The 7th Annual Nantahala Open Event

Team Scum Joins Up for the Nantahala Open!

2011-04-12T15:37:00.002-04:00

A big GRACIAS to TeamScum for their support of the Nantahala Open! We could not do it without you!!

Highland Brewing Company and Filling Station Deli Sub Shop

2011-03-16T17:48:00.006-04:00

The 7th Annual Nantahala Open just got tastier!!!

Local favorite the Filling Station Deli Sub Shop will have their wagon here for the Nantahala Open. Bring your $$ and your appetite for good Deli Subs, pennes and more. And the proceeds from the day will go to our Team River Runner event.

And just in: Highland Brewing Company will be on site to cure your post-river thirst. Donations for the beer will go to our Team River Runner event.

Beverages, Nose Clips and More Swag for the Nantahala Open!

2011-03-02T15:14:00.007-05:00

COCA COLA will be sharing water and Powerades with Nantahala Open participants and spectators. And compliments of RAPID TRANSIT and EFFORT, participants will be primed for Squeeze noseclips, awesome Spencer DVD's,t-shirts and more!! Thank you for helping make the 7th annual Nantahala Open that much more fun!!

Protecting your noggin' Nantahala Open Style

2011-02-11T22:45:00.004-05:00

Because your head is important- regardless of the river.... Sweet Helmets and WRSI are lined up to support the 7th annual Nantahala Open. Thanks so much for your support--on the river when on our heads...and for the Nantahala Open!

Clif Bar, Level Six and Larabar add their support to the 7th Annual Nantahala Open!

2011-02-08T14:40:00.003-05:00

Wave Sport and the Nantahala Open

2011-01-31T21:42:00.001-05:00

How many events are out there where just the normal guy on the river has a chance of winning a new whitewater kayak?!?!? Let's hear it for the Nantahala Open and Wave Sport for their support of the event. Donating a boat is not only support for the Nantahala Open, but also support for Team River Runner and for the awesome group of boaters that participate in the Open.

Not the norm, the Nantahala Open is a non-competitive event for boaters who enjoy paddling the Nantahala. Prizes go to such categories as "cutest run through the Falls, Best Self Rescue, Best Freestyle Run, and this year we are already looking at the pool toy event!!!!

The Wave Sport boat will go to a raffle winner: with the proceeds of the raffle going to support a Team River Runner event at the Nantahala.

Let's keep it coming!! And we sure look forward to the Bryan Kirk and the Wave Sport Team being part of the action.

Shred Ready, SnapDragon, Team Scum, Stohlquist, NRS: everyone is a part of the Nantahala Open!!

2011-01-31T21:41:00.005-05:00

What makes the annual Nantahala Open such a success is a) it is a fun non-competitive event; b) great people come from all over to support the event; c) Team Wave Sport comes with all sorts of enthusiasm and.....

the manufacturers' support of the event is first class!!

The 2011 Nantahala Open will be no exception. Already lined up to give their support to the event is a cast of veteran Nantahala Open Supporters:

These friends not only support all of us with their great white water gear, but they support events such as the Nantahala Open--an event for the "normal" paddler out just having fun!

Stay tuned for more!

Announcing the 7th Annual Nantahala Open!!

2011-01-25T22:14:00.001-05:00

Nantahala River, NC. – 2011 - Endless River Adventures and Team Wave Sport, as well as a myriad of industry sponsors are pleased to announce the 7th annual Nantahala Open. The date of this year’s event is Saturday, April 16th, 2011. The Nantahala Open will again be dedicated to Team River Runner.

The Nantahala Open has gained the reputation as a fun competition; open to all boaters no matter the experience or ability, consisting of categories for every skill level--and the prizes that go along with them! The competition takes place at Nantahala Falls from 10:00AM through 3:00PM. Following the competition Endless River Adventures invites everyone to an Open House After Party and screening of the day’s footage at Endless River Adventures

The best part of the event is the support that manufacturers give to an event that is purely a fun event. This is not a “sponsored” event, the participants are typically Nantahala boaters and those who just enjoy a great day of fun on the river. The support that sponsors have given has always been over and above. The event would not be successful without such support.

The Endless River team will be joined by Nantahala Open veteran Team Wave Sport leader Bryan Kirk and supporting team members. The group will coordinate the event from the launching pad at Nantahala Falls, with video cameras arranged to film event participants. Categories always include such events as Best Freestyle through the Falls, Best Top Hole Move, Most Creative Eddy Catching, Best Self-Rescue, Best Carnage, Cutest Run—and anything that comes to mind as the day unfolds! In addition, there will be industry-wide support for the event in terms of prizes. Industry sponsors make it possible to award great prizes for all categories. Everyone comes out of the Nantahala Open a winner!

GEAR SWAP. A gear swap area will be set up at the ERA outpost on the day of the Open. Participants and non-participants alike will be able to set up their gear and swap with, or sell to fellow paddlers.

April 16th will be here before you know it so start making plans now and help make the fifth annual Nantahala Open an event that reflects what we all do-- have fun on the river!

For updates on event specifics, keep an eye on the Nantahala Open blogsite http://nantahalaopen.blogspot.com/. In addition, ERA’s website, www.endlessriveradventures.com and Team Wave Sport’s website,www.wavesport.com. For more information contact Kelly at 828-488-6199.

Mark your calendar for the 7th Annual Nantahala Open

2011-01-22T17:53:00.001-05:00

Saturday April 16th
the 7th annual Nantahala Open
sponsored by Wave Sport
and Endless River Adventures

And Fun Was Had By All

2010-04-19T16:59:00.004-04:00

The 6th annual Nantahala Open was yet more fun with more competitors and more antics and more post-Falls festivities than ever. Thank you thank you everyone who shared time with us!

The event At the Falls...
We cut off the participation at 60 this year which meant prizes and fun for just about everyone! There was definitely more creativity this year than ever before, giving us lots of new category winners:
Old School Moves for an Old School Boat Award – Chris Singletary
Prom Queen Award – David Gray
Greatest Top Hole Ride EVER Award – Shaun Geist
Commitment to Diversity Award – Mary Mills
The LARA Bar® Endurance Award – Jim McKinley
I Learned It from Watching You Award – Bob & Bob Wiggins
Best Face-Ton/Carnage Award – Alyssa & Garrick Taylor
Snorkel Award – Robert Akins
The Rock Star Award – Cole Dobbs
We Don’t Need No Steenking Paddle Award – Bryson & Selena Popp
Walking the Tightrope Award – General Lee
Big Brother/Little Sister Award – Brian Simpson & Erin Dodge
The Personal First Descent at the Falls Award – Madalyn Hession
Grand Finale Award: Best Alternate Form of Transportation Through the Falls – Louis Boulinger, Lori Helman & Michael Kellis(coming through in an inflatable tiki hut)

Once the party started up back at ERA, everyone enjoyed complimentary pizza from Pizza By The River (PBR) and brownies (compliments Courtney and Juliet) and ice cold beer compliments of the Nantahala Brewing Company all the while jamming to the tunes of local blue grass legend from Aaron and the boys and enjoying a gorgeous evening in the Gorge.

The event video is of course the highlight of the evening and this year was no exception. It is not only a recap of all the antics at the Falls all day, but a glimpse into the mind of our own Brian Snyder who narrates the video from start to finish (yes, he is funny for a full five hours!).

The video was played, we all laughed very hard, prizes were distributed thanks to our awesome sponsors, and then the grand prize raffle.....
Raffle Grand Prize Winner: Tom Hession - who chose a brand new Wave Sport Fuse for his daughter Madalyn!

Every participant of the Open is included in the raffle, and then we offer additional raffle tickets with the proceeds going to Team River Runner. This year we DOUBLED the money raised for Team River Runner, with $650 totaled at the end of the evening. Outstanding!!!!

The Open would not happen without Team Wave Sport - both in their contribution of time, and donation of a boat-of choice. Bryan Kirk is a fixture at the event. And this year he not only coordinated the Open, but blew away the competition at the Dagger Shootout placing first in the men's pros division!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

And then our sponsors. Thank you so very much for supporting the paddling community:

Nantahala Brewing Company
Northwest River Supply (NRS)
WRSI
Shred Ready
Snapdragon Spray Skirts
Stohlquist Waterwear
Nantahala Gorge Canopy Tours
Nantahala Village Spa
Sweet Helmets
Fluid Kayaks
TeamScum
the Burger Basket
Level Six
Pizza by the River
our very good friend and Open anonymous donor (we know who you are!!)
Larabar
and of course Wavesport for the grand prize boat of choice.

[Win one of the prizes? Take a minute to write the manufacturer and say 'thanks"]

And thanks to the paddling community. The Nantahala Open would not happen without you!

Sweet joins on for the Nantahala Open!

2010-04-15T14:48:00.002-04:00

The gang at Sweet has joined in supporting the Nantahala Open. Come out this Saturday for a chance to win some great apparel from Sweet...

How about trying something new?

2010-04-14T10:07:00.002-04:00

Newly added to the Nantahala gorge and to our prize table for the Open is the Nantahala Gorge Canopy tour. The folks over there were so great in donating a canopy tour for two! Check it out here for more info:http://www.wildwaterrafting.com/nanzip.php and come out on Saturday to win this great prize!

Lara bars for the Nantahala Open!

2010-04-13T16:09:00.005-04:00

Check out what arrived today...

A whole box of yummy Lara Bars for the participants of the Nantahala Open.

A HUGE Thank You to the folks at Lara Bar for their support!

2010-04-01T12:09:00.003-04:00

Check out the new prizes for the Nantahala Open! WRSI Current helmets and a "Hail Mary" throw bag. Make one of them yours! Come out for the Open on April 17.

Less than 3 weeks!!!

2010-04-01T11:48:00.002-04:00

Until the Nantahala Open! We are really getting excited and hope you are too! See you Saturday April 17 around 10 am... Feel free to call us at the shop 828-488-6199 if you have any questions or need more information...

2010-03-28T10:40:00.000-04:00

Need new gear this paddling season?

2010-03-28T10:21:00.002-04:00

Then you need to participate in the Nantahala Open!

A huge Thank-You to Luc and the gang at NRS. They sent over a big box of goodies for the prize table. Cam straps, paddle bag, float bags, throw rope and more! If you are needing new gear for the season, the Nantahala Open is the place to get it!

2010-02-22T17:46:00.000-05:00

Big news 'Brewing' for the Nantahala Open!

2010-02-22T17:38:00.003-05:00

Yet another big day for the Nantahala Open! Our new local brewery has committed to take part in the after-party! Nantahala Brewing Company will be in attendance and will be providing a beer tasting and schwag.

Check out the official beverage of the Nantahala Open here:
www.nantahalabrewing.com
And become a fan of them on facebook:
www.facebook.com/nantahalabrewing

Thanks Joe, Chris and Mike! We are so excited to have your support.

Big day for Nantahala Open prizes!

2010-02-19T16:20:00.001-05:00

It's been a busy Friday here at the shop! Level 6, Team Scum, LVM and Shred Ready have all committed to prizes for the Nantahala Open!

Nantahala Open Prize Alert!

2010-02-18T13:49:00.002-05:00

The first of many prizes for the Nantahala Open arrived today! A new Stohlquist Descent rescue PFD. You can read more about the Descent here: http://www.stohlquist.com/dyn_prod.php?k=&p=STO52311

A big Thank You to Stohlquist for once again supporting the Nantahala Open!

2010 NANTAHALA OPEN DATE SET!

2009-12-25T15:12:00.002-05:00

The 2010 Nantahala Open will be held Saturday, April 17th. This is the 7th annual open and we look forward to this one being even better!

Wave Sport has already pledged its generous support to the event. Bryan Kirk and the Wave Sport team have marked their calendars. And as we have more updates we will be updating the blog.

We look forward to another great event!

Nantahala Open Fun Facts

2009-05-02T09:04:00.001-04:00

$332.00
The amount of money raised during the Nantahala Open for Team River Runner.

50
Number of participants in the Open (limited only by the fact that we ran out of registration forms and later memory on the hard drive and size of keg)

75%
Male Participants to Female.

Boat Brands:
Wave Sport – 11
Liquid Logic – 4
Dagger – 8

13
Number of Initial Category Winners. Categories were inspired by individuals throughout the day. Coming up with awards is half the fun.

How to win the Nantahala Open Grand Prize

2009-04-23T18:43:00.003-04:00

Participate in the event is all!

The Nantahala Open is this Saturday, April 25th. The Nantahala Open is a super fun, non-competitive event in which Team WaveSport & ERA provide moral support and video coverage to all registered participants as they run through Nantahala Falls. Putting together a collection of the days’ runs, categories such as “best freestyle line through the Falls; best surf in top hole; cutest participant; best self-rescue…” are created. The awards ceremony will be conducted after screening the video during the post-river party at Endless River Adventures (eta: right at dusk) and incredible prizes will be given away thanks to the amazing group of industry sponsors.

Announcing the grand prize!

A Wave Sport boat will be given away to the winner of the raffle. To be a part of the raffle, you just have to participate in the event and your name is automatically included. and yes, you must be present to win.

New this year: fund raising for Team River Runner. NanOpen participants may purchase additional $10 raffle tickets (maximum of five additional). All the proceeds will go to TRR. And each ticket increases your chance of winning the boat!

Not paddling the Nantahala Saturday? Stop in for a beverage, brownie and good fun. The NanOpen video typically provides some of the best kayak footage/narration around!

Saturday the 25th is the Open!

2009-04-23T10:49:00.002-04:00

The 5th annual Nantahala Open is gearing up for this Saturday, April 25th.

For those who have not participated in the event in previous years, the line up is easy:

*Team Wave Sport and ERA will be at the staging area above the Falls from 10AM to 4PM. They will have all sorts of Wave Sport boats available for demo.

*Head out to paddle the river and have a great day!
*When you reach Nantahala Falls, stop back by the staging area to register.
*Have fun running the Falls! The event is totally non-competitive, so winning
categories will include such things as best eddy hopping through the rapid, best freestyle move, nicest surf in top hole, best self-rescue below the falls, most creative craft through the falls.....and whatever comes up during the day that might deserve an award!

*The head up to Endless River Adventures for beverages, hanging out and fun.
*The highlight of the evening will be when we show the video of the day's runs.
*And then the awards ceremony!

We look forward to a great time on and off the river this weekend!

Boatertalk Lends their Support to the Open

2009-04-20T12:58:00.004-04:00

A big thanks to Boatertalk-not just for providing a forum for spreading the word about a great community event, but for donating memberships as prizes to go to participants of the 2009 Nantahala Open.

Much appreciated!

Heinzelmännchen of Beer of Choice for the Open!

2009-04-20T12:53:00.002-04:00

Heinzelmännchen Brewery is Sylva's own microbrewery. And an ERA favorite for special events. Make sure you stop in for the post-river party Saturday night. We will have beer and snacks, music, and of course night's feature: the 2009 Nantahala Open video, followed by the awards ceremony.

Sore Muscles gone at Lakeview Lodge

2009-04-13T11:59:00.003-04:00

Lakeview Lodge- the Gorge's "rustic chic resort and spa" is donating their support to the 2009 Nantahala Open with a spa package that will help work out a lucky participant's paddling aches & pains.

The community is really coming together to support this great event!

Supporting Souful Lifestyles: Team Scum

2009-04-13T11:52:00.003-04:00

from the force behind supporting soulful lifestyles and the homegrown film festival comes more support for the 2009 Nantahala Open from TeamScum!

TeamScum is a great group of southeastern boys making cool apparel. They always make our river staff look good with their designs, and you will too if you win any of their schwag donated to the Open. Thanks guys!

2009-04-10T12:26:00.002-04:00

Situated on a mountain shelf overlooking the quiet village of Bryson City and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the Fryemont Inn offers you secluded comfort and excellent dining, warm fireplaces and scenic vistas. Not your typical bed and breakfast, the Fryemont is a true country inn. The beautiful bark-covered building was built in 1923 and is listed in the National Register of Historic Places. From the moment you enter the lobby you will feel transported back in time. The chestnut paneled walls, the doors open to the fresh mountain air and the rocking chair porch overlooking the Great Smoky Mountains National Park will invite you in, soothe and relax you.

Team ERA's favorite hangout the Fryemont Inn in downtown Bryson City has added a diiner for two prize for the Nantahala Open. We recommend the trout :-)

2009-04-10T12:20:00.002-04:00

Three cheers to NRS! Our Moscow, ID friends have fired up support for the Nantahala Open for the 5th year in a row.

Established in 1972; 2000 Dollars, a Garage, and a Dream
Bill Park's original little company has turned into one of the cornerstone's of whitewater. We would not be rafting down the river without their help!

Thanks so much guys!

Styl'n Up the Nantahala Open

2009-04-10T12:06:00.003-04:00

The Nantahala Gorge's premier lodge-the Nantahala Village and Resort (restaurant and spa) has committed their support to the 2009 Nantahala Open!With the opening of their new restaurant and remodeled spa, the Gorge is definitely a classier place to hang out. And Nantahala Open participants are going to be spoiled with a dinner for two and spa package.

Snap Dragon Says "Yes" to Nantahala Open!

2009-03-22T16:40:00.003-04:00

SNAP DRAGON DESIGN makes their products in a humble shop just outside of Seattle Washington. From patterning, cutting, sewing and taping they are a hands on company. Rich Wilson started the company in the early 1980’s in his basement, at a time when there was a lack of kayaking accessories to satisfy his own kayaking needs. Mr. Wilson still spends half his day at the sewing machine.
Snap Dragon’s name serves as a tribute to the play wave on the Wenatchee River. The area was a favorite for many Northwest kayakers (which high water washed away in 1992).

Snap Dragon is a tried and true product here at Endless River Adventures; from our retail store to our instruction guests to our instructors and guides since 1994.

Effort Back Again for the Nantahala Open

2009-03-15T13:43:00.001-04:00

Rapid Transit is the collective effort of kayaking filmmakers bringing exciting and new videos to the web on a regular basis. We give our viewers the opportunity to see all our latest video content in the form of short films and energetic, music driven video clips.

Nice to have you back again Spencer!

Shred Ready on for the Nantahala Open!

2009-03-15T13:31:00.004-04:00

Shred Ready is a small core company focused on the manufacture of protective gear for sports they participate in: whitewater kayaking, skiing, snowboarding, wakeboarding, kiteboarding, and skateboarding. Shred Ready is more than a helmet company; it is a philosophy for everything they do here in their factory and warehouse (which used to be the local feed and seed store). It is about always being READY to have fun, progress and do things better than they have been done in the past.

It's nice to have you on board again Shred Ready!

Level Six Supports the 2009 Nantahala Open!

2009-03-15T13:26:00.006-04:00

Level Six had its modest beginnings back in 1997 during an eight month surfing trip from Vancouver, British Columbia to San Jose, Costa Rica. Founders Stig & Tyler took some time to train, surf and paddle in the winter months in Costa Rica preparing for National Team Trials. While there, an idea to create a line of apparel for paddlers was born. Level Six believes the paddling world needs an identity of its own and that is what Level Six will continue to provide with innovative distinctive casual apparel and the best working gear on the market.

Thanks Level Six for joining in on the 2009 Nantahala Open!

Stohlquist supports the Nantahala Open!

2009-03-15T13:03:00.003-04:00

From the early days in the late 70's when Stohlquist operated in close proximity to the Numbers section of the Arkansas river, the focus has been on making the best possible product. As one of the first companies designing gear for paddlers and one of the few original designers left, Stohlquist continues to lead with innovative products designed for the true water-lover.

Thanks Stohlquist for signing on to support the 2009 Nantahala Open!

Sponsors make the Nantahala Open!

2009-03-15T12:59:00.003-04:00

One of the best attributes of the Nantahala Open event is the number of great prizes that end up in the hands of participants. We have made it a goal that every participant ends up going away a winner--with a tribute on the video, and a prize in hand. This could not happen without the generous support of our sponsors.

We will sing your praise!

5th Annual Nantahala Open

2009-03-13T12:25:00.005-04:00

Endless River Adventures and Wave Sport Host
the Fifth Annual Nantahala Falls Open
With special dedication to Team River Runner

Endless River Adventures and Team Wave Sport, as well as a myriad of industry sponsors are pleased to announce the 5th annual Nantahala Open, to be held on the Nantahala River on Saturday, April 25th, 2009. This year the Nantahala Open will be dedicated to the Augusta Chapter of Team River Runner. A special raffle will be held with proceeds going to the chapter’s equipment fund.

The Nantahala Open has gained the reputation as a fun competition; open to all boaters no matter the experience or ability, consisting of categories for every skill level--and the prizes that go along with them! The competition takes place at Nantahala Falls from 10:00AM through 3:00PM. Following the competition there will be an after party and screening of the day’s footage at Endless River Adventures.

The Endless River team will be joined by members of Team Wave Sport. The group will coordinate the event from the launching pad at Nantahala Falls, with video cameras arranged to film event participants. Categories always include such events as Best Freestyle through the Falls, Best Top Hole Move, Most Creative Eddy Catching, Best Self-Rescue, Best Carnage, Cutest Run—and anything that comes to mind as the day unfolds! In addition, there will be industry-wide support for the event in terms of prizes. Industry sponsors make it possible to award great prizes for all categories. Everyone comes out of the Nantahala Open a winner!

GEAR SWAP. A gear swap area will be set up at the ERA outpost on the day of the Open. Participants and non-participants alike will be able to set up their gear and swap with, or sell to fellow paddlers.

April 25th will be here before you know it so start making plans now and help make the fifth annual Nantahala Open an event that reflects what we all do-- have fun on the river!