Whitewater Kayak and Canoe Instruction

A Tradition of Excellence, Since 1972

At NOC, we've been setting the industry standard in white water paddling instruction for more than 35 years. We are proud to be an integral training and practice ground for both Olympic paddlers and novices alike. Not to mention that most folks who love the river love spending time at NOC! 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.

We offer kayak instruction and canoe instruction both at home and abroad through NOC Adventure Travel. We can tailor instruction programs to specific groups of all sizes. We're even a training center for American Canoe Association whitewater instruction certification, for commercial raft guide training and most recently, the home of a SOLO Wilderness Medicine Institute. The NOC Paddling School is also happy to be the home base for Anna Levesque's Girls at Play courses for women.

Paddling School Accolades

Outside, February 2008
NOC nabbed the honor of "Best Place to Learn" in Outside's feature on how to go from an Adventure Zero to Hero. NOC was chosen for its instruction staff, comprised of whitewater champions and legends.

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".