Our Intermediate II courses are designed for paddlers with a solid whitewater background who want to improve skills and build confidence on Class III+ whitewater. You'll refine your whitewater paddling skills in a comfortable atmosphere with some of the best instructors in the world. There will be an opportunity to work on river running and surfing during the week. Depending on water levels, release schedules and your group's abilities, you'll have an opportunity to develop your skills on one or more of the following classic rivers: Chattooga, Pigeon, French Broad, Ocoee and Nolichucky . The following is a peek at a typical week:

Sunday
Sunday evening starts with a dinner at Relia's Garden Restaurant where you will meet your instructors and the others in your group. After dinner, you'll get a chance to review the group's skills and goals to most effectively determine the activities for the week.

Monday
After breakfast on Monday morning, you'll head to our equipment area to outfit yourself with high quality canoeing equipment. The next stop will be a nearby lake to review canoe strokes and techniques and help you perfect them before heading to the river. Most groups like to start on the Nantahala River to refine basic river maneuvers in class II-III whitewater. Finish the day with dinner and the chance to share stories of the day's adventures. You can return to your cabin for your choice of entertaining and instructional videos or spend time with friends at our local pub, the "Tote and Tarry."

Tuesday
After enjoying a hearty breakfast before a big day on the river you may decide to travel, and Section III of the Chattooga River is a frequent choice. Some groups prefer the 3-mile Earl's to Sandy Ford run that offers the opportunity to work on technical skills. Other groups enjoy the 10-mile Sandy to Bull Sluice that focuses more on paddling downriver. This is a great day to enjoy the excitement of the river and the natural beauty in the outdoors.

Wednesday
This is a good day to stay close to home for more technique work on the Nantahala. We'll focus on progressive development of harder maneuvers. We will introduce you to some surfing action and you will have the opportunity to hone your river tactics by trying several different routes through the Nantahala Falls .

Thursday
There are several options on Thursday, depending on the group's skill and energy levels. Most groups enjoy a trip down the French Broad , Pigeon or Nolichucky River . Any of these rivers will give you the opportunity of seeing a new river and challenge your skills with exciting class III+ rapids and ample surfing spots. Finish the day with a delicious farewell dinner together and receive one of our coveted NOC Paddling School t-shirts before saying goodbye to your new friends. There's no need to rush home because lodging is included for the night!

We focus on your safety and provide you with the best security on the river while teaching you how to manage unforeseen challenges on the water. During our river time over the week, we'll have the opportunity to paddle on class I and easier class II rapids. If you are not sure how rapids are classified, visit the American Whitewater - International Scale of River Difficulty page.

Check to see if this is the best skill level for you with our Paddling School Skills Guide.

Along with your paddling course, enjoy a 15% discount on boats, paddling equipment and accessories in the NOC Outfitter's Store

Price: $900

Dates Available:
March 18-22
April 8-12
May 13-17
August 26-30