I'm going to take a one day river workshop that the NOC offers on August 22nd which begins at 1:30. If any of you other newbies are interested in doing the workshop PM me and we can discuss the details. One person and their gear can ride with me (the NOC will actually loan you every piece of gear you need including a boat if necessary at no additional fee for the workshop) if they want but be forewarned, I just cleaned out my garage and found Guns & Roses first album "Appetite for Destruction" so I may be rocking out to these timeless classics the whole trip. I'm up for leaving Friday night or Saturday morning and returning either Saturday night or Sunday. I do have to be back by 11:30 in Lexington on Sunday however for a sky diving expedition that afternoon but other than that my schedule is flexible and can be worked around whoever wants to ride down with me.


Lyle

Details from the NOC web-site on the workshop are below.



Nantahala River Runner Workshop
Nothing builds more confidence than a successful run of the Nantahala River with a trusted guide. The "Nanty" is our home and our instructors know it like no one else. Spend a Saturday afternoon paddling the entire eight-mile stretch of river enjoying the surrounding beauty and excitement of Class II rapids.

Our instructors help you learn the lines and the easiest routes. You will encounter several Class II+ rapids and have the opportunity to develop and practice river reading skills along the way. Between the rapids, work on your river roll with helpful tips and hints from your instructor.

We'll stop at Class III Nantahala Falls to scout and learn the various lines through the rapid. This is the biggest rapid of the trip, so remember to stop at the Photo Finish Store to see a picture of your victorious run!

Dates:
Runs every Saturday, Memorial Day through Labor Day
(May 23 - September 5, 2009)

Cost: $75/person
Meet: at NOC's Information Office at 1:30pm

Great idea Lyle!

You will never regret taking any formal instruction ever.

I took 3 or 4 lessons when I first started and I think it helps a lot. It is one thing to have good paddlers to boat with and emulate, but having someone that knows how to explain things in a progressive, organized fashion is another.

That is why they are the pros!

I posted on the wrong page (in speak instead of here) that I was headed to TN this weekend. Lyle, it looks like you have stuff planned for Sunday. If anyone wants to stay in the area Sunday I would be happy to do an Ocoee xtra-lite or a park n' surf-eddy hop-ferry. The water is a lot warmer there! I think I will be there Monday too.

Speaking of that--if you end up going, dress for colder water. I have some wetsuits that I could lend that are on your way out of town.

Hope you have fun!

Elizabeth

859-519-6828
edecker28@gmail.com

Hey Elizabeth, thanks for the post! I've taken one lesson so far and it has helped a ton. I've no doubt that a couple of more lessons will really help my learning curve. Luckily I've had some great people from the BWA show me a ton of things on the water already and so combining all of that with the lessons is starting to bring things together some.

I will definitely take you up on the offer to borrow a wet suit. I'll give you a call later tonight or tomorrow and see when a good time to stop by would be to grab one. Really appreciate the offer on this as that water is freaking cold!

Hopefully in the very near future I will have the skill set to join you on the Ocoee. I've rafted it several times and really like that place. Definitely want to boat it in the near future and would love to join you down there sometime soon.

Lyle