Whitewater and (Much) More: U.S. National Whitewater Center - Video

Climbing wall at the USNWC

Located on the Catawba River, just outside of Charlotte, North Carolina, the U.S. National Whitewater Center is an à la carte outdoor sports heaven. Let me explain.

The 400-acre, non profit "outdoor recreation and athletic training facility" offers over 2 dozen activities to anyone who wants to participate, ranging from stand-up paddle boarding to rock climbing, a survival school, trail races and triathlons, and seemingly everything in between.

In addition to a multitude of outdoor activities, the USNWC offers a dog-friendly environment where you can hang out and catch a meal, watch whitewater rafters and kayakers on the world's largest recirculating artificial whitewater river, and even attend a music festival or two.

On the grounds surrounding the recirculating river, the Whitewater Center has a network of trails totaling over 20 miles, which are open from dawn till dusk, 365 days a year (weather permitting) and can be used for trail running, mountain biking, and dog walking.

One of USNWC's 2013 race events

There are also a number of competitive events held annually on the trails - this year, the events range in length from a 5k "Run & Plunge" in February to a 50-mile ultra trail marathon.

USNWC Full 2013 Whitewater Race Series Calendar

There is also a system of ropes courses and zip lines at the USNWC, which combine with the trail system and rock climbing walls to afford all sorts of "land activities" for all ages.

The Whitewater Center's land activities include:

Canopy Tour

Adventure Course

Canyon Crossing

Canyon Spur

Rock Climbing

Canyon Zip

Mega Zip

Mountain Biking

Ridge Course

Obstacle Challenge

Mega Jump

Climb 2 Zip

Eco Trekking

the trail system

Not limited to land activities, the USNWC utilizes the recirculating whitewater river and the nearby Catawba River to offer its namesake whitewater and flatwater paddling activities, such as rodeo rafting (a smaller, more agile version of whitewater rafting) and standup paddle boarding.

The U.S. National Whitewater Center's
Class III & IV competition channel

Full List of Whitewater Activities

Full List of Flatwater Activities

Throughout the year, the Whitewater Center is also home to: multi-day music festivals, the race events mentioned earlier, and the summer-long weekly "Thursday Night River Jam" - live outdoor music set against the backdrop of the whitewater and zip lines. To enhance the outdoor vibe and frequent live music performances, there is a restaurant overlooking the whitewater river and bandstand which serves a full menu and craft beer (River's Edge Bar & Grill).

Not content to stop there, the U.S. National Whitewater Center offers a number of educational opportunities.

Their accredited instructors teach the following high-caliber offerings:

• Guide Schools - Raft Guide School, Flatwater Guide School, or Land Sports Guide School, for individuals interested in pursuing a career in those fields or boosting their resumes;
• Rescue Schools - SOLO Wilderness First Aid, American Red Cross: Standard First Aid/CPR/AED, and Swiftwater Rescue;
• Survival Schools - Survival 101 and Wilderness Exploration and Survival;

If something less rigorous is what you are looking for, or if you are looking for educational activities the whole family can participate in, the Whitewater has that, too.

Full List of Educational/Summer Camp Opportunities

Essential equipment needed for most any of the activities that the Center offers is included in the cost of the different activity passes, and now you can even rent GoPro helmet cams to capture video of your adventure in HD! There is also an outfitter store on the premises, carrying a limited amount of gear.

See rodeo riders take on rodeo rafting:

Don't waste a minute, check the calendar of events and grab as spot in one of the Whitewater Center's many trails, schools, routes, or activities! And let us know - what is your favorite way to enjoy the USNWC?