Some lucky few will receive a burger flipped by none other than our famous executive director, Jeff Wise.
Look forward to seeing you out here. Enjoy the sunshine and the beginning of summer.
Tuesday, May 22, 2007
Memorial Day Weekend
The most relaxing weekend of the summer is upon us. Memorial Day weekend is looking like we are going to have some great weather. Come out the the US National Whitewater Center to enjoy all that we have to offer. Flatwater paddling, trail running, mountian biking, whitewater rafting, kayak instruction, rock climbing, team building, food, beverages, music, shopping: what else could you want from a weekend. Don't forget, we now rent mountian bikes! New trail maps are available for purchase at our retail store.
Some lucky few will receive a burger flipped by none other than our famous executive director, Jeff Wise.
Look forward to seeing you out here. Enjoy the sunshine and the beginning of summer.
Some lucky few will receive a burger flipped by none other than our famous executive director, Jeff Wise.
Look forward to seeing you out here. Enjoy the sunshine and the beginning of summer.
Media Frenzy
The Center was a buzz with media coverage this past weekend. Two television crews were at the USNWC featuring all that we have to offer. 
To start, paddler Tao Berman and Nascar driver Brian Vickers, both Red Bull sponsored athletes, swapped experiences. Tao taught Brian to paddle and Brian got Tao behind the wheel. Cameras and audio booms everywhere made for a pretty entertaining scene both on the water and off. Here's the link to the Red Bull video http://www.teamredbull.com/video.php?id=272
Since both tv crews were from Discovery Channel, Tao knew some of the folks from the other crew from his Stunt Junkies experience.
A new show on the Discovery Channel is Really Big Things with host Matt Rogers. The show features massive man-made wonders that change the way we live.
What a perfect fit for the Whitewater Center. The show airs Tuesdays at 8pm est. Later posts will update exact air times. Here's a shot of host Matt Rogers learning to kayak from our star instructor Daniel Stewart.
To start, paddler Tao Berman and Nascar driver Brian Vickers, both Red Bull sponsored athletes, swapped experiences. Tao taught Brian to paddle and Brian got Tao behind the wheel. Cameras and audio booms everywhere made for a pretty entertaining scene both on the water and off. Here's the link to the Red Bull video http://www.teamredbull.com/video.php?id=272 
Since both tv crews were from Discovery Channel, Tao knew some of the folks from the other crew from his Stunt Junkies experience. A new show on the Discovery Channel is Really Big Things with host Matt Rogers. The show features massive man-made wonders that change the way we live.
What a perfect fit for the Whitewater Center. The show airs Tuesdays at 8pm est. Later posts will update exact air times. Here's a shot of host Matt Rogers learning to kayak from our star instructor Daniel Stewart.
Guided Flatwater Trips
Our flatwater program is becoming the most popular trip we offer. Every Friday, Saturday and Sunday join us on one of our guided trips along the Catawba River.
Use one of our recreation sit on top kayaks as you navigate your way through Long Creek or circumnavigate Sadler Island. Check out the reminants of the historical Tuckaseegee Ford Trail and the history that connects the Catawba to the growth of Charlotte and western North Carolina.
Families can enjoy this flatwater experience. Ages five and up are encouraged to participate. With over 1.5 miles of riverfront property, paddling on the Catawba with its dense vegetation and wildlife will make you feel as though you are miles away from the city.
Use one of our recreation sit on top kayaks as you navigate your way through Long Creek or circumnavigate Sadler Island. Check out the reminants of the historical Tuckaseegee Ford Trail and the history that connects the Catawba to the growth of Charlotte and western North Carolina.
Families can enjoy this flatwater experience. Ages five and up are encouraged to participate. With over 1.5 miles of riverfront property, paddling on the Catawba with its dense vegetation and wildlife will make you feel as though you are miles away from the city.
Tuesday, May 15, 2007
Skills Clinics
Every Thursday night at 6:30 our top instructors will be on hand to teach our intermediate skills clinics. Each week we will offer unique opportunities to perfect different skill sets. Programs change
weekly in order to offer something for everyone. Spots are limited. Reservations can be made at (704) 391-3900. Enroll now!
Here's the list of what we offer:
Essential Freestyle Skills – April 26th, July 12th.
Slalom Technique for Recreational Paddlers – May 3rd, July 19th.
Advanced Rope Throwing – May 10th, July 26th.
The Magic Tricks of Kayaking – May 17th, August 2.
The Thrust Behind the Advanced Forward Stroke – May 24th, August 9th.
River Running Strategies – May 31st, August 16th.
Back Deck Roll Made Easy – June 7th, August 23rd.
Perfect Your Draw Strokes – June 14th, August 30th.
Rescue Vests/ Tow Tethers/ Hand’s-Of-God – June 21st, September 6th.
Surfing Shred Session – June 28th, September 13th.
Bow Stalls Demystified – July 5th, September 20th.
Check out our website for the specifics of each course.
Roll Clinics
Group roll clinics are happening every Wednesday and Thursday night at the US National Whitewater Center. Low student to instructor ratios guarantee more individualized attention and get you rolling quicker. 
Never tried to roll before? Thursday clinics are focused for beginner rollers. We go over the basics of how the boat can transition from upside down to upright. Have you been working on your roll and need a little help and guidance? Our Wednesday night Roll Tune-Up clinic would be perfect. We can work on your c-to-c, sweep, backdeck and off-side roll to help you gain more confidence on the river. Call our reservationists at (704) 391-3900 to sign up now. See you there.
