Senior Golden Paddle Retreat Weekend
Kayak, ducky, or pack raft with a supportive group of 50+ paddlers under the guidance of NOC’s rockstar instructors. A yoga or stretch session and select meals are included in this package.
Overview
The Golden Paddle Retreat is open to paddlers ages 50+ of all whitewater skill levels (hard boat kayak or packraft/inflatable kayak). The retreat will begin at 5:00 PM on Friday, October 2nd, and conclude at 4:30 PM on Sunday, October 4th.
Start the weekend by meeting your instructors on Friday evening. Dinner is on your own that night, but discount cards to NOC’s restaurants will be provided. Guests will participate in paddling sessions on Saturday and Sunday. Breakfast and lunch on Saturday and Sunday, dinner on Saturday, and early-morning yoga or stretch sessions on Sunday are included with the retreat.
Lodging packages are also available at a discount to complete an all-inclusive weekend of fun and paddling. If you have questions about our lodging options, please call us at 828.488.7249.
A full itinerary can be found below.
Retreat Schedule
| Friday | ||||
| 3:00 PM | Lodging Check-In begins at General Store | |||
| 5:00 PM-6:00 PM | Meet & Greet at the Paddling School | |||
| Saturday | ||||
| 8:15 AM | Meet at the Paddling School for breakfast (location TBD) | |||
| Immediately following breakfast until 4:30 PM/5:00 PM | Paddling program | |||
| Sunday | ||||
| 8:00 AM | Meet at the Paddling School for yoga or stretch session. If lodging with us, please check out prior to the start of the day. | |||
| 8:45 AM | Breakfast (location TBD) | |||
| Immediately following breakfast until 4:30 PM/5:00 PM | Paddling program |
*Note: This is a basic itinerary. Any changes will be emailed to all participants a few days before the start of the retreat.
Dates
Retreat Dates
| Dates | Location | |
|---|---|---|
| Oct 2-4, 2026 | Bryson City, NC |
Location
Address
Nantahala Outdoor Center, U.S. 19, Bryson City, NC, USA
Before You Visit
NOC Provides
- Boat (either kayak or packraft)
- Paddle
- Helmet
- Personal Flotation Device
- Spray skirt
- Paddling jacket
- Wetsuit and booties
- Breakfast and lunch on Saturday and Sunday
- Dinner on Saturday
- Yoga or stretching on Sunday morning
- Lodging Friday-Saturday in your choice of accommodation (if selected)
Necessary Items
- Shorts/swimwear
- Water shoes or old sneakers
- Synthetic T-shirts
- Sunscreen/lip balm
- Towel and change of clothes each day
- Yoga mat (if participating)
- Yoga appropriate clothing (if participating)
- Reusable water bottle
- Clothing and personal items
- Rain gear
- Synthetic long underwear*
- Light fleece hoodie/pullover*
- Please refer to the “Lodging” section on .pdf document for possible additional items
*Bring if cold-natured
Optional Items
- Nose clips
- Sunglasses
- Eyeglass strap
- Hat or visor
- Earplugs (if sensitive to water)
- Yoga block/strap (if participating in yoga section)
We make every effort to provide well-planned and enjoyable experiences by following appropriate teaching progressions and educating participants about risk awareness and decision-making for each activity. However, you are responsible for many decisions that affect your personal well-being. These responsibilities include, but are not limited to, evaluating your physical fitness, assessing your equipment, and understanding how to respond when situations do not go as planned. This program offers challenges by choice — all guests have the option to portage any rapid or walk any obstacle and are responsible for communicating their choice to instructors. NOC does not assume liability for personal injury or death. All participants are required to sign an Assumption of Risk and Waiver Agreement. Outdoor sports are physically demanding and involve inherent risks that cannot be eliminated or controlled. This course operates rain or shine.
Cold water immersion poses increased risks for adults 65+, including cold shock, hypothermia, and potentially serious heart-related complications. Guests in this age group should consult a healthcare provider before participating and take extra precautions to reduce these risks.
