Nantahala Gorge - NOC

One of the most kayaked and rafted rivers around is the Nantahala Gorge near Bryson City, NC. I have only paddled this river 6 times in my life. Interestingly, I recently paddled the river 3 times in the span of a week. My wife booked a last minute cabin in Bryson City for my birthday weekend. The Nantahala was close by (and running) which in turn resulted in a couple runs with friends that were in the area. Less than a week later, we finally found a P5 green Remix59 for P5. The seller was located none other than the NOC...so back to the Gorge we go! Come along as we kayak down the mighty Nantahala River - 3 times with 3 different crews! Thanks to all those who paddled with me and to Steve from Kayak Georgia for the ride back to the truck! Was an awesome birthday!
photo credit NOC
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[@shakeandbake7324]

so many races, so many hours surfing upper and lower falls, wesser falls, and summers at Bryson with family

[@RiverKingsKayak]

sounds like time well spent SaB!

[@brianmclaughlin2621]

Excellent video again if I ever get over to the states I would love to look you up and a couple of days on the water Happy belated birthday Brian 🥃🥃

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Just drop me a line Brian! Sounds like fun!!

[@justinsmith623]

Pizza by the river is awesome. You get to feed the ducks and kayakers.

[@RiverKingsKayak]

They leveled the old facility. Looks like they are doing a complete rebuild with indoor dining as well. Look forward to seeing the new place this season!

[@iowaadventures4701]

Every time I see you paddle it amazes me a talent that you have. However the knowledge that you pass on to others shows your character as a good man.HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Thanks a ton IA!!! I really appreciate that! Trying my best!

[@WesleyHansen-vx1my]

@@RiverKingsKayak I agree with iowa adventures 100%. I'm just learning technical paddling and the videos of you with your students are prime time! Especially your son and the young kid Evan, I think. Evan uses a textbook static Duffek for every eddie out, like it's intuitive. I practice on a slow river, a section with class 1 and 2, and a slower canoe canal, my strokes, and I'm getting my roll down at the pool, but I sure wish you weren't clean across the country, cause I'd love to take some classes with you. Add to that, you're the Howard Cossell of whitewater, which kind of gives away my age.

[@RiverKingsKayak]

@@WesleyHansen-vx1my Thanks a ton!! That is what it is all about!!

[@dirtdobber2185]

Still Rock'n it at your age. Keep doing what you love and you will never get old. Happy Birthday River King.

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Thanks DD!!

[@JesAmacher]

I just love seeing our adventures! Any day on the water is great but days on the water with friends like y’all are my favorite!

[@RiverKingsKayak]

We feel the same Jes!

[@carrollleopard1961]

That trip looks dangerous. You guys are great in your maneuvering around those rocks.

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Thanks Herman! The Nantahala is a pretty safe river...you just have to get used to it!

[@jam7547]

Yes nantahala is great river .. hoping it is less crowded than normal the last of Sept ..

[@scottlnrd]

Looks like a wonderful birthday trip. Thanks for sharing!

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Thanks Scott!

[@christophercurley3999]

That run was a lot of fun it's so cool to watch this video and actually recognize all the different little play spots

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Right on Richie!!

[@trevordeanphoto]

Awesome day on the water, happy belated Pete!! What a way to spend your birthday! 😎🥳

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Thanks Trevor!

[@dg1019]

Did the Nantahala July 4th weekend. I'm from Mississippi and as such never have anyone to WW kayak with. I go to crowded, dam controlled rivers so I can have consistent water and people to hook up with. Learning pretty much on my own so your vids really help. Wish I had more time off to travel for days on the water. Keep the vids coming...I'm learning..lol

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Right on D G! Thanks for tuning in! That is def a geographically challenged area for whitewater for sure!! Hang in there!

[@harrymuir835]

Can't think of a better way to spend your birthday.

[@RiverKingsKayak]

For sure Harry!

[@patchymcq]

nice birthday run!! that water is flowing pretty fast, catchin eddies like a champ!

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Thanks patch!

[@ADVENTUREKM]

Turbo boost and throw me a pizza love it lmao! I was smiling along with you guys good times!

[@RiverKingsKayak]

LOL! Thanks KM!!

[@courtneysmith7180]

Mannnn I hate my video didn’t act right but it was great meeting you see ya on the river!!!!!

[@RiverKingsKayak]

I had every single other clip! ugggghh!!! I think the battery was low and causing some glitching...so annoying! Was awesome to meet you!

[@GatewoodBrown]

Loved this one Pete! The weather looked great and the river seems healthy. Continual flow for sure!

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Thanks Gatewood!!

[@jeromeo6911]

Hello to all

[@RiverKingsKayak]

thanks again Brother!!!

[@fredjohnson3283]

Pete, your silver creek paddle that accompanies Betsy on your wall was personally hand-made with precision right across the road from where you were at Nantahala falls. Both partners were members of the US whitewater Olympic team back in the day. She's in a great place with Betsy thinking of the many memories they both have experienced.

[@RiverKingsKayak]

I was actually thinking about that as I was up there! Such a cool place and history there! Honored to have that paddle Fred! I will be forever thankful!

[@boomshakalaka9510]

I thought I saw you out there this weekend. The Tellico was running Sunday, so we hit that after the Nanny! Good times.

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Right on BSL!

[@FeWolf]

I can hear Jamie screaming in joy 😹, you go girl

[@RiverKingsKayak]

he he he!! for sure Scott!

[@lou36heron87]

wonderful video, thanks for sharing your paddling skills and fun, this brings back memories of one of my 1st white water paddles 10 yrs ago, and your right - "your never along kayaking on the Nat" - there's always rafters & kayakers around you sooner or later - and some of those rafters may even tap you on the head with their paddles if you get bunched up!

[@lou36heron87]

I meant you're never alone kayaking on the Nat'

[@RiverKingsKayak]

For sure!! Thanks Lou!

[@Bad_Batch_65]

🎉 Happy Birthday 🎂 ❤️👍☠️

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Thanks Bad Batch!

[@restoringthetruth]

They have really good pizza and the view is not bad.

[@RiverKingsKayak]

for sure!

[@wesleywhitener4552]

When you do the Cartecay could I join you?

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Hey Wesley! It will likely be a Kayak Georgia trip and I will defer to however they plan their outings...so no issues on my side!

[@canajian]

👋😎👍

[@RiverKingsKayak]

canajian!

[@sUpersLowdRagon]

Cool video. Trying to talk the wife into trying whitewater.

[@RiverKingsKayak]

To Timmy's wife - Do it!!!!

[@scottelledge1269]

My wife likes kayaking. I've been trying to talk her into learning whitewater. But no luck. Now I want to get a good boat and learn. Looks way to fun not to.

[@itsjustwubbadubb6862]

saw someone in a gen 2 zen. then it was gone. i wonder if they didnt like the boat?

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Gen 2 zen? Which paddler?

[@itsjustwubbadubb6862]

@@RiverKingsKayak it was in the beginning I thought. They rolled. It was orange and red.

[@RiverKingsKayak]

@@itsjustwubbadubb6862that's johnny Martin! He lives that boat

[@itsjustwubbadubb6862]

@@RiverKingsKayak I have the exact same one in the same color. Just managed to find a brand new gen 2. Haven’t used it yet. Can’t wait!!

[@luca1658]

First rule of kayaking never paddle alone

[@RiverKingsKayak]

A good rule...but not my first rule. Also, are you ever really alone on the Nantahala? Lol. I actually paddle alone on occasion. One just needs to be smart about it.