The Nation's Best Canoe and Kayak Instruction
Learning to paddle whitewater rivers takes commitment, but canoeing and kayaking lessons with NOC’s celebrated Paddling School accelerate the learning process. Voted "Best Place to Learn" by Outside, NOC has taught more paddlers than anyone else, with 40+ years of experience going into every class. Our diverse instruction team focuses on your personal goals and shows you the pleasures of paddling whitewater. NOC offers a variety of courses varying in skill level, learning style, and duration. Our location on the Nantahala River in North Carolina offers quick access to the Southeast’s best whitewater rivers for learning and skill development.
Outdoor School Courses
2-Day Whitewater Kayaking/Canoeing Courses
Duration: 2 Days
Price Per Person: $400
Dates: Late March-October
Location: Bryson City, NC
Learn to kayak and canoe or take your paddling to the next level. This 2-day session provides time for learning and repetition. Learn More
5-day Whitewater Kayaking/Canoeing Courses
Duration: 5 Days
Price Per Person: $800
Dates: Late March - October
Location: Bryson City, NC
Improve your kayaking skills and solidify good paddling technique with NOC's award-winning instructors. Learn More
Introduction to Whitewater Kayaking Course
Duration: Full-Day
Price Per Person: $130-$150
Dates: Daily, May 25 - September 2, 2019
Location: Bryson City, NC
Learn the basics of whitewater kayaking in this full-day course. The ultimate course in introduction to whitewater kayaking. Learn More
Private Canoe and Kayak Instruction
Duration: Full-Day (9am - 5pm)
Price: $300-$750/day
Dates: March - November
Location: Bryson City, NC
Improve your canoeing and kayaking skills with a private lesson. You and your NOC instructor build a session to accomplish your objectives. Learn More
Kayak Summer Camps
Duration: 5-Day
Price Per Person: $850-$1500
Dates: June & July, 2019
Ages: 9 - 17
Location: Bryson City, NC
Learn to kayak, improve your skills and meet other aspiring kayakers in NOC’s popular Summer Kayaking Camps. Learn More
Slicey Boat Clinic: Ocoee River
Duration: Full Day
Price Per Person: $99
Dates: June 1, 2019 and July 20, 2019
Join NOC's Paddling School on the Ocoee River for a Slicey Boat Clinic! Learn More
ACA Kayak & Canoe Instructor Training
Duration: 3 and 4 Days
Price Per Person: $620 - $800
Dates: ACA Level 3 Kayak: May 6-9 and October 7-10
ACA Level 4 Kayak: May 6-10 and October 7-11
Location: Bryson City, NC
Take your passion to the next level and gain the skills needed to teach whitewater kayaking. Learn More
Raft Guide School
Duration: 5 Days
Price Per Person: $475
Dates: 2019: March 3-8, March 10-15, March 17-22, March 24-29, March 31-April 5, April 7-12, April 14-19
The industry’s gold-standard guide training program. Learn the essential skills to work as a professional river guide. Learn More
Introduction to Whitewater Kayaking Course - Chattahoochee River
Duration: Full Day
Price Per Person: $130
Dates: 2019 dates to be announced
Location: Atlanta, GA
NOC's popular Intro to Whitewater Kayaking now offered in Atlanta, GA! Learn More
International Adventures
Duration: 8 Days
Price: Contact for Pricing
Dates: December 29-January 5, January 12-January 19, February 2-February 9
Location: Chile
Join us on a South American adventure to the fabled whitewater mecca of Chile. Choose from three trips designed for kayakers of all ability levels. Learn More
