Nantahala Outdoor Center

Know Before You Go

Practice vs events

Whitewater courses run open paddle sessions during the week and competition events (slalom, freestyle, raft races) on weekends. Booking and PFD rental required.

Water release schedule

Many courses run on scheduled water releases — flow rates change by hour and day. Confirm release windows before you drive; off-flow the channel is calm pond water.

Skill prerequisites

Open paddle requires demonstrated swift-water competence (roll, eddy turns, ferries). Beginners take a course before they can put in solo — book intro classes early.