Whitewater Rafting: Not that Scary!

When most people hear the words "whitewater rafting" immediately they think of rip-roaring rapids and rafters being thrown overboard into white-cap waters. I was one of those individuals until I visited the Nantahala Outdoor Center, commonly referred to as NOC. I decided to take the leap and traveled up into the mountains of North Carolina for my first adventure.

Now, locating the NOC's outpost was a trip upon itself. The Nantahala Outdoor Center has several locations, which they refer to as "outposts" that you can choose to start your adventure. I had chosen the French Broad Outpost, which was somewhere between Weaverville and Hot Springs, North Carolina, about 25 miles outside of Asheville. The scenic tour of the mountains was worth the trip alone.

Once there, you are greeted by several instructors who take you under their wings and inform you about the rafting tour. Our tour down the French Broad River, which by the way is the world's third oldest river. Once we were outfitted with the necessary gear, the instructor gives a safety seminar and the adventure begins.

The great thing about this guided tour is the knowledge the guides share with the rafters about the river and the environment in which the French Broad flows through. Since this was my first time, I went with a family of 5 down a part of the river that is classified as a "class II rapids." Basically this mean you will have a great time and get splashed with lots of cold river water.

Along the route, you will get a break from the fun, depending on the package you choose, to sit and have a small picnic along the scenic river. During this time, I spoke with the family who invited me to join them on their first whiteriver rafting. This was their first trip in 3 years and they wanted to do something different for the family vacation. The mom saw an ad in a local newspaper advertising a fun, family adventure and they decided the NOC would be part of their vacation.

The adventure was great for myself and the family and I would go back again the next time I'm in the area. Packages are offered for half-day and full-day trips. Families should take note that their is a minimum age limit of 8 years old. For less than $90 per person, you will ensure a fun family adventure on your next vacation trip.

My second adventure at whitewater rafting was recently when the U.S. National Whitewater Center, USNWC, opened in August of 2006. Located in Charlotte, North Carolina, the center is the largest, man-made, whitewater rafting course in the world. Unlike whitewater rafting in a natural river, the man-made rafting center uses recycled water from the city and is not dependant upon the weather. The USNWC can pump and churn the water all year long.

I was amazed when first entering the facility. The entire complex covers 307 acres of land near the Catawba River. The goals of the USNWC are simple. They want families to enjoy a healthy, active lifestyle and promote environmental stewardship. Believe me, they have succeeded in their goals.

The U.S. Nationtal Whitewater Center is promoted as a public adventure sports facility and the word adventure should be capitalized. The whitewater adventure began with our guide, Joe, who I believe was a comedian in a past life. Joe set out to show us the in-and-outs of our gear and several funny stories along with his instructions.

While in the "calm" are of the rafts, the instructors show basic rowing procedures. Next comes the fun, as you enter the second leg of the instruction. When you enter the first rapids, you will just bang and jump along the man-made river and obtain minimal dampness. This is best describe as a small series of whitewater rapids commonly referred to as class I or class II, in rafting lingo.

The final leg of the rapids is labeled a class IV. This is where you really feel what others love about whitewater rafting. Your adrenaline picks up as you see the waters churning around you, tossing you up, then down, left then right. The entire time you are laughing and screaming with your group of inexperience rafters.

Then if whitewater rafting isn't you choice of adventure, the USNWC offers so much more. Some activities are free while others you will have to pay for. You will enjoy climbing the rock walls, which are the largest man-made climbing walls in the worlds as well. Also, you can waste away your day on the zip-lines or bike, hike, run or go hunting for high-tech treasures with eco caching. There is an abundance of adventures waiting for you at the U.S. Whitewater Center. Check it out whenever you are in Charlotte, North Carolina.