Women’s Learn to Raft Guide Clinic
Great for beginner to experienced women paddlers seeking to solidify their skill and confidence level on the river. NOC elite women instructors will teach the fundamentals on and off the river for recreational rafting.
Overview
Learn to raft guide with other aspiring women paddlers!
Join like-minded women and instructors for this three-day clinic with hands-on, experiential learning. Great for beginner paddlers with little to no experience to those familiar with rafting, this three day course is for anyone seeking to solidify their skills on and confidence level on whitewater. NOC’s professional instructors will meet you at your skill level and ensure that you leave the clinic with newfound knowledge, techniques, a memorable experience and new friends! Did we mention its also fun!
Spend three exciting days on NOC’s main campus on the Nantahala River with Class II-III whitewater as you learn the necessary strokes and techniques to maneuver your raft down the river. You will gain strong technical foundations like river reading and running, water safety and communication, rescue, and so much more to prepare you to enjoy and confidentially navigate the world of whitewater rafting.
What You’ll Learn
- Essential River Skills
- River and Raft Terminology
- How to Read Whitewater, Identifying River Features & Hazards
- River Running
- Proper Raft Care
- Guide Strokes & Stance
- Crew Strokes & Dynamics
- Rescue Techniques
- River Safety & Communication
- Righting a Flipped Raft
We offer a Spring Raft Guide School for aspiring professional raft guides interested in working at NOC.
What to Expect
Guests will meet their professional instructors, get issued the necessary river gear, and then head to a lake to learn the foundations of effective guide strokes. After spending some time on the lake, we will be putting that knowledge into action as we run Class II-III whitewater rivers for the remainder of our time together. While most of our time will be spent on the river, we will supplement lessons with river side “chalk talks” to ensure that students gain strong understanding and confidence in the skills being taught.
Dates
Upcoming Dates
| Dates | Location | |
|---|---|---|
| Jul 25-27, 2025 | Bryson City, NC |
Location
Before You Visit
NOC provides the following:
- All necessary specialty whitewater equipment
- Three days of full day instruction and support
- In-course transportation
- Riverside picnic lunches daily
- NOC’s renowned instruction from highly trained guides
- 10% off river essentials during your guide school date including PFDs, Helmets, Knives, Carabiners, Pulleys, Whistles, Webbing, and Rope.
NOC provides the primary gear needed for this clinic including rafts, paddles, PFD’s, helmets, splash tops and pants, wetsuits, and booties. Lunch is provided daily.
Please pack warm layers made of synthetic materials or wool, a water, bottle, and a spirit of adventure!
A more detailed packing list will be sent out before your clinic.
Participants must be 18 years of age or older. No paddling experience required.
Daily picnic lunch is provided. NOC offers other dining options onsite at River’s End Restaurant, Big Wesser (seasonally), and the General Store.
Lodging is not included in this clinic. NOC offers onsite lodging in Basecamp, Dogwood Motel, and Cabins and is bookable online.
