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.
Create your next River Story.
Step Beyond the Currents and into the world of NOC Paddlesports with celebrated instructor Dan Dixon. Dan instructs beginner to elite-level paddlers, mentors budding leaders in the whitewater industry, and constantly pursues elevated training in wilderness medicine and swiftwater techniques. Learn more about Dan's River Story below.
Outdoor School Courses
Introduction to Whitewater Kayaking Course
Duration: Full-Day
Price Per Person: $130
Dates: Daily, May 23 - September 7, 2020
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
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
Kayak Summer Camps
Duration: 5-Day
Price Per Person: $900–$1,500
Dates: June & July
Ages: Varies
Location: Bryson City, NC
Learn to kayak, improve your skills and meet other aspiring kayakers in NOC’s popular Summer Kayaking Camps. 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
Slicey Boat Clinic: Ocoee River
Duration: Full Day
Price Per Person: $99
Dates: Call for Availability
Join NOC's Paddling School on the Ocoee River for a Slicey Boat Clinic! Learn More
ACA Kayak & Canoe Instructor Training
Duration: 5 Days
Price Per Person: $800
Dates: Kayak Level 3 or 4: April 20-24, 2020 - October 5-9, 2020. Call for Canoe Instructor Training Information.
Location: Bryson City, NC
Take your passion to the next level and gain the skills needed to teach whitewater kayaking. Learn More
ACA Instructor Update
Duration: 2 Days
Price Per Person: $400
Dates: Kayak: April 4-5, 2020 | October 17-18, 2020 (Call for Canoe Instructor Update Information)
Update your ACA Kayak or Canoe Instructor Certification with this 2 Day Course. Learn More
Raft Guide School
Duration: 4-5 Days
Price Per Person: $475
Dates: 2021 Dates Now Open! Early Bird Discounts Below!
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: June - August
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: January 4 - 11, 2020; January 18 - 25, 2020; February 8 - 15, 2020; February 15 - 22, 2020
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
Women’s Kayak Retreat
Price: $490 - $650
Dates: May 15 - 17, August 14 - 16
Enjoy time on the water with a supportive group of women during NOC's Women's Kayak Retreats! Learn More
