Kayaking Classes & Adventures

Single-Day and Multi-Day Kayak Adventures for All Skill Levels

Experience the Joy of Kayaking with Expert-Led Classes & Trips in Tennessee and North Carolina

Kayaking is a fun and exciting way to explore the great outdoors, and the Nolichucky Outdoor Learning Institute offers kayak instruction and adventures for people of all skill levels on both whitewater and flatwater. Whether you're a beginner looking to learn the basics or an experienced kayaker looking to up your game, our exceptional instructors will provide expert instruction to help you achieve your goals. Our classes cover everything from equipment familiarization and safety considerations to water reading and advanced boat handling techniques. We also offer guided kayaking trips where you can paddle one of our top-of-the line kayaks while exploring the stunning scenery of the area. The Nolichucky Outdoor Learning Institute is the perfect place to learn and improve your kayaking skills in one of the Southeast’s most spectacular playgrounds!

WHITEWATER KAYAK - 1-ON-1 & SMALL GROUP INSTRUCTION

NOLICHUCKY RIVER OR FRENCH BROAD SECTION 9

Want individualized kayak instruction for you or your group? Contact us directly and we will work with your schedule to come up with a single or multi-day course tailored to your needs.

Duration: 8 Hrs

Begins: 9:00 AM

Operates: March-November

Age Requirements: Age 10+

PRICING FROM

$175.00-325.00

PRICING FROM

$175.00-350.00

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Why Choose Us for Your Kayaking Class?

Our exceptional instructors love to kayak and, more importantly, they love to share their expertise with others so that they can safely enjoy their time on the water. You won’t find a more talented, supportive and fun team of professionals committed to helping you achieve your goals on some of the Southeast’s best waterways.

Kayaking the French Broad River in North Carolina

The mighty French Broad river is a fixture of the Southeast boating scene, drawing paddlers from all over to its beautiful and varied waters. From its headwaters in western North Carolina to its confluence with the Holton River in eastern Tennessee, it drains large portions of the Pisgah and Cherokee National Forests and is believed to be one of the oldest rivers in the word. It’s a river that offers something for everyone, from its calm family-friendly floats to its sections sporting exciting and robust class 3+ rapids.

Kayaking the Nolichucky River in Tennessee

The Nolichucky River is a beautiful 115-mile waterway that begins at the confluence of the Toe and Cane Rivers, flowing through Western North Carolina and East Tennessee before its eventual confluence with the French Broad River. Traversing the Pisgah National Forest and the Cherokee National Forest in the Blue Ridge Mountains, the river's watershed is home to some of the highest mountains in the Appalachians, including Mount Mitchell, the highest point in the eastern United States. The Nolichucky is a river that offers something for everyone, from the beginner-friendly lower section to the stunning and remote class 3+ Gorge section. We are happy to call it home!

Kayak Instruction Reviews

100% recommend NOLI! It’s quite obvious that these people love what they do because they are great at it! Excellent instructors, professional, super helpful and provided a fun experience for our group on the river. Thanks so much, I’m already thinking about my next class and adventure.

Mike R.

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What an experience! It's amazing to have NOLI as a resource for those of us that are getting started and then trying to continually improve our kayaking skills. It's not only the instruction that you signed up for that is beneficial - but spending the day with these instructors is a learning experience in itself as they are so knowledgeable about all aspects of the river and share their past experiences and scenarios that really help you prepare for experiences you might have on the river. Every class increases not only my safety on the river but those I'm paddling with - THANK YOU NOLI!

Melinda M.

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We had a great time taking the Intro to Whitewater Kayak course! Our instructor was excellent and did a great job of teaching us the fundamentals, while providing plenty of opportunity to have fun on the water and pick our own challenges that were within our comfort zone. We will definitely be back!

Chris R.

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The 3 day Whitewater Kayak Immersive class is outstanding in many ways: content, location, instructor knowledge and value. I'm not sure I have ever had my expectations exceeded more than this class did. The instructor was highly knowledgeable and a great paddler. I feel like my padding ability took a monumental leap this week. If you are considering this class, look no further. You won't regret it.

David T

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The Spring-Tune-Up was exactly what I needed! Now I feel as though I can be more intentional on the river. My instructor was excellent! Will be taking classes with the Nolichucky Outdoor Learning Institute in the future. Thank You!

Jamie S.

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My intermediate whitewater kayak class with NOLI was excellent. My instructor was extremely knowledgeable and thorough. We worked on numerous skills while paddling section 9 on the French Broad. I would strongly recommend NOLI for white water kayakers of all levels, who are looking for instruction. Paddling can be tremendously fun. If you don't believe me, take a class with NOLI.

Todd R.

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I thoroughly enjoyed the Flatwater Kayak Instructional. Our instructor seems so competent and knowledgeable, friendly, and conveys information in a really personable way. We had a beautiful day on the water! I will be looking for more opportunities to learn from NOLI. Thank you!

Deborah B.

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I really enjoyed the flatwater kayak instructional class. Debbie is a great instructor! I feel comfortable now in choosing a kayak and gear as well as maneuvering on the water. Was a fun day!

Maryann W.

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Common Questions About Kayaking Instruction & Adventures

What do I need to bring to a kayak lesson?

It is recommended to bring swim shorts, towel, sunscreen, closed-toe water shoes (open-toe footwear, sandals not permitted), wicking-type shirt for wear on the water (no cotton), a water bottle or sports drink, bagged lunch and a change of clothes.
Do I need to have any previous experience to take kayak classes?

No previous experience is required to take beginner-level kayak classes. Our instructors will teach you the basics and guide you through the learning process. Our novice and up level classes (class 2+) do require previous experience and your own equipment.
Are kayak lessons offered for all skill levels?

Yes, kayak lessons are offered for people of all skill levels, from beginners to advanced.
Are personal flotation devices (PFDs) provided during kayak classes?

Yes, personal flotation devices are provided and must be worn during kayak lessons.
Can I rent a kayak for a lesson or do I need to bring my own?

Kayaks are included in the cost of flatwater and beginner-level whitewater classes although you are welcome to bring your own if you have one so long it is appropriate for the class. Participants in novice-level and up classes (class 2+) are expected to bring their own boat and gear.
Are there any age limits for taking kayak lessons?

It depends on the program, but generally speaking children should be at least 7 years old for our flatwater classes and 10 years old for our whitewater classes. It is recommended that children 12 years old and younger be accompanied by a parent or guardian. You can check the specific program you are interested in for more details.