Whitewater Kayak and Canoe Instruction

NOC's Paddling School: More Than 35 Years Experience Leading the Industry

The Paddling School at NOC offers world class kayak paddling and canoe paddling instruction in the heart of the Southeast whitewater scene. Whether you've never sat in a kayak or you're looking to master Class-IV river skills, we've made it easier to get the instruction you're looking for in a user-friendly format that lets you choose when to arrive and for how long.

We'll offer two-day weekend courses and five-day week-long courses for every craft and every level, April through September. Come learn the skills to accomplish your goals, when you're able to get here! It's the most flexible whitewater instruction format in the country, and it's available exclusively at NOC's Paddling School.

A Tradition of Excellence

At NOC, we've been setting the industry standard in white water paddling instruction for more than 35 years. It's no surprise that we were dubbed "The Nation's Premier Paddling School" by The New York Times and "The Best Outfitter on Earth" by National Geographic Adventure.

Our Paddling School is designed for everyone, from first-timers who have never been in a boat, to advanced paddlers looking to refine their skills. Our on-river safety and expertise combined with first-rate amenities make your experience here unforgettable.

Paddling School Accolades

The Wall Street Journal, June 2009
In the article "Kayaking Goes Over the Edge," NOC is listed as "one of the country's top paddling schools."

Outside, January 2009
NOC nabbed the honor of "Master Kayaking Class" in Outside's feature on how to go from an Adventure Zero to Hero. NOC was chosen for its exclusive Advanced Creek Week clinic.

National Geographic Adventure, November 2007
NOC was listed among the "Best Outfitters on Earth" in the River & Sea Category. "Led by Olympic veteran Wayne Dickert, its paddling school is among the best," said NGA. They also featured our Adventure Travel trips in Chile.

New York Times, July 28, 2007
Executive Pursuits writer Harry Hurt III spent two days learning to kayak with what he called "Nation's Premier Paddling School" (NOC).

Men's Journal, April 2004
NOC Instruction is dubbed "The Harvard of Paddling Instruction".