Kids Outdoors

Western North Carolina Kids are Outside this Summer!

Why Kids Need Outdoor Time Many researchers agree that kids who play outside are happier, better at paying attention and less anxious than kids who spend more time indoors.Spending time in nature can build their confidence. There’s a lot less structure than most types...

Give Your Kids Outdoor Vacations, not Toys

Our kids camps are just the outdoor vacations your kids need! We offer two different camps for kids all summer long: Kayak Camps and EcoSplash Camps Our kids camps are more than just kayaking.  They’re about socializing with other kids, learning to look out for your...

We Are All About Kids!

Professional river staff follow the same rule they preach to the folks they share river time with:  you do not teach those you love to kayak – particularly your own children.  The rules are simple: Allow your kids to love kayaking for themselves, not for you Avoid...

NRC Adding Youth Paddling Programs

The Nantahala Race Club (NRC) is committed to increasing youth participation in slalom, freestyle - and just kayaking in general.  This year will bring in a whole new set of programs for slalom, freestyle and recreational boaters to enjoy. This spring will bring in...

Expectations for paddling with Kids

Do not prep for a day of paddling with your kids the same you would with your friends. Keep the river time short, anticipate worst-case scenarios, prepare for a change of heart, and leave the expectations behind.   Anticipate that kids get: Hungry Cold Tired...

When Kayaking is not scary: my trip down the Middle Haw

by Greta Durbin On a beautiful sunny November afternoon, my mom asked, “Greta, do you want to run the Middle Haw this weekend?” I gulped, “Yeah, sure.” The Middle Haw? No sweat, right? I’ve done the Tuck, the Nanty and the Lower Pigeon. No problem. But you know what?...

Young River Rats on the Grand Canyon

There are no two Grand Canyon trips alike. Whether on the river for six days or three weeks….few people experience the Grand Canyon without going home with dreams about the next time to get back -- whether possibly as soon as the following year, or many years later. ...

Doing the Grand Canyon Kids Style

There are no two Grand Canyon trips alike. Whether on the Canyon for six days or three weeks….few people experience a trip without going home with dreams about the next time to get back to the Canyon–that next time possibly being the following year, or many years...

Heading Home with your Own Kayak

by Jacob Walker We are always impressed by young paddlers who work hard to help buy their own equipment. Kayaking is a big investment at the front end–but one that earns its rewards many times over once you have all your gear.   We met Jacob, his sisters, and mom...

The “challenge” of the Camp Cup Challenge

The 4th annual Camp Cup Challenge brought 100+ campers from summer camps all over western North Carolina. And for the fourth year in a row it was a wild success!!! In fact, the Challenge is such an awesome concept that the format has spread to create other...