offers mountain bike rentals.  You can hop onto two wheels and hit the trail.  Go speeding down some of the best single track trails in the area.  With Flint Ridge trail on the Nantahala Campus, it is very accessible and convenient   You will also catch some great views once on top of the ridge top.  Tsali National Recreation Area is less than 10 miles from NOC.  We provide a bike rack that fits on most cars to make transporting the bikes really easy. Tsali has over 50 miles of trails to ride, each with varying views, terrain and technical features.

Don't stay inside this Fall, the weather is beautiful and calling your name to play!

Guest Appreciation Festival 2012: Recap

Cascades, Cascades, Cascades
Some paddlers described it as pure chaos, or even a circus, but the Cascades release was definitely one of the biggest highlights during GAF weekend.  Providing entertainment, personal "first D’s" and what seemed like endless whitewater laps for some, the Cascades were on a-whole-'nother level this weekend.

Hunt Jennings (Yellow) and Matt Anger (Blue) during one of their thirty laps down the Cascades

Being the first recreational release for the Upper Nantahala and Cascades, this past weekend felt like Christmas for many. Boaters came from all over the region to paddle this section of river that is usually dependent on rain fall.

Many of you have requested the photos and video from the release so here they are! To find your photo click here and enjoy!

On Saturday night, The Pourover Pub hosted everyone to watch the Carnage Video from the Saturday release. If you happened to miss it, you can witness some of the chaos for yourself here:

NOC would like to thank everyone who helped with the safety of both spectators and paddlers on the Upper and Cascades during the event. With the extra efforts put in by many, the majority of the release went very smoothly.

Mini Music Festival
With 5 bands performing at GAF, NOC campus felt like a mini music festival!  From mid-afternoon to the wee hours of the night, guests were dancing on the banks of the Nantahala River. The bands fueled the crowd for hours resulting in smiles, laughs and very unique dance moves.

After the live music, the GAF attendees took over the stage during the Ride Garden Dance Party. After a day full of paddling it's amazing so many folks had multiple hours of dancing in them!

And of Course, The Gear Sale
With the combined 30 vendors, 15 private vendors and the Outfitter's Store sales, there were TONS of great deals from this weekend.  If you were looking for boats, gear, or accessories, hopefully you found it in the Marketplace.

The Marketplace was buzzing with energy during GAF.  The atmosphere was full of guests interacting and sharing memories, stories and advice.  It was a great chance to learn about folks interested in similar activities and meet some all around good people!

Take a look at some scenes from GAF 2012 here:

These are just a few highlights from GAF 2012, some others include: learning from Steve Longnecker's birds of prey, wilderness fire starting clinics, stories from Ms. Connie Regan-Blake and much more.  Let us know what you liked the most! GAF 2013 is just around the bend.

Band and Brew Line Up: NOCtoberfest 2012

To get in the spirit of NOCtoberfest, The Pourover Pub is featuring German food and drink specials every weekend in October.  Although we are running short on steins and liederhosen, the pub will have the essentials: beer and brats!

Every weekend, The Pourover Pub will serve Bratwurst and Reuben specials.  Don't miss out on the delicious Germanic fare! After you are finished eating, you can wash your meal down with a festive German brew. Try a dark Heffeweisen from Weihenstephaner, Maisel's Weisse, or for those who prefer a lighter, easy-drinking beer, a lager from Bitburger.

Enjoy a beer on the banks of the Nantahala River

Live Music at The Pourover Pub in October:

October 12th: Rick Rushing & The Blues Strangers - Chattanooga, TN - Blues Reggae

October 13th: Ogya - Chattanooga, TN - Reggae

October 19th: Total War - Asheville, NC - Pop Alternative

October 20th: Freight Hoppers - Bryson City, NC - Old-Time String Band

October 26th: Lumbar 5 -Chattanooga, TN - Soul Fusion

October 27th: Being the final weekend of NOCtoberfest, Natti Love Joys will be featured as the last (certainly not least) band of the season.  With an upbeat reggae ska sound, these guys will definitely keep you up on your feet dancing along.  Don't forget about all of the other activities during this final weekend though: the Great Pumpkin Pursuit, Flint Ridge Fall Trail Run, costume contest and pumpkin decorating!