Class III+ River Kayaking
Become a confident and proficient paddler in Class II-III+ whitewater. Paddlers will focus on stroke choice, timing, concepts, and using river features to navigate more powerful, complex rapids. We offer both two and four-day courses. These courses offer the perfect mix of both instruction and river running on the most iconic rivers in the Southeast.
Overview
This course offers the perfect mix of both instruction and river running on the most iconic rivers in the Southeast! Become a more proficient paddler in Class II-III+ whitewater.
We also offer Ocoee Whitewater Kayaking courses that focus on this iconic river’s excitement and features.
Prerequisite: Paddlers must have a reliable combat roll and proficient boat control in class II-III prior to registering for this course.
Skills You’ll Learn and Develop
NOC offers both two and four-day courses to fit different schedules and goals. The four-day is highly recommended for people serious about advancing. Paddlers will get more time on the water to fine-tune their skills and get to experience a multitude of rivers in the Southeast; Chattooga, French Broad, Nantahala, Nolichucky, Pigeon, and Ocoee.
- Scouting & Dissecting Class III Rapids
- Stroke Choice, Timing and Compound Stroke Refinement
- Ferrying, Eddy Turns & Peel Outs in dynamic water
- Concepts like Carving and redirecting momentum in and out of eddies
- Using river features to Navigate Complex & Powerful Rapids
- Surfing waves, holes, and spinning
- Boofing and using rocks
- River Safety Techniques
- Fine-tuning bracing and rolling
What to Expect
Guests will start by getting perfectly outfitted with a boat and all the necessary gear and then head to the water to assess skills and talk about goals for this course.
The four-day course is highly recommended if you are looking for more time on the water to hone your skills as participants get to experience a multitude of rivers in the Southeast; Chattooga, French Broad, Nantahala, Nolichucky, Pigeon, and Ocoee. The longer course also allows more opportunities to try out different boats from our vast fleet of kayaks.
Dates
2-Day Courses
| Dates | Location | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Apr 5-6, 2025 | 2-Day Class III River Kayaking | Bryson City, NC | |
| Apr 26-27, 2025 | 2-Day Class III River Kayaking | Bryson City, NC | |
| May 3-4, 2025 | 2-Day Class III River Kayaking | Bryson City, NC | |
| May 17-18, 2025 | 2-Day Class III River Kayaking | Bryson City, NC | |
| May 24-25, 2025 | 2-Day Class III River Kayaking | Bryson City, NC | |
| Jun 7-8, 2025 | 2-Day Class III River Kayaking | Bryson City, NC | |
| Jun 28-29, 2025 | 2-Day Class III River Kayaking | Bryson City, NC | |
| Jul 12-13, 2025 | 2-Day Class III River Kayaking | Bryson City, NC | |
| Jul 26-27, 2025 | 2-Day Class III River Kayaking | Bryson City, NC | |
| Aug 2-3, 2025 | 2-Day Class III River Kayaking | Bryson City, NC | |
| Aug 30-31, 2025 | 2-Day Class III River Kayaking | Bryson City, NC | |
| Sep 13-14, 2025 | 2-Day Class III River Kayaking | Bryson City, NC | |
| Sep 27-28, 2025 | 2-Day Class III River Kayaking | Bryson City, NC | |
| Oct 4-5, 2025 | 2-Day Class III River Kayaking | Bryson City, NC | |
| Oct 18-19, 2025 | 2-Day Class III River Kayaking | Bryson City, NC | |
| Oct 25-26, 2025 | 2-Day Class III River Kayaking | Bryson City, NC |
2024 Dates - 4-Day Courses
| Dates | Location | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| May 29-Jun 1, 2025 | 4-Day Class III River Kayaking | Bryson City, NC | |
| Jun 19-22, 2025 | 4-Day Class III River Kayaking | Bryson City, NC | |
| Aug 14-17, 2025 | 4-Day Class III River Kayaking | Bryson City, NC |
Location
Before You Visit
- All necessary specialty whitewater equipment
- Lunch & In-Course Transportation
- Access to NOC’s extensive fleet of instruction boats for in-clinic use
- NOC’s highly trained, ACA certified instruction
NOC Provides the primary gear needed for each course including boats, paddles, PFD’s, helmets, spray skirts, semi-dry tops, wetsuit bottoms, and booties. Exclusive discounts are available for course participants at the Outfitter’s Store.
Necessary Items (for All Courses)
- Shorts/swimwear
- Water shoes or old sneakers
- Synthetic T-shirts
- Sunscreen/lip balm
- Towel and change of clothes each day
- Reusable water bottle
- Clothing and personal items
- Rain gear
- Synthetic long underwear
- Light fleece hoodie/pullover
Optional Items
- Nose clips
- Sunglasses
- Eyeglass strap
- Hat or visor
- Earplugs (if sensitive to water)
Students must be 18 years or older.
Advanced courses are appropriate for those who:
- Can competently navigate Class II rapids
- Have a reliable flat-water roll
- Have a reliable combat roll in Class II whitewater
- The ability to make harder moves in Class II waters, such as crossing strong eddy lines with reasonable control, catching challenging eddies and ferrying in fast current
Lunch is included in the course fee. Additional meals, snacks, and beverages can be purchased at NOC’s two onsite restaurants or the General Store.
Discounts available at NOC lodging and restaurants.
Meet Our Instructors
The NOC Paddling School stands out because of its exceptional instructors, who are experienced, skilled paddlers, and creative teachers. Their expertise and dedication are why Outside Magazine named us the “Best Place to Learn”
Click here to view our full list of Paddling School Instructors
