Whitewater Paddler’s Gift Guide 2025
Looking for the perfect present? Our Paddler Gift Guide 2025 rounds up the best ideas for every type of boater. Shopping for paddlers isn’t always smooth water. Choosing the right gift can feel like scouting a rapid with no beta. But don’t stress, we’re here to keep you upright. Our team of lifelong paddlers rounded up this year’s best gifts for any boater. These picks will hit the mark like a well-timed boof.
Top Gifts from the Paddler Gift Guide 2025
Foamie Boater, RMR Raft, Nealy Art & Books
Foamie Boaters: Big fun in pocket-sized form.
These little self-righting foam kayakers are a universal crowd-pleaser. Toss one into a play wave and watch it loop, surf, and roll with more confidence than most of us have on a cold-water day. They’re perfect for creeks, puddles, office desks, and stocking stuffers and guaranteed to make any paddler smile.
Rafts: River Ready!The best way to get the crew back together is on the river. RMR embarked on a mission: to craft commercial-grade whitewater rafts that resonate with both weekend adventurers and seasoned river guides. Start planning your next trip!
William Nealy Art & Books:
For the paddler who loves humor, nostalgia, and river culture.
William “Not Bill” Nealy’s illustrations are woven into whitewater history. His iconic cartoon maps, books, and off-beat humor make the perfect gift for boaters of all ages.
Why paddlers love Nealy:
- Classic River Maps – Favorites like the Nantahala, Ocoee, Chattooga, and more, perfect wall art for any paddler’s home or boathouse.
- Skill-Building Books – Guides like Kayak: The New Frontier and Whitewater Home Companion remain as insightful (and hilarious) as ever.
- Timeless Humor – His quirky take on river life still resonates with boaters decades later.
Paddling Books & River Guides:
Perfect for rest days, planning sessions, and cozy winter nights.
Whether your paddler devours river lore or dreams of their next line, these books are top-tier gifts:
Guidebooks
- Whitewater of the Southern Appalachians (Volumes 1 & 2)
Essential beta for exploring the Plateau, the Mountains, and all the classic runs in between.
Fictional Adventures
- The Starship and the Canoe
Gift them an unforgettable story that blends imagination, exploration, and river spirit.
Historical Reads
- NOC Stories: Compiled by NOC Founder Payson Kennedy, this collection brings together 62 first-hand tales from staff and guests that trace NOC’s evolution from a small 1972 rafting outpost to a southeastern paddling icon.
- The Nantahala River: A History and Guide
- A History of Whitewater Paddling in Western North Carolina
Dive deep into the culture, community, and stories that shaped modern paddling.
NOC Gift Card:
When in doubt, give the gift every paddler loves: choice. An NOC Gift Card unlocks endless possibilities, including:
- Adventure Activities – Rafting, ziplining, and unforgettable river experiences.
- World-Class Instruction – Kayak + canoe courses from our legendary Paddling School.
- Gear Upgrades – Helmets, paddles, dry gear, even their next boat—let them pick their dream setup.
- Fuel for the Stoke – Because refueling at NOC restaurants after a day on the river is a gift in itself.
An NOC Gift Card gives your paddler total freedom to chase their passion their way.
We hope this Paddler Gift Guide 2025 helps you find something meaningful for the river-lover in your life.
Shop all your adventures with us!
