Welcome to NOC's Paddling School

Recognized as the Nation's Best in Kayak Instruction

Welcome to the ‘Oxford', the ‘Harvard', the ‘Juilliard' of whitewater paddling, NOC!

Over the years, NOC's Paddling School has been compared to some of the great institutions of learning. It's no wonder. Here, you learn the best methods of paddling from the best instructors. Our classroom is the outdoors surrounding our home in the Nantahala River Gorge in western North Carolina. Our teachers are the top in their field: boat designers, book authors, Olympic and World Champion paddlers and all-around nice people.

NOC's Paddling School has garnered many awards and accolades for excellence in canoe and kayak instruction, but the one thing that is most important to us is your success on the water. Once you have taken a course from NOC, you'll see why our student-focused, goal-oriented, progression-based approach has made the difference for so many people.

Every Paddling School Course Includes:

• Top-notch gear to match our top-notch instruction. Boats, skirts, paddles and helmets are always provided for you, and we have a huge selection to assure you a great fit.
• comfortable cabin lodging and hearty meals for multi-day programs.
• a discount at our famous Outfitter's Store for multi-day programs.
• transportation to the day's river or lake.

Our New Approach for 2010

NOC's famed Paddling School is making it easier than ever for guests to master their paddling skills. We're committed to providing the same instruction that has made us famous, only now, you can decide when to paddle with us. Previously, clinics opened on specific dates for specific experience levels. Now, you can choose any weekend or week from May through August, and come learn to paddle or paddle better, no matter your skill level.

How does it work? You simply decide if you want to spend a week or a weekend at our Paddling School and book the dates that you are able to attend. Upon completing your reservation, we'll ask you to return a skills assessment (not a test!) that outlines your experience on the water and your goals for your paddling clinic. We'll use your responses to pair you up with other students who share the same goals, and instructors take you there. As always, your success and safety are our highest priorities. Unless otherwise specified, lodging, meals, gear and transportation are provided for you. So you can relax and enjoy your days on the river!