Corporate & Community Involvement

American Whitewater is a national non-profit organization with a mission “to conserve and restore America’s whitewater resources and to enhance opportunities to enjoy them safely.” American Whitewater works to protect and restore rivers, maintains a national inventory of whitewater rivers, monitors potential threats to whitewater river resources, publishes information on river conservation, works with government agencies to protect the ability of the public to have a voice in the management of rivers, advocates for legislation protecting our rivers and their aquatic resources, and provides technical advice to local groups regarding river conservation and management. Nantahala Outdoor Center provides support to American Whitewater through yearly fundraising and advocacy.

In 1973, a group of river runners and conservationists met in Denver to confront the fact that unnecessary dams were silencing many of the nation’s last wild, free-flowing rivers. They decided to form a national river conservation organization, and American Rivers was born. Thanks to support from individuals and businesses such as NOC, American Rivers has built a strong track record of success. Over the years American Rivers has expanded their advocacy to include restoring damaged rivers and ensuring ample water supplies for cities and farms. As a recreational whitewater company, Nantahala Outdoor Center completely supports the efforts put forth by American Rivers. They make a difference every day for clean water, rivers and communities nationwide.

Founded in 1880, the American Canoe Association (ACA) is a 501(c)(3) national non-profit organization serving the broader paddling public by providing education related to all aspects of paddling; stewardship support to help protect paddling environments; and sanctioning of programs and events to promote paddlesports competition, exploration, and recreation. The American Canoe Association efforts align with many of Nantahala Outdoor Center’s hopes of introducing youth and adults to new sports in the world of whitewater. The heart of the ACA is the people who paddle, cherish, and protect the rivers, lakes, streams, bays, and oceans of the United States and beyond.

Color My Outdoors is part of a growing community of organizations and individuals working to change the narrative of the outdoors. For too long, the story of outdoor recreation and education has excluded people of color—people who have historical and ancestral ties to the land. Their new narrative celebrates the adventurers, explorers, and influencers who have led and who are leading the way for new generations of outdoor enthusiasts.

Nantahala Racing Club is a competitive non-profit organization that trains whitewater slalom, wildwater, and freestyle athletes of all ages and ability levels. Nantahala Outdoor Center supports NRC as a host site of various races throughout the year, many of which provide fundraising opportunities to Nantahala Racing Club. NOC is proud to assist in developing the skills of young paddlers in our communities.

Friends of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park provides assistance to the National Park Service by raising funds and public awareness. Nantahala Outdoor Center supports Friends of the Smokies through multiple in-store fundraising opportunities each year, from round-up campaigns to purchase matching. Additionally, many of NOC’s staff can often be found volunteering for various projects such as trail maintenance and sustainability.

Nantahala Outdoor Center participates in numerous river clean up events with the Chattahoochee Riverkeeper, providing volunteers, shuttles, and safety boats.

NOC partners with Visit NC, The NC Outdoor Recreation Industry to help promote responsible recreation through Leave No Trace Principles:

• Plan and Prepare
• Stick to Trails and Overnight Right
• Trash Your Trash
• Leave It as You Find It
• Be Careful With Fire
• Keep Wildlife Wild
• Be Considerate of Others and Share the Outdoors

Visit Outdoor NC for more information. www.visitnc.com/outdoornc

Nantahala Outdoor Center believes passionately in making the outdoors accessible to all. Our alumni and present day staff have created scholarships to make a variety of adventures and training available to everyone, no matter race, gender, or financial status.