Tune Up for Adventure at the U.S. National Whitewater Center
By Renee Wright
August 2008

The roar of rushing water fills our ears as our raft approaches the rapids. The steep drop gets closer and this group of weekend adventurers grip their paddles and brace their feet, ready to paddle for their lives. The waves and whirlpools below the falls certainly look daunting, as challenging as any wild river in the North Carolina and West Virginia mountains. But this whitewater is just 20 minutes or so from the skyscrapers of downtown Charlotte-and thoroughly lifeguarded.



Adventure vacations became much easier to get to when the U.S. National Whitewater Center (USNWC) opened just west of Charlotte on the shores of the Catawba River. In addition to whitewater rafting and kayaking, the center has the largest artificial rock climbing facility in the country, new Mega Zip line adventures, miles of multi-use paths and mountain bike single track, plus a knock-out restaurant and bar onsite.

The facility, site of the recent Olympic Trials for kayakers, incorporates state of the art technology. A variety of moveable obstacles and pinball-like flippers can be used to design a variety of challenging whitewater.

A typical 2-hour rafting session normally includes at least four runs-first down the longer Wilderness Course with Class I-III rapids, followed by runs down the steeper, narrower Competition Course with a Big Drop and Class IV action. Next to the giant pump station, paddlers ride a conveyor belt back to the top of the course without leaving their boats, ready for another run down the world's largest manmade river.

The water, by the way, comes not from the nearby Catawba River, but is Charlotte City water and constantly filtered.

Rafting trips cost $39 on weekdays, $60-$65 on weekends and holidays. Although no particular level of fitness is required, "this is no themepark ride," Heather, our raft guide, explained. "You have to paddle." Rafters must be 11 or over. Those under 18 must have the signature of a parent or legal guardian.

Since this is a training facility for the U.S. Kayak Team, whitewater action is available all year, even in cold weather. Wetsuits are available for winter runs.

The Climbing Center here is one of the largest in the country with a 30-foot sheltered wall, a 46-foot free form spire, and over 40 roped climbs. One-hour guided climbs for ages 4 and up cost $23. Experienced climbers can buy daily passes. A special mini-boulder field is available free for the youngest climbers.

Other high-adrenaline adventures at USNWC include a state-of-the-art high ropes course and 100-foot zip line, currently available only on weekends, and the new Mega Zip, a 4-person, 1,100 foot long zip line that takes you right over the whitewater.

Rental mountain bikes are available for use on the property's 11 miles of single track, designed by the Tarheel Trailblazers to be the best in the region, or you can bring your own. Use of the trails is free, after paying the standard $5 parking charge. Helmets are required, and can be rented at the Outfitter's Store, which also carries bike supplies and trail guides. Hikers can also use these trails.

For a more relaxed outing, visitors can opt for flatwater kayaking on the Catawba River. Although it was recently declared the nation's most endangered river, this stretch of the Catawba is home to a variety of birds and mammals. Two-hour guided eco-tours are scheduled in advance, and can be enjoyed by children as young as 4 years. Rental kayaks are available every day for paddlers 9 years and older.

Eco-caching, a high-tech treasure hunt that roams over the park's 307 acres, is another family friendly activity. Caches focus on a specific plant, animal, or a natural concept, and contain a unique stamp and a hands-on activity. GPS units are available for rent.

While USNWC is a great place for serious fun all year, it's an especially good place for novice kayakers and climbers to learn the skills they might need on other adventure vacations. Lessons are offered in all levels of kayaking and mountain biking, while the Climbing Center gives instruction in rappelling and belaying, all in a controlled environment.

If you just want to watch the action, USNWC, built to be the site of world-class whitewater competition, offers exceptional spectator options with plenty of seats available right next to the rapids.

The River's Edge Restaurant, with a bar and patio seating with a view, is a local favorite for lunch or dinner. Staffed by expert chefs who can turn out creative cuisine suitable for Olympic judges and competitors, the restaurant boasts an interesting, healthful menu of salads, soups, appetizers, sandwiches and brown rice bowls, with many vegetarian options. The TBLT, a pan-seared trout fillet sitting atop applewood smoked bacon, baby spinach and tomatoes on foccacia with a side of sweet potato fries, or the Day Hiker Salad, greens topped with shredded homemade beef jerky, dried cherries and a variety of nuts, are just the things to restore your energy.

USNWC added live music to its mix this year with Thursday night sundown concerts sponsored by Subaru. These River Jams, with beer and food specials, continue through October 30. Admission is free after the $5 parking fee.

While the Whitewater Center is located off I-85 just an exit or two west of the many hotels that surround Charlotte Douglas International Airport, for overnight accommodations you may want to go on to exit 26, and stay at the new Hampton Inn at Montcross in Belmont, equipped with a pool, fitness room, coin laundry and complimentary breakfast buffet. Just blocks away you can tour Belmont Abbey College's basilica with its magnificent painted windows. The Schiele Museum of Natural History and the Daniel Stowe Botanical Gardens are close by.

Call 704-391-3900 or visit www.usnwc.org for more information or to make reservations (highly recommended).



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