With its many mountain rivers fed by abundant rainfall, there are many reasons to consider Western North Carolina a center for whitewater recreation. With the recent move of American Whitewater’s headquarters to the Center for Regional Development in Cullowhee, there is now one more.

The organization, which has promoted paddling interests such as river conservation, public river access and whitewater releases throughout the nation for 50 years, is now in the process of setting up its offices at the CRD on Western Carolina University’s campus. The move will allow the two entities to collaborate in a number of ways beneficial to both American Whitewater and its paddling interests and the CRD and its mission of supporting economic growth and development in Western North Carolina.

“This partnership enables American Whitewater and Western Carolina University to provide assistance to each other and share resources. There are many things we can work on together such as mutual grant opportunities. It also allows us to combine our thought leadership and build capacity for applied research. We also will have the ability to tap into an intern base,” said Whitewater Executive Director Mark Singleton.

Officials with the CRD see the move as an opportunity to utilize American Whitewater’s knowledge of the paddling industry to provide regional economic stimulus.

“They are connected with paddling enthusiasts throughout the nation and perhaps even worldwide. They are a thought leader in the development of destinations for recreation and enjoyment and they know how to leverage the whitewater resources that a city, town or region may have for their economic growth. This is the kind of thing we are interested in,” said CRD Director Paul Evans.

Evans envisions the partnership as an opportunity to create more jobs for river guides, outfitters and instructors, and possibly lead to some manufacturing opportunities for the region.

“There is a major clothing industry associated with recreational apparel. Watercrafts could also be manufactured here. We will be working with American Whitewater to come up with a strategy to brand the region and explore the economic viability of the region as a whitewater mecca,” said Evans.

Local whitewater outfitters, such as the Nantahala Outdoor Center, appreciate American Whitewater’s past accomplishments and are excited about their relocation to our area. They hope to reap additional benefits from the organization’s proximity.

“As a business we have already benefited from American Whitewater’s work .... For us to be so close now gives us comfort in knowing that we can have input and help them out with river access and conservation issues that are crucial to our business,” said NOC Paddling School Manager Wayne Dickert.