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Kayaking

Kayaking is a fun, rewarding, and exciting way to experience rivers and lakes in a unique way. Whether it is an exciting whitewater trip or a mild flat-water paddle, NOC’s nearly 50 years of experience in kayak rentals and instruction provides participants with the perfect experience for any skill level.

NOC’s main campus on the Nantahala River is one of the nation’s most active paddle sports venues hosting races and events and serving as a popular practice spot for paddlers including professional athletes. Join us for half day inflatable kayak “ducky” rentals trip or step it up with a canoe-kayak course led by one of Nantahala Outdoor Center’s world-renowned instructors. Don’t forget to stop off at the Outfitter’s Store, offering the newest and best in technical river equipment for modern day river runners.

Looking for an adventure close to home? Explore the Chattahoochee River National Recreation area at one of NOC’s multiple Atlanta-based outposts. With flat-water and Class I – II kayak, canoe, and stand-up paddleboard rentals, Nantahala Outdoor Center’s Roswell and Metro-Atlanta locations are the perfect place to unwind after work or with friends and family on a weekend in the city.

Kayaking Trips and Courses

Fundamentals of Whitewater Kayaking

Bryson City, NC
from $475
Improve your paddling skills and techniques with our instructors.

Build the foundations for whitewater kayaking in these two or four-day courses. Kayakers will learn and refine strokes, learn concepts, wet exits, rolling, and safety. New and aspiring whitewater kayakers will spend time learning new skills and practicing them on area lakes and rivers. No experience necessary! Price begins at $475 for 2-day & $875 for 4-day.

16+ Years Old
2 Days
4 Days

Intermediate Whitewater Kayaking Course (Class II-III)

Bryson City, NC
from $475
Multi-day courses for Class II+ kayakers!

This is the perfect “Bridge Course” for paddlers progressing from beginner proficiency in a whitewater kayak to intermediate skill levels in a two or four-day clinic. Strengthen your whitewater kayaking skills and enjoy more advanced rivers with the best in instruction! Refine strokes, concepts, maneuvers, rescuing and rolling your boat in moving water.

18+ Years Old
2 Days
4 Days

Advanced Whitewater Kayaking Course (Class III-IV)

Bryson City, NC
from $475
Multi-day courses designed for advanced whitewater kayakers!

Become a confident and proficient paddler in Class III-IV 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.

18+ Years Old
2 Days
4 Days
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