Never tried to roll before? Thursday clinics are focused for beginner rollers. We go over the basics of how the boat can transition from upside down to upright. Have you been working on your roll and need a little help and guidance? Our Wednesday night Roll Tune-Up clinic would be perfect. We can work on your c-to-c, sweep, backdeck and off-side roll to help you gain more confidence on the river. Call our reservationists at (704) 391-3900 to sign up now. See you there.
Saturday, May 5, 2007
Riot Karaoke Night
The folks from Riot came out in full force and the race was on. Nine competitors went individually down the competition channel for their pole position. Three heats of three raced down to determine who would come out ahead. Finally, it was down to the top three. Jon Angermeier pulled ahead at the top of the big drop and there was no looking back. Here's a shot of our finalists, Jon in 1st place, Daniel Stewart 2nd and Will Berkeley in 3rd. Spencer Cooke was able to provide great prizes for our winners including a pair of Mion sandals and a copy of Buck Fever on VHS (a three part coming of age series about a man and his love for donkeys).
The race seemed secondary to what we were about experience. Members of the local Charlotte paddling club, the Mecklenberg Regional Paddlers (MRP), showed up in good form to participate in Riot's "Don't Quit Your Day Job" Karaoke Tour sponsored by Mion, Shred Ready, H2O Audio, Smiley's Nose Plugs and many others. Andy Travis got the evening kicked off and the crowd pumped with a solid representation of Vanilla Ice's Ice Ice Baby.
Spencer and Riot paddler Nathan Silsbee were on hand as official judges. Great prizes were awarded to the performances that wowed the crowd.
Brentley and Ashley did their rendition of She Bang in true William Hung style.
I don't remember what John and Josh sang (and I'm pretty sure neither John or Josh remember either) but it looks romantic.
Brentley, Andy, Josh and Ashley ended the evening with Celine Dions love theme song from the movie Titantic, My Heart Will Go On. The crowd was deeply touched, grown men were weeping, and I saw a tear fall from Chris Gratman's eye. We all had a group hug and held each other until the moment passed. It was a great evening. Can't wait to see the tour at Gauley Fest.
The race seemed secondary to what we were about experience. Members of the local Charlotte paddling club, the Mecklenberg Regional Paddlers (MRP), showed up in good form to participate in Riot's "Don't Quit Your Day Job" Karaoke Tour sponsored by Mion, Shred Ready, H2O Audio, Smiley's Nose Plugs and many others. Andy Travis got the evening kicked off and the crowd pumped with a solid representation of Vanilla Ice's Ice Ice Baby.
Spencer and Riot paddler Nathan Silsbee were on hand as official judges. Great prizes were awarded to the performances that wowed the crowd.
Brentley and Ashley did their rendition of She Bang in true William Hung style.
I don't remember what John and Josh sang (and I'm pretty sure neither John or Josh remember either) but it looks romantic.
Brentley, Andy, Josh and Ashley ended the evening with Celine Dions love theme song from the movie Titantic, My Heart Will Go On. The crowd was deeply touched, grown men were weeping, and I saw a tear fall from Chris Gratman's eye. We all had a group hug and held each other until the moment passed. It was a great evening. Can't wait to see the tour at Gauley Fest.
Wednesday, May 2, 2007
So Much To Say
There is so much going on at the USNWC I don't know where to begin. Starting next week all of our weekly group programs begin. Beginner roll sessions, roll tune-ups and beginner samplers are ready for sign ups. Call reservations for availablity and to book your spot now.
Last week was the beginning of our weekly skills clinic where each Thursday night we teach different skill sets such as draw strokes, back deck rolls, and freestyle. Here's the link to our website to learn more.
http://app.wampower.net/WamUser/UserFiles/333/File/USNWCSkillsClinics(1).pdf
Tomorrow night is slalom skills for recreational boaters taught by our local slalom phenoms Scott Mann and Pablo McCandless.
This Friday night continues our Race Series as Riot hosts the next head to head downriver race down the competition channel. After the race Riot is putting on the second leg of their Karoake Tour. This is sure to be an absolute blast.
Our flatwater program is now up and running. A day on the Catawba paddling one of our LiquidLogic Mantaray sit-on-top kayaks is fabulous.
All of our trips are guided by our friendly and knowledgeable staff to share with you the local history, flora and fauna, and different places to explore.
This busy week is just another example of how much is constantly going on here at the Whitewater Center.
Last week was the beginning of our weekly skills clinic where each Thursday night we teach different skill sets such as draw strokes, back deck rolls, and freestyle. Here's the link to our website to learn more.
http://app.wampower.net/WamUser/UserFiles/333/File/USNWCSkillsClinics(1).pdf
Tomorrow night is slalom skills for recreational boaters taught by our local slalom phenoms Scott Mann and Pablo McCandless.
This Friday night continues our Race Series as Riot hosts the next head to head downriver race down the competition channel. After the race Riot is putting on the second leg of their Karoake Tour. This is sure to be an absolute blast.
Our flatwater program is now up and running. A day on the Catawba paddling one of our LiquidLogic Mantaray sit-on-top kayaks is fabulous.
All of our trips are guided by our friendly and knowledgeable staff to share with you the local history, flora and fauna, and different places to explore.This busy week is just another example of how much is constantly going on here at the Whitewater Center.
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