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Archived Outdoors

Freestyle paddlers to hit the Nantahala wave

out paddlingA major freestyle paddling competition will come to the Nantahala Gorge Sept. 4-6, with top freestylers from across the continent converging on the Nantahala River’s famous “wave” to vie for the title of Pan American Champion.

The 2014 International Canoe Federation Canoe Freestyle Pan American Championships will be based on the campus of Nantahala Outdoor Center outside Bryson City.

Live music, a competition DJ and a lineup of activities will keep things exciting for spectators making their way to this family-friendly event. 

Training will begin as early as Aug. 28, but the first heats won’t take place until 11:30 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 3. Semifinals will be held 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sept. 5, with finals 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sept. 6 and an awards presentation following at 6:15 p.m. Live music will be held on both Friday and Saturday evenings along the river at Big Wesser BBQ. 

www.noc.com/events/2014-freestyle-panam-championships or 828.785.5082.