September 2-8, 2013

Watch 500 world-class kayakers from 40+ countries on the Nantahala River for the International Canoe Federation's World Freestyle Kayaking Championships for 2013. This is the ultimate whitewater competition, held in the United States only for the second time. ICE is the official sanctioning body for all world championship and Olympic canoe and kayak events.

A second ICF-sanctioned World Cup event on the Nantahala River near Bryson City and Fontana Lake will be held September 8-9, 2012. It is expected to bring about half that number of spectators and athletes.

If you're entertained by the spins, flips, turns and tricks of freestyle snowboarders, surfers and skaters, or the half-pipe freestyle event in skateboarding, you'll love freestyle kayaking. Freestyle kayaking is a great spectator sport – the water is fast and the tricks are fun. Think X-Games for whitewater. Paddlers perform a range of acrobatic tricks and maneuvers on a river feature such as a wave or hole. Kayak Freestyle, also referred to as Playboating, is enjoyed by many as a recreational sport. At the top level, Kayak Freestyle athletes participate in competitions both nationally and internationally. The sport is constantly moving forward with paddlers with new spectacular moves emerging at each competition, year in, year out.

Make your lodging reservations early. See the best bed and breakfasts, cabin rentals and hotels in the mountains!

Each year, many folks flock to the Nantahala River for whitewater rafting, kayaking, and canoeing. For more on the area see our Whitewater Rafting Guide, Nantahala Outdoor Center Guide and Nantahala Gorge Guide.

The spectacular Nantahala Gorge, located in Nantahala National Forest, is located at the edge of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, just a short distance from Cherokee and Bryson City. It's about 75 miles from Asheville (easy drive).