Annual Nantahala Open

 Annual Nantahala Open – Paddling Fun Race on the Nantahala River

Every spring, get ready to celebrate the annual Nantahala Open! The Nantahala Open is a fun non-competitive event based at Nantahala Falls. It is open to all boaters no matter experience or ability or craft.

What the Open is About?

The event consists of participants having fun running Nantahala Falls. The event will begin at 11:00AM and continue on through 4PM. As the day goes on, winning categories start to develop – and typically include tried-and-trues such as Best freestyle through the Falls; Best moves in the top hole; Best self-rescue below the Falls; Best eddy Catching through the Falls; Most entertaining Move at the Falls; Cutest Run through the Falls…. And the best pool floats of course!! We video everyone’s runs and put together the main attraction of the Open: a video that is debuted back at Endless River Adventures Saturday night.

Participate as a paddler, a spectator, or both! Participants should plan on signing up with the folks at the scouting ramp and then head downstream to do your move/moves through the Falls. Note to minors: you will need a responsible adult to co-sign your waiver.

Wind Down Your River Time with food, drinks, music and fun

The Falls is just the beginning of the event! Whether you plan on spending the day with us at the Falls, or paddling the Cheoah, or Cascades or Upper Nantahala, wind down your river time and join us at Endless River Adventures for the post-Open festivities. Plan on dinner from the Chili Chompers food truck, beginning about 4:30, kid friendly events, beer and live music. The highlight of the day is the showing of the 2019 Open Video – a compilation of the days antics at the Falls, followed by the awards ceremony.

Why the Nantahala Open?

The kayaking scene is filled with competitions that seem “experts only.” The Nantahala Open has become known as an event for the larger part of the kayaking population: the recreational, “do-it-for-the-fun-of-it” boater. Through the amazing support of our industry, we are able to give away incredible prizes for participants of the Open. And the raffle for a Liquidlogic boat will benefit both Team River Runner and the #livelikemaria fund.

For updates on event specifics, keep an eye on our Facebook page. And for any questions, please call us at 828-488-6199.