Step Up to the Ocoee (Class III+)
After sharpening your skills on the Nantahala River on day one, you’ll progress to the Ocoee on day two under the guidance of our ACA certified instructors.
Overview
Two days, one mission: To help you achieve your goal of experiencing the Ocoee.
Day one: We’ll sharpen your skills with a tune-up on the Nantahala River. The focus will be on making hard moves and turning easy rapids into precision challenges. We will apply the same strategy to lapping Nantahala Falls, exploring alternate eddies and lines that push your limits and prepare you for the rhythm of continuous class III whitewater.
Day two: We shift to the Ocoee River for what we call “Ocoee Light.” This is your introduction to the Southeast’s most iconic continuous class III river, served up in a controlled, confidence-building setting. Our instructors know every conservative and rowdy line and will guide you toward the appropriate challenge for wherever you are in your progression.
Dates
Step Up to the Ocoee Dates
| Dates | Location | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Apr 4-5, 2026 | 2-Day Step Up to the Ocoee | Bryson City, NC | |
| May 16-17, 2026 | 2-Day Step Up to the Ocoee | Bryson City, NC | |
| May 23-24, 2026 | 2-Day Step Up to the Ocoee | Bryson City, NC | |
| Jun 6-7, 2026 | 2-Day Step Up to the Ocoee | Bryson City, NC | |
| Jun 20-21, 2026 | 2-Day Step Up to the Ocoee | Bryson City, NC | |
| Jul 4-5, 2026 | 2-Day Step Up to the Ocoee | Bryson City, NC | |
| Jul 18-19, 2026 | 2-Day Step Up to the Ocoee | Bryson City, NC | |
| Aug 1-2, 2026 | 2-Day Step Up to the Ocoee | Bryson City, NC | |
| Aug 15-16, 2026 | 2-Day Step Up to the Ocoee | Bryson City, NC | |
| Aug 29-30, 2026 | 2-Day Step Up to the Ocoee | Bryson City, NC | |
| Sep 19-20, 2026 | 2-Day Step Up to the Ocoee | Bryson City, NC | |
| Oct 10-11, 2026 | 2-Day Step Up to the Ocoee | Bryson City, NC | |
| Oct 24-25, 2026 | 2-Day Step Up to the Ocoee | Bryson City, NC | |
| Oct 31-Nov 1, 2026 | 2-Day Step Up to the Ocoee | Bryson City, NC |
Location
Address
Before You Visit
- All necessary specialty whitewater equipment
- NOC’s highly trained, ACA certified instruction
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)
This course is 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.
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
