Guest Appreciation Festival (GAF)
September 27-29, 2013

The Grandaddy of all Gear Sales!

Come out and enjoy GAF events all weekend long at NOC's Wesser Campus. It's our way of saying thanks for another great year! We've put together a great line-up of live music, beer tastings with Nantahala Brewing Company, and fun hands-on activities throughout the day, as well as good-natured boating competitions. Families, don't miss Steve Longnecker's Live Raptor Show, featuring owls, falcons, and eagles from around the American southeast, and storytelling with Connie Regan-Blake.

GAF 2012 Features

Although GAF special events and activities change every year, some things you can count on every September: great deals on new and used gear, free live music, and fun for the whole family on and off the water! Check out the 2012 schedule, below, to get an idea of the great things that may be in store for you in 2013.

2013 event details coming soon!

	NOC's Used Gear Sale: GAF's perennial centerpiece, this end-of-the-season inventory clearance offers big savins on gear from our rafting operations, Paddling School and staff wardrobes. The year's best opportunity to find a bargain on great outdoor equipment.
	Guest Gear Marketplace: Guests barter amongst themselves for fabulous once-in-a-lifetime finds of slightly-worn through antique goods.
	Crafts and Causes Marketplace: Artisans and crafters of all types will be sell beautiful handmade goods, gifts, and locally grown items. Regional clubs and organizations promote worthy causes.
	Deep Deals on New Gear: At GAF, Outfitter Store items are priced to sell. We even work with our vendors to blow out their extra inventory. Expect 10-50% off throughout the store, and even bigger deals out front in our sidewalk sale.
	Rafting and Paddling: Our onshore events are fun, but they can't beat a run down the Nanty! Call now to reserve your trip, or come to the Wesser General Store for day-of reservations.
	Kids' Activities: Face painting, crafts, games, contests and much more! There's never a dull moment at GAF in between learning about owls, falcons and eagles, storytelling, and three legged races, surf school, and tug-of-war!

Live Music at The Pourover 2012

2013 music details coming soon!   

	Archrivals: These Asheville locals are guaranteed to get the fushion started with their jazz/rock momentum. They will take you to another planet.
	Vertigo Jazz Project: So cool we can't believe we were lucky enough to book them for GAF! Truly modern jazz with influences of Latin, funk and even pop music.
	The Freight Hoppers: These local stars play "hard-driving old time music with an emotional, raw excitement." Another NOC crowd favorite.
	The Secret B-Sides: The B-Sides pay homage to American music in its most popular urban styles. Their set list will feature tracks off their new album Flowers & Chocolate, these songs will make make you want to get up and dance.
	Packway Handle Band: This alternative bluegrass band is one you don't want to miss. Their mission isn't to preserve historical styles—it’s just what they do the best.

Special Events

Each year, GAF features free, fun and exciting events and shows as a big thank you to our guests and supporters.

Plus, look for paddler-friendly events like the GAF Gates Race and the GAF Hometown Throwdown, and a Head to Head Kayak Race through the Nantahala Falls.

2012 Events Schedule

2012 NOC GAF Blog Postings

GAF 2012 Live Music Preview
Parking and Camping Information

Special Event Information

	Beer Tasting: Come by and meet your beloved local brew masters and try some great new brews. $5 buys you a wristband, samples of three great beers, a pint of your favorite, plus, a little something special from your friends at NBC.
	Bike Trials Exhibition: This one is sure to prompt gasps - watch pro riders negotiate a difficult obstacle-course. These guys can balance, jump, traverse and hop with the best of them, and they put on a great show!
	Boater-Cross: Someone once said: "Rubbin's Racin'." Don't miss this chance to race your buddies in this head-to-head race through the Nantahala Falls. Elbows allowed, but be gentle, please. Brought to you by World Kayak.
	GAF Gates Race: Similar to this summer’s Canoe Club Challenge, this is a fun-focused event that allows paddlers to challenge their boating skills in a friendly, unintimidating setting.

	Hometown Throwdown: Freestyle kayakers of all skill levels compete at the site of the 2013 ICF Freestyle World Championships. This is the 2012 Hometown Throwdown Championships! See event details online at World Kayak. Register 11am to 11:45 near Slow Joe's.
	Bounce House: Not one this year, but two houses for your bouncing pleasure! Kids will love the inflatable slide! NOC staff is onhand to supervise the bouncing fun.

	Rock Climbing: A 30-foot wall with difficulty levels for climbers of all ages. Make it to the top and take in the festival from a bird's-eye-view! Don't miss Friday's head-to-head climbing competition.
	Ride Garden Terrain Park: Even we don't know what the Ride Garden folks will build for the festival. (See some of last year's course in the GAF video.) Rumor is there could be a pump track for 2012. Bring your bike and give it a shot!
	Steve Longenecker's Live Raptor Show: Learn about birds of prey (falcons, owls, hawks) from the area. A perennial favorite, the raptor show is engaging for kids and adults alike. Come early to snag a spot up front near the birds!
	Storytelling with Connie Regan-Blake: Award-winning storyteller Connie joins us from Asheville to entertain kids and adults alike with stories ranging from hilarious traditional Appalachian folk tales to poignant personal dramas.
	Surf School: Instructors from NOC's Paddling School give free, hands-on help to all aspiring surfers at the walking bridge. Stand up and carve, or sit down and surf; you can learn it all here!
	Wilderness Medicine/Survival Demonstrations: Watch NOC instructors make fire with a bow drill, or treat a (simulated) emergency situation. These entertaining demos will give information about some of our off-the-water courses.

Nantahala Releases and Boater Shuttles

All Lower Nantahala boater shuttles are $7 per person, but FREE for boaters leaving their cars at the put-in. (We appreciate the extra on-property parking spaces GAF weekend while paddlers are on the water. When you are finished boating, we encourage you to come back and enjoy the festival!)

All Upper Nantahala boater shuttles are FREE, courtesy of Nantahala Outdoor Center and Endless River Adventures.

Non-Profits & Craftsmen

NOC is dedicated to building community awareness and cooperation in our small corner of the Smokies, and welcomes qualifying non-profit organizations and local craftsmen to participate in the weekend's festivities. To apply for a booth space, please complete the 2012 Non-profit & Craftsman Application.

2013 NOC Facility Hours