National whitewater event comes to NOC

The U.S. Open national-level slalom and kayak cross event will draw world-class paddlers to the Nantahala Outdoor Center Saturday, March 25, and Sunday, March 26. 

Everyone is invited to compete against the country’s top whitewater athletes, starting with a slalom course March 25 on the Nantahala Falls section of the river. This 18–20-gate course should challenge intermediate to expert level slalom paddlers. Participants are encouraged to use slalom-specific boats.

Sunday will feature the first-ever U.S. Open Kayak Cross race, open to all paddlers who have Class II river-running skills, a plastic boat under 8 feet and a strong roll. This new Olympic event puts four kayakers in a head-to-head format to race down a section of whitewater while negotiating several gates and completing a full kayak roll before the finish line. 

Hosted by the Nantahala Racing Club. Registration is $50 for both days or $25 per event day. Sign up at nantahalaracingclub.com/us-open by noon March 24.