Packages & Deals Events Store Request a Brochure Locations Plan Your Adventure Destinations Lodging & Dining Before You Go About NOC Wishlist Champions & Accolades The Home of Champions Competitive excellence on the national and international stage is a hallmark of NOC. Starting with the original 1972 Olympic slalom team (when whitewater was introduced into the Olympics for the first time), NOC has been, and continues to be, one of the nation’s premier training sites for elite whitewater athletes, champions and explorers. NOC’s unique culture, promoting healthy, human-powered outdoor recreation and a love of the outdoors both on and off the clock, continues to attract world-class athletes, Olympians and Gold Medalists, and individuals committed to sharing their passion and skills with our guests. Our focus on continual improvement translates to the highest-caliber programs in outdoor recreation. Over four decades of experience goes into every lesson NOC guides teach and every adventure they lead. Key Accomplishments 23 Olympians representing NOC in every Olympics since 1972 2 Olympic Gold Medalists: Joe Jacobi and Scott Strasbaugh in 1992 14 World Championships 31 World Medalists 103 National Champions International Whitewater Hall-of-Famer, Payson Kennedy 50+ Master Guides Site of the 2013 World Freestyle Kayaking Championships Accolades Top 10 Best Adventure Travel Company, 2021 — USA Today Readers’ Choice Awards 10Best Reader’s Choice Awards “Old Hills, New Thrills. Western North Carolina’s Nantahala runs 350 days a year.” — Men’s Journal 5 American Road Trips That Will Restore Your Sense of Wonder “The place to go if you’d like to become a professional rafting guide.” — Chicago Tribune Spice up Spring Break with a Learning Vacation Best of Travel Outside, 2015 — Outside Magazine The 30 Most Incredible Trips to Take in 2015 Winner of the 2012 Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) Outdoor Inspiration Award. 2012 OIA Inspiration Awards “One of the Best Outfitters on Earth.” — National Geographic Adventure “#1 Vacation with a Splash!” — Good Morning America Top 10 Trips With a Splash “Enjoy a Premier Adventure Resort in North Carolina” — DatingAdvice.com NOC – Where Couples Enjoy a Premier Experience “Nation’s Premier Paddling School.” — New York Times Tucking Forward, Chilling Out and Waiting for ‘the Hands of God’ “One of the country’s top paddling schools.” — The Wall Street Journal Kayaking Goes Over the Edge “Best Place to Learn.” — Outside Magazine Zero to Hero “The heart and soul of the South’s whitewater scene.” — National Geographic Learn Paddling at Nantahala Outdoor Center, North Carolina Stay current on all NOC Specials & News NAME EMAIL Sign Up ABOUT Our Story Master Guides Our Accolades Our Partners Newsroom Corporate & Community Involvement CareersNow Hiring EXPLORE Activities Courses Lodging Dining Gear & Retail Packages & Deals Events Locations RESOURCES Contact Us Purchase Trip Photos Online Blog FAQs Covid-19 Response Live Webcam OUR PARTNERS Booking Terms & Conditions Privacy Policy Copyright © 2021 Nantahala Outdoor Center Website by 829