Georgia Canoeing Association-2010 Fall Gala (Episode 2)

On the second day of the Fall Gala, I joined other GCAers and paddled the Nantahala River near Bryson City, NC. The Nantahala is affectionately called the “Nanty” by paddlers and is a classic Southeastern Class II/III river. The river is dam released and the water temps never reaches above a frigid 48 degrees. The Nanty is touted to be the most rafted river in America.

Georgia Canoeing Associaton-2010 Fall Gala (Episode 2) from Jamie Higgins on Vimeo.

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Georgia Canoeing Associaton-2010 Fall Gala (Episode 2) from Jamie Higgins on Vimeo.

Because of the predictability of water levels it is also a very popular river in the Southeast for individual paddlers as well. The Nantahala Outdoor Center, which makes its home along the banks of the Nantahala, is one of the world’s premiere paddling shops. I must admit that I have bought more than one boat and tons of gear from the NOC.

Despite the inviting lively wave trains and crystal clear water, the Nanty does have its dangers. Unwary novice rafters and a few experienced boaters have tragically lost their lives paddling the Nanty. Any risk associated with paddling the Nanty can be mitigated by paddling with experience boaters and developing your paddling skills.

Perhaps, one of the most photographed and videoed rapid in America is Nantahala Falls (or Little Wesser). The Falls are a solid Class III and have a very sticky hole at the top. The hole is not terminal, but it will hold a swimmer for an uncomfortable amount of time.

Unfortunately, my camera became fogged up early in the paddling trip and it only toward the end did it unfog so much of the video is a bit blurry. It does sort of give it a neat effect.

The Nanty does remain one of my favorite rivers and I have many fond memories of floating down this gem of a mountain stream. This beautiful Fall day was no different. The wonderful gold leaves would occasionally waffle down into the stream and the mountains provided an awe inspiring backdrop to the bouncy waves and color laid paddlers floating upon them. My camera could never do this special river justice, but I will continue to try.

Jamie
“Queen Rat